As trainee civil engineers within the council the new employees will undertake an associate degree through the University of Southern Queensland.

Melanie Giacomin is a former photography student of Charles Sturt University who has returned home to Temora and is familiar with the demands an engineering career will place on her - her dad is one, and she has decided to pursue the same career path.

Ms Giacomin said she is loving the job.

“I want to make an impact within the community,” Ms Giacomin said.

“I am really enjoying the job and found the council to be very welcoming.

“I hope to make the Young community my home in the future and after completing the associate degree go on to do the bachelor.

“I have always wanted to stay living in the country, I think that is why photography didn’t work out,” Ms Giacomin said.

Mohamad Hamdan lives in Wombat and graduated from Young High School in 2008.

He enjoyed a gap year after the Higher School Certificate, and is now ready to hit the books again to pursue what has been a lifelong ambition.

“It has always been a career dream of mine and it is great that the opportunity for a position has come up in Young.

“I want to work with council to make Young the best town it can be,” Mr Hamdan said.

Both Ms Giacomin and Mr Hamdan agree the opportunity to work within a local community as strong as Young is a privilege.