Holistic Employee Development at Toowoomba Regional Council

Abstract

Council upholds a commitment to creating a vibrant and dynamic workforce through strategic initiatives aimed at professional growth, diversity, inclusion, and succession planning. Among the notable programs fostering these objectives are the Mentoring Program, the Generator Program, and the GROW – Get Ready for Opportunities at Work Program. The Mentoring Program stands out as a cornerstone for professional development, creating impactful relationships between mentors and mentees within Council. This interaction opens avenues for career progression, increased job satisfaction, heightened motivation, leadership development, and enhanced problem-solving skills. The program is instrumental in building confidence, providing constructive feedback, and expanding professional networks. Mentees apply to the program and are then assigned a suitable mentor from Council who have also volunteered their time to participate in the program. The Generator Program, a testament to Council's dedication to cultivating emerging talent, is tailored for early-career professionals in range of disciplines including engineering, town planning, and information technology. Offering pathways for scholars, interns, cadets, and graduates, the program provides diverse opportunities for meaningful employment. Scholars benefit from annual scholarships while working part-time at Council, interns gain practical experience during semester breaks, cadets engage in full-time employment with study costs covered, and graduates embark on an entry-level program with on-the-job learning, rotations, formal training, and specialised events. The GROW – Get Ready for Opportunities at Work Program – an internally driven initiative has been developed to help shape an engaged, adept, and adaptable workforce to deepen understanding across branches, foster communication within the organisation, and enhance the skill sets of employees. Employees participating in the GROW Program undergo temporary placements in 'Host' branches across Council, gaining invaluable opportunities to acquire new skills and expand their professional expertise. Collectively, these three programs underscore Council's commitment to holistic employee development. The Mentoring Program enhances individual growth, the Generator Program provides diverse pathways to employment for early-career professionals, and the GROW Program actively shapes an engaged and skilled workforce. These initiatives align with Council's vision of cultivating a dynamic and proficient workforce.