The Allan Labor Government is supporting more Victorians to get the training and skills they need to work in local government.
Minister for Local Government Melissa Horne today announced a $6.3 million pilot program to address workforce shortages in councils across Victoria, creating pathways to secure jobs with good pay and conditions.
The two-year pilot will be delivered by a consortium of higher education providers led by RMIT University, filling skills shortages in areas like engineering, town planning and allied health.
Local Government Earn and Learn program participants will commence training in 2025, creating more job pathways for local government workers wishing to retrain and new opportunities for jobseekers.
By connecting education providers with councils, the free program will help Victorians get the skills they need to work in local government and deliver important services and infrastructure across the state.
RMIT, Federation University, Swinburne University of Technology and Victoria University will collaborate with the local government sector to identify skills shortages and co-design training to directly address workforce need.
All 79 local councils in Victoria will be invited to participate in the program, addressing skills shortages across the state so that councils can deliver key services and projects.
Information about the Earn and Learn program is available at localgovernment.vic.gov.au/earnandlearnprogram.
As stated by Minister for Local Government Melissa Horne
"Our 'Earn and Learn' program will ensure workers have the skills they need to deliver the council projects and services that communities rely on."
As stated by Minister for Higher Education Gayle Tierney
"The 'Earn and Learn' program will support provide tailored, flexible training programs that equip graduates with the hands-on experience they need to be job-ready."
As stated by Australian Services Union Secretary Tash Wark
"The ASU welcomes the state government's commitment to increasing opportunities for skill training and apprenticeships in our 79 councils. Local government workers are the backbone of our communities, and the essential services they provide will be strengthened by this program."
As stated by RMIT Deputy Vice Chancellor Vocational Education and Vice President Mish Eastman
"RMIT is excited to be the lead partner in a consortium of Victoria's four dual-sector universities to deliver an innovative earn and learn program for local government."
