The peak body for local government in NSW has welcomed the opening of the first round of funding for 1300 additional council apprentices, trainees and cadets.
Local Government NSW (LGNSW) Rural Vice President Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM said the state’s 128 councils had been eagerly awaiting the release of funding guidelines for the Fresh Start for Local Government Apprentices, Trainees and Cadets Program.
“Funding for apprentices, trainees and cadets had been one of LGNSW’s key advocacy priorities for some time, so it’s wonderful to see that assistance now available to councils,” Mayor Miller said.
“This significant investment of $252.2 million over the next six years will not only help councils overcome existing labour and skills shortages but will also create long-term career opportunities for local communities, particularly in rural and regional areas,” she said.
It is expected that round one funding will provide for up to 350 apprenticeships and 300 traineeships and cadetship opportunities across the sector.
Applications for round one close on 8 November, with successful applicants to be announced on 27 November. It is expected that new starters will commence their work placements in early 2025.
NSW Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig urged councils to apply for the grants.
“Apprenticeships provide opportunities for young people to learn a trade and work in a role where they can have a direct impact on their community,“ he said.
“We need to create more of these opportunities across NSW to boost the capability of councils, reverse the trend of outsourcing and keep council jobs in councils where they belong.
“This significant investment by the Minns Labor Government will help ensure the long-term sustainability of this vital workforce which provides the services and builds the infrastructure we use every day.
“A stronger local government sector means stronger communities, so I encourage all councils to apply as soon as possible.”
Mayor Miller said that while the window of time to submit applications for round one was relatively brief, she was pleased that the second round of funding would commence in early 2025 with applications for that second round closing on 31 March 2025.
“This will align with the sector’s budget timeframes and gives councils plenty of time to carefully consider their business needs for the 2025/26 Financial Year,” Mayor Miller said.
“I strongly encourage all councils to familiarise themselves with the guidelines and submit an application,” she said.
The guidelines indicate that the program will fund 100 per cent of the applicable award wage for a new apprentice, trainee, or cadet and 15 per cent of on-costs.
This funding will be adjusted to reflect award increases as approved by the Industrial Relations Commission of NSW.
Mayor Miller said that councils had long grappled with labour and skills shortages in several critical areas including engineering, childcare, urban and town planning, building surveying, project management, water treatment operators, and mechanical tradespeople.
“It’s essential that councils have the resources to secure their future workforce as many long-serving local government employees are set to retire in the coming years,” Mayor Miller said.
“Funding for apprentices, trainees and cadets will significantly boost councils’ ability to recruit and retain long-term staff in a variety of disciplines to help fill these roles and future-proof their organisations and the services they provide to their communities,” she said.
“On behalf of the local government sector, I thank the NSW Government for their support, as well as the United Services Union for its advocacy in this area,” Mayor Miller said.
Mayor Miller said councils, due to their diverse operations and deep ties to the community, had traditionally been strong providers of entry-level employment opportunities, offering opportunities for people to gain hands-on skills and accredited training.
She said council-trained apprentices, cadets and trainees were highly sought after by employers, both within and outside the sector, helping improve productivity and liveability right across NSW.
