Director of Shoalhaven Water, Carmel Krogh was presented with the prestigious award in recognition of its long running traineeship program at an event conducted by the NSW Department of Industry. 

The awards recognise outstanding achievement in the vocational education and training.

Working in partnership with HVTC Shoalhaven since 2009, the Shoalhaven Water’s Traineeship Program has enabled older workers to pass on their skills and knowledge to the next generation.

Proudly part of Shoalhaven City Council, Shoalhaven Water currently hosts 23 apprentices and trainee positions.

Trainees are placed on a rotation schedule to gain all round operations exposure.  

Vacant positions are seamlessly filled and young talent stays in the region.

Many graduates have already progressed to senior operator roles.

Mrs Krogh said it was a great honour to be acknowledged for the work the organisation does in increasing job skills, job creation and trade knowledge in the Shoalhaven.  

“To be up against large international companies and win this award, means so much to our organisation,” she said.

“This award recognises the dedication of the people who are working with and training our apprenticeships and trainees.  

“They are the winners tonight. I am extremely proud of the achievement and of all the staff involved.

“More than 70 per cent of our apprentices and trainee graduates end up with full time jobs at either Shoalhaven Water or council as well, which is a fantastic result of the program.”

Shoalhaven City Council employs more than 1000 staff in the Shoalhaven, being one of the top five largest employers in the area.

Jobs vary from plumbers, engineers, mechanics, groundsman, building surveying, planners to rangers, customer service and project officers.  

For more information about careers at council, visit www.shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au and go to apply.