Looking to kickstart your career while getting paid to study?
Wollongong City Council has now opened recruitment for Cadets, Apprentices, Trainees and School-based trainees. The program offers fulltime employment with time set aside for relevant tertiary or vocational studies, with positions on offer across a myriad of different fields.
Positions include: cybersecurity, engineering, electrical, grounds maintenance (horticulture), libraries, business administration and more.
Recruits will gain practical experience while completing relevant formal qualifications and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on their community while setting a career in local government in motion.
In addition to gaining vocational qualifications, recruits will receive on-the-job mentoring and develop skills within a supportive environment that fosters professional growth and offers pathways to permanent employment.
Program graduate and current Council Development Project Officer Jacob Williams describes the choice to pursue the professional pathway as a "no-brainer."
"I was a cadet planner and now I'm a full town planner," Jacob said.
"It's a huge variety of work, you never get bored in one area.
"You can get paid to learn on the job, so when you do eventually finish your degree, you've got seven years of work experience and no HECS debt. It's a no-brainer."
With programs ranging from cadetships combining industry experience with undergraduate study, to school-based traineeships for students starting from year 10, the program offers a wealth of opportunities for recruits of various ages and professional experience.
Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM urged anyone interested in rewarding career in local government to apply.
"The long-established Cadets, Apprentices, Trainees and School-based trainees program has provided valuable career opportunities for people at all stages of life, including many long-tenured members of staff," Cr Bradbery said.
"Council is proud to offer a warm and enriching working environment that fosters the personal and professional development of its more 1800-strong workforce across a myriad of industries and fields.
"The chance to pursue tertiary or vocational study, with on-the-job mentoring and an education in local government, all while earning a full-time wage, is an exciting opportunity we'd encourage interested community members to take up.
"Providing entry points to rewarding careers in local government is part of Council's commitment to developing local talent and ensuring to the ongoing strength and vitality of our community."
In July, New South Wales premier, Chris Minns, announced the $250m injection for apprenticeships and traineeships in local government. This will complement Council's long-standing commitment. This funding will support 1,300 apprentices and trainees to learn on the job in councils in every Local Government Area across the state.
Wollongong City Council General Manager Greg Doyle has welcomed the investment in local government apprenticeship and trainees programs.
"This funding will go to good use to fill the gap in knowledge left by the growing skills shortage," Mr Doyle said.
