Cook Shire Council is proud to welcome Jay, our newest Apprentice Electrician, who has joined the Water and Wastewater team as part of Council’s Apprenticeship and Traineeship Program. A local through and through, Jay is passionate about giving back to the community that raised him—and excited to power a future in a trade that keeps Cook Shire running.
We asked Jay a few questions about his journey so far and what he’s looking forward to over the next four years.
What inspired you to pursue a career in the electrical trade, and what excites you most about joining Council?
“I’ve always been drawn to hands-on, technical work, and the electrical trade stood out to me because it combines problem-solving with real-world impact,” Jay said. “Seeing how vital electricity is in every part of life, I wanted to be part of the trade that keeps things running. What excites me most about joining the Council is the opportunity to contribute to essential community services—especially in a role that supports critical infrastructure like water and wastewater systems. It feels meaningful to be part of something that directly benefits my local area.”
You already have 12 months of hands-on experience—how has that prepared you for this next step?
“That first year gave me a solid foundation in safety protocols, tool use, reading electrical plans, and basic installations. I learned the importance of attention to detail and working efficiently as part of a team,” he said. “It also taught me to adapt quickly in different work environments. This background has definitely given me the confidence to take the next step with the Council, especially in a more specialised area like water and wastewater services, where reliability and precision are so important.”
What are your goals over the next four years of your apprenticeship?
Jay has his sights set on becoming a fully qualified and confident electrician. “I want to gain experience in both routine maintenance and emergency repairs, learn to troubleshoot complex systems, and expand my knowledge in automation and control systems used in water treatment,” he said. “My ultimate goal is to contribute long-term to the local area.”
What does it mean to be offered this opportunity through Council’s local program?
“It means a lot—it’s not just a job, it’s a chance to build a future in the community I grew up in. Having the Council invest in local apprentices shows they value local talent, and I’m proud to be part of that,” Jay said. “This program gives me the opportunity to grow both professionally and personally, while giving back to the area that has supported me.”
And when he’s not on the job?
Jay makes the most of living in one of the most beautiful regions in Queensland. “I enjoy fishing and camping—getting outdoors is a big part of life here,” he said. “I also like spending time with friends and family. Living in Cook Shire means there’s always something to do outside, and I try to make the most of it whenever I can.”
Join us in congratulating Jay and encouraging him on this new journey.