The NSW Government’s Fresh Start program has reached a major milestone with 500 apprentices, trainees and cadets now working in the state’s councils.
More than 1,000 positions have been approved to start this year and 500 positions now officially filled, with the 500th recruit starting work at Dubbo Regional Council.
NSW Local Government Minister, Ron Hoenig says the program is a big win for regions, with more than 60% of Fresh Start roles in regional and rural councils.
“I’m proud to part of a government that is investing in the future of local government and the future of NSW,” said Mr Hoenig.
“Travelling around the state meeting with councils, I’ve seen firsthand how beneficial this program is for communities, especially in our regions.
“Reaching this milestone means 500 more people working in councils in their local communities.
“This landmark 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 rely on every day.”
Recruits employed under the Fresh Start program are studying and learning on the job, while gaining a nationally accredited qualification.
Cadet Surveyor at Lake Macquarie City Council, Mark Norris (pictured, above) says joining the Council has given him the opportunity to work alongside qualified surveyors, learn from their work, and use what he learns on projects of his own.
“Every day I am learning not only how individual surveyors go about their work, but how the industry works as a whole.
“I enjoy being part of the surveying team, who are all keen to show me how things work. I enjoy surveying, and having a stable job in the industry where I can already start to progress in my abilities and career is a great thing.
“I chose surveying because it is a great balance of working indoors and outdoors. I also enjoy the exploration aspect of the job, travelling to different jobs every week.”
For Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Catchment and Land Management Trainee at Tweed Shire Council, Blaze Curtis-Green (pictured, above), the cadetship is a good pathway to start his working journey.
“I’ve always had a passion and interest in land management and caring for my country, so I thought this would be a good opportunity to start exploring land management and ecosystem conservation jobs,” he said.
“As soon as I’ve done this qualification, it opens up a lot of different pathways, lots of different jobs.
“I think it’s great. It’s very diverse. Learning about different plants, weeds, what’s native. That’s my favourite part.
“I love working on country, I love being in the bush. I just love it.”
Among the 500 apprentices, trainees and cadets now working in councils includes:
| 44 Civil construction workers | 39 Gardeners |
| 39 Project/program administrators | 27 Early childhood educators |
| 23 Civil engineers | 23 Automotive mechanics |
| 21 Wastewater/Water plant operators | 19 WHS/Human Resources Professionals |
| 18 Sports Turf Trade Workers | 17 Urban and Regional Planners |
Of the new recruits, 70% are aged under 25, 12% are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, 5% identify as having a disability, 39% are female and 60% are male.
An additional 292 apprentices will join the ranks next year, with these positions approved in 73 councils under a third round of funding.
Breakdown of recruits by region:
| Region | Number of recruits |
| Sydney and Blue Mountains | 197 |
| Central Coast | 4 |
| Hunter | 40 |
| New England | 32 |
| Mid-North Coast | 27 |
| Northern Rivers | 43 |
| South Coast and Illawarra | 31 |
| Southern Tablelands | 8 |
| Riverina | 31 |
| Orana | 27 |
| Central NSW | 39 |
| The Murray | 17 |
| Far West NSW | 5 |
