Hundreds of new apprentices and trainees have hit the ground running with councils across the state, thanks to a landmark $252.2 million investment by the NSW Government.
The Government’s Fresh Start program is funding the wages of an additional 1,300 apprentices, trainees and cadets in the local government sector over the next six years.
Councils have now been given the green light to employ 1,008 new apprentices, trainees and cadets this year under the first two rounds of funding.
“From Wollongong to Walgett, the Blue Mountains to Ballina, the Fresh Start program is an investment in the future of local government in NSW,” said Minister for Local Government, Ron Hoenig.
“The uptake from councils has been fantastic and goes to show how desperately councils need this support, especially in regional and rural areas.
“We’re opening the door for hundreds of young people to learn life-long skills, making sure councils have the workforce they need to continue delivering for their communities.”
Hundreds commenced their new roles with councils across the state earlier this year, with more onboarding every month as councils fill roles to coincide with the start dates of a wide range of training programs.
More than 60% of the approved new roles are in regional and rural councils, providing a major boost to regional communities and more job opportunities for people in country towns.
Acting President of Local Government NSW (LGNSW), Mayor Claire Pontin said the Fresh Start program was the result of years of advocacy and hard work.
“For many years councils across the State, have identified skills shortages in their workforces as a growing source of concern. LGNSW has been working hard with the Minns Government and unions to deliver this program and it’s just terrific to now see those much needed workers start their careers in local government,” said A/President Pontin.
“Working for a local council in NSW provides a secure, balanced, and rewarding career path where you can make a meaningful impact in your local community. We warmly welcome these new recruits to the local government family,” she said.
The Fresh Start program enables students and school leavers to study and learn on the job while gaining a nationally accredited qualification.
Councils have applied for the jobs they need most including 58 more apprentice mechanics, 25 electricians, 146 parks and gardens staff, 82 civil construction apprentices and trainees and 44 early childhood trainees.
Forty-seven planning cadets and trainees and 58 in engineering have also been approved, vital to driving local housing approvals and enabling supporting community infrastructure to help tackle the housing crisis.
A 2022 report by the Australian Local Government Association found that 91% of respondent councils in NSW reported skills shortages, with close to 30% reporting shortages in trades such as plumbing, automotive and mechanical work.
“Council staff are out in our communities every day, providing the services we often take for granted,” said NSW Premier, Chris Minns.
“This program is a massive boost for local government and for young people looking for a job where they can work in their local community.
“Councils employ more than 50,000 people in NSW, and many council workers who start as an apprentice or trainee go on to have life-long careers in local government.
“It means more horticulturalists to look after our parks, more childcare staff to educate the next generation and more planners to help deliver more homes.”
The Fresh Start program supports the government’s goal of boosting the number of apprentices and trainees in councils to make up 15% of the local government workforce, to address the growing skills shortage that is slowing down the delivery of homes and community infrastructure.
The program has shown great success with nearly 90% of local government organisations successfully applying for funding.
A third round will be open to councils soon aimed exclusively at apprentices, providing opportunities for hundreds more young people start jobs in councils from January next year.
“It’s pleasing to see the Fresh Start program helping to plug gaps across the local government sector in NSW, including in critical skills shortages areas such as construction and childcare,” said Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan.
“Vocational education and training provides a valuable career path for many young people and there’s no doubt the Fresh Start program will help build a stronger workforce for NSW councils.”
| Top five roles by position type | ||
| Apprentices | Trainees | Cadets |
| Parks and Gardens | Business Administration | Engineering |
| Civil Construction | Waste and Water | Urban and Regional Planning |
| Mechanics | Childcare | Building (Surveying, Inspection, etc.) |
| Electricians | Information Technology | Finance |
| Plumbers | Parks and Gardens | Environmental Services |
Councils with significant positions approved
- Inner West Council – 29 positions;
- Blacktown City Council – 23 positions;
- City of Newcastle Council – 23 positions;
- Ku-ring-gai Council – 21 positions;
- Dubbo Regional Council – 20 positions;
- Sutherland Shire Council – 20 positions;
- Ballina Shire Council – 19 positions;
- Penrith City Council – 18 positions.
