Local Government NSW President Cr Darriea Turley AM has welcomed the NSW Government's announcement of $252 million in funding for councils to employ an additional 1300 apprentices and trainees.
Cr Turley said that Local Government NSW (LGNSW) had long advocated for the State Government to introduce initiatives to increase trainee, cadet and apprentice employment to build a strong and diverse local government workforce.
"This funding is a highly welcome investment and a wonderful outcome for NSW councils and the communities they represent," Cr Turley said.
"Local councils' ability to deliver the infrastructure and services their communities expect and deserve will be greatly improved, and it will also bolster the liveability and productivity of NSW.
"This program will support NSW councils to address skills shortages, while also training and upskilling our future private sector workforce, helping address workforce shortages across the state.
"This has been one of LGNSW's advocacy priorities for some time, so it is pleasing to see the State Government invest funding in this area."
She said local government had historically been a skills incubator, and many skilled workers in a diverse range of industries commenced their employment journey and career within a local council.
"Given their activities, geographic diversity and connection to local community, councils have traditionally been an excellent provider of entry level employment," Cr Turley said.
"Councils are a wonderful place to acquire practical skills, training and nationally recognised qualifications as well as access to long term secure employment, particularly in rural and regional areas.
"Local government-trained workers gain valuable local experience, making them extremely attractive employees to future workplaces, both inside and outside the sector.
The most common skills shortages in NSW councils were for engineers, urban and town planners, building surveyors and project managers.
"NSW councils have also highlighted that shortages of water treatment operators, accountants, computing and ICT professionals, mechanical tradespersons and early childhood education workers have worsened in recent years.
"We also know there are many long-term local government staff who will be retiring in the coming years, so it's vital that councils have the means to safeguard their workforce while providing career opportunities for their local communities."
Cr Turley extended her appreciation to the United Services Union (USU) and General Secretary Graeme Kelly OAM for their tireless advocacy in helping secure the funding boost.
"Mr Kelly and the USU have always been passionate supporters of council trainees, apprentices, and cadets, and I know they've worked extremely hard to see this funding come to fruition.
"I congratulate them on their efforts, which will help create employment opportunities and remediate skills shortages," she said.
Cr Turley said LGNSW looked forward to seeing the detail of the guidelines for this announcement, and to working with the NSW Government and other stakeholders to make sure the guidelines deliver the best outcomes for the local government sector.
