The Fresh Start for Local Government Apprentices, Trainees and Cadets Program (The Fresh Start) provides councils, county councils and joint organisations with grants to directly employ apprentices, trainees, and cadets to roles which will counter existing skill shortages or meet community priorities. 

Launched in 2024, the program aims to fund 1,300 new council apprenticeships, traineeships and cadetships over 6 years.

Information for councils

The Fresh Start Program offers funding for recruitment plus training workshops for supervisors. 

Information for jobseekers

Find out how to kick start your career in local Government.

Fresh Start Program case studies

Meet a diverse range of NSW residents who’ve made a fresh start and are working as apprentices, trainees and cadets in the local government sector.

Building strong local workforces

The NSW Office of Local Government is helping councils across the state hire and support young people to build strong local workforces and help young people kickstart their career.

Fresh Start Program grant applications

Applications for the next round of grants will open in 2026. The dates and details will be announced on this page.