Local students gain work experience from Council

Taupo District Council are supporting Taupo youth by providing them with summer employment and relevant skills in a working environment.

Council has been employing local students during the school/university holiday period for almost 20 years. This year, 17 students have been employed throughout the organisation, working with the human resources, communications, finance, parks and reserves, lifeguards, wastewater and sanitation teams.

The students are matched to a role that is relevant to their study or interests. This ensures that whilst the student is earning some spare cash, they also gain relevant work experience and skills, which can be applied to any working environment.

The student ballot, which has been running since the early 90’s, requires students to have a connection to the Taupo District, such as schooling or parents in the area. The eligible students are drawn out of a ballot and then assigned a position within the Council.

Abigail Parker, studying a Bachelor of Communication at Massey University, says that her position as a Communications Assistant has been excellent experience and is directly related to her degree. “I have been able to apply some of my learning’s from Uni and have picked up some useful skills”.

“The work experience is going to look good on my CV for when I complete my degree and start applying for a permanent role,” she said.

Marion Ross, HR Operations Manager, said that this is a programme which is a win/win situation for the students and the Council. “It’s great that we can offer Taupo youth relevant work experience, whilst the students provide us with a boost to our workforce during the busy summer period”.

“Our staff enjoy having them here and teaching them new skills, and a real positive is that some of them go on to begin their careers with us when they graduate” says Marion.