Apprentices get a boost

CASEY contractors may have to hire apprentices if they want to do work with the council.
Council officers will prepare a report on ways to encourage the use of apprentices when contractors provide works and services to the council. The notice of motion was carried unanimously by Casey councillors.
Casey mayor Kevin Bradford said the council should show preference to companies that would look at hiring an apprentice. Cr Bradford said it was important the council encouraged jobs for its youth, both male and female. He said the council would encourage hiring apprentices without breaching company policy or other ethical issues.
“We need to support the young members of our community in getting some sort of apprenticeship,” he said.
Deputy mayor Rob Wilson said the idea would be a good way forward for the council and would send a message to contractors in the municipality that they should be taking on more apprentices.
Councillor Steve Beardon said that as long as companies were not discriminated against, it could be a good opportunity for the many youths in Casey.