The NSW Government has announced an extension of its largest apprentice program in decades, saying the move will enable councils to hire hundreds more apprentices for the state’s future local government workforce.
The Fresh Start program has so far created 1,300 more apprenticeship, trainee and cadet roles in councils across NSW to address workforce shortages.
The program enables students and school leavers to study and learn on the job while gaining a nationally accredited qualification, with their wages fully funded by the NSW Government.
This additional multi-million dollar investment will create 400 more roles next year including 200 apprentices, 100 trainees and 100 cadets, bringing the total number of new council roles funded under the program to 1,700 in just four years.
“The Fresh Start program is the biggest state government investment in directly hiring new apprentices in decades,” said NSW Premier, Chris Minns.
“It’s a huge boost to the local government workforce that will give more young people the chance to learn hands-on skills in jobs that are close to home.
“This is about backing councils to ensure they have a strong workforce for the future so they can continue providing the services we all rely on.”
Since the Fresh Start program commenced, more than 1,100 people have started working in councils, the majority of these under the age of 25. There are also 112 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander recruits, most of them working in regional and rural councils.
The program has been particularly beneficial for the state’s regions where young people typically have less opportunities to build careers in their hometowns. So far 65% of Fresh Start recruits have been hired in regional and rural councils.
Broken Hill City Council apprentice arborist, Nate Stenhouse, was late last month recognised as the 1,000th trainee to join the Fresh Start program.
Minister for Local Government, Ron Hoenig (pictured with apprentice arborist, Nate Stenhouse) said it was clear the program is helping councils attract and train the skilled workforce they need for the future.
“For regional communities it’s giving young people secure jobs and the chance to upskill while still being able to work close to home. For councils, it’s setting up a pipeline of skilled workers, so that councils retain trade capabilities in-house and don’t have to outsource. Instead, councils are now investing in their own local people and giving them a future,” said Mr Hoenig.
“This additional funding will build on the success of Fresh Start, giving more young people the opportunity to upskill and access stable, long-term career pathways in local government—an investment in their future.”
