Councils across NSW can now apply for grants to employ up to 574 additional apprentices, trainees and cadets through the next round of the NSW Government’s Fresh Start Program.
The positions include 400 new roles funded through the multi-million dollar expansion of the Fresh Start announced in July, as well as 174 positions remaining from the program’s previous three funding rounds.
Since the Program was announced in 2024, more than 1,100 apprentices, trainees and cadets have started work in NSW councils, helping councils fill skills gaps and build their workforce for the future. Of those recruits, 726 are working in rural and regional councils.
“This is very exciting news, with funding for another 574 apprentice, trainee and cadet positions now available for NSW councils to deliver local services,” said NSW Office of Local Government Deputy Secretary, Brett Whitworth PSM.
“With grant applications closing on 2 October, I encourage you all to take advantage of this opportunity and get yours in as soon as possible.”
Recent data from Public Skills Australia’s NSW Local Government Skills Audit identified significant skills gaps across local government, including in engineering, building surveying, town planning, mechanics and horticulture.
The Fresh Start Program gives councils the opportunity to train people in the skills they need, build their own long-term workforce and reduce reliance on outsourcing.
It also gives people a pathway into a local government career while earning, learning and gaining practical experience in their own communities.
Broken Hill City Council is among the regional councils already using Fresh Start to create pathways into local government careers and strengthen local workforce capability.
Through the program, the Council has welcomed 11 Fresh Start recruits, with 10 of these recruits aged under 25 years old. The program is providing valuable career opportunities for young people in the local community, helping them build skills and experience while exploring pathways into local government.
“The Fresh Start program has already become an important pathway for young people in Broken Hill to secure employment with Council and begin a meaningful career,” said Broken Hill Mayor, Tom Kennedy.
“I commend the NSW Government for their ongoing support of this program, and their investment in the youth of our communities.”
Applications for Round 4 of the Fresh Start Program close on 2 October, with new recruits able to begin work from July 1 2027.
“Councils do essential work every day, but they can only deliver for their communities if they have skilled people to do the job,” said Minister for Local Government, Ron Hoenig.
“Fresh Start is about something very practical – helping councils train and keep the people they need, while giving people a genuine pathway into a long-term career.
“That is especially important in rural and regional NSW, where councils often face the greatest difficulty attracting skilled staff.
“Here in Broken Hill, you can see what the program can mean for a community. Local people can earn, learn and build a career while contributing to the place they call home.
“More than 1,100 people are already working in councils through Fresh Start, including 726 in rural and regional NSW.
“There are now another 574 positions available, and I encourage councils to look at the skills they will need in the years ahead and use this opportunity to build that workforce locally.”
More information for councils, including how to apply, is available on the Office of Local Government website.
