A fresh start for local government apprentices, trainees and cadets
The NSW Government is providing $252.2 million over 6 years to directly support local councils to develop sustainable workforces through the recruitment of trainees, apprentices and cadets..
Local government currently employs more than 50,000 people across the state’s 128 councils and many trainees and apprentices who start their career at councils also go on to work in local industry.
The fresh start for local government apprentices, trainees and cadets program is part of the Government’s goal of increasing the local government workforce by 15%, with new apprentice and trainee roles, focusing on in-demand trades including electricians, plumbers, engineers, civil construction workers, mechanics, planning cadets and many more.
Grant Guidelines
The program’s Grant Guidelines provide detailed information on its purpose and objective, how funding is determined and distributed, and the criteria against which grant applications will be considered.
Round 1 – November 2024
Applications for the first round of grant funding have closed and successful applicants have been notified. There will be further rounds of funding in 2025.
For jobseekers and school leavers
Looking for an apprenticeship, traineeship or cadetship? Councils are now hiring for positions to start in early 2025.
You could:
- Be paid while you learn from experienced mentors
- Gain hands-on experience
- Experience a diverse range of tasks and projects
- Earn a recognised qualification that’s valued in the job market
- Make a positive difference in your community
- Kickstart your future career in local government
Contact your local council today to learn more about opportunities in 2025.
How to apply
If you’re a jobseeker or school leaver and you’re interested in starting an apprenticeship, traineeship or cadetship in local government, contact your local council.
Contact details for councils can be found in the Local Government Directory
You can also look for job ads on council websites and Seek.
Hear from some current council apprentices, trainees and cadets:
Important Information
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Which organisations are eligible for funding?
Grant funding is available to local government organisations including:
- Councils
- County Councils
- Joint Organisations
The application process assesses the need, ability to recruit for, and the ongoing capacity to support and train the identified apprentice, trainee or cadet.
More detailed information on the eligibility criteria can be found under section 9 of the Grant Guidelines.
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How do I apply for funding?
Applications by eligible local government organisations can be made directly through Grant Finder.
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I am looking to start an apprenticeship, traineeship or cadetship with local government – who should I contact?
You should contact your local council directly to let them know that you’re interested and to learn how they are intending to interact with the program. Contact details to your local council can be found on the Local Government Directory.
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Support and Resources
- Applicants should familiarise themselves with the Grant Guidelines.
- For more information about the program, please contact freshstart@olg.nsw.gov.au
- Frequently asked questions about the program.
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Stakeholder resources
Fresh start – Communication toolkit for stakeholders – Powerpoint – 7.2MB
EDM Banners
- EDM banner_600 x 200_1.png – 90KB
- EDM banner_600 x 200_2.png – 97KB
- EDM banner_600 x 200_3.png – 83KB
Videos
Website Tiles
Social Media Tiles
Apprenticeships and Traineeships_social 1 logo.png – 298KB
Apprenticeships and Traineeships_social_2_logo.png – 323KB
Apprenticeships and Traineeships_apprentice_social_3.logo.png – 217KB
Apprenticeships and Traineeships_trainee_social_4_logo.png – 201KB
Apprenticeships and Traineeships_cadet_social_5_logo.png – 186KB
