The program includes opportunities in business administration, sport and recreation, information technology, childcare and hospitality.
 
Traineeships were open to all ages and abilities and about 438 people applied for the 45 traineeships on offer in 2011.
 
Specific traineeships were also available for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people with disability.
 
In addition to the 2011 traineeship program, 11 field operator trainees started work at Council in November.
 
The Council’s group manager, Workforce and Workplace Linden Barnett said it launched its traineeship program in 2000 with just six positions.
 
“The level of competition for these positions shows how important it is to provide opportunities like this. It also shows how people recognise the benefits of our program,” he said.
 
As part of a year-long traineeship with Council, trainees gain formally recognised qualifications and on-the-job training.
 
Some trainees have secured permanent work at Council at the end of their first year and many go on to further study, Mr Barnett said.