The Pambula resident said his time as a school-based trainee at Bega Valley Shire Council was helping him make plans and decisions for his future.

“It’s a great place to work,” Ryan said.

“Because of the nature of the centre, there have been a lot of opportunities to meet people from all sorts of industries and backgrounds.”

The year 11 Eden Marine High School student has spent the past year working at the Bega Valley Regional Learning Centre in Merimbula.

Centre coordinator Linda Mayo said it was a place of learning.

“I was keen for us to walk the walk,” Ms Mayo.

Each Thursday Ryan works alongside Ms Mayo as he makes his way through his business administration studies, while juggling his other subjects.

Despite still not knowing what he wants do post secondary school, Ryan was sure the experience would be beneficial as he prepares to continue in the role next year.

“I am still deciding whether uni is for me, but this has shown me there are other options,” Ryan said.

“This will help me get a job. I am much better organised in my other subjects and can concentrate better.”

Ms Mayo said the apprenticeship was available to any student across various functions and responsibilities of council, advising interested applicants to speak with their school’s careers counselor.