The NSW Government has announced $252.2 million to employ an additional 1300 apprentices and trainees in the local government sector across the state.
Apprentices and trainees will be skilled up to fill new roles created by councils above their current workforce numbers.
These roles will be centred around in-demand trades including mechanics, electricians, plumbers, engineers, civil construction workers, planning cadets and more.
Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said, “This is the biggest state government investment in directly hiring new apprentices in recent memory and will play a critical role in building better communities across NSW.
“This investment will also make a big difference in smaller towns and regional communities where fewer pathways for formal training currently exist.”
The investment will target trainees, apprentices and cadets, making up 15 per cent of local council workforces.
It follows various studies undertaken by the Australian Local Government Association that identified the critical need to boost these workforce numbers.
Local government currently employs over 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.
Councils are also currently experiencing declining workforce numbers with serious skill gaps and a large portion of experienced professionals who have worked in the sector for decades are also likely to retire within the next five years.
Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig added: “This funding from the NSW Labor Government will provide a much-needed boost for our councils which are responsible for providing the services and facilities communities use every day.
“It is also great news for regional NSW. It will mean young people can pursue careers within their own communities, which will revitalise local training networks and importantly, keep people in our regions.”
Guidelines are being developed for councils with the first batch of apprentices and trainees to start their new careers early next year.