Councils across New South Wales are set to benefit from a significant workforce development initiative aimed at addressing critical skills shortages in local government services. Thanks to the State Government’s $252.2 million investment under the Fresh Start For Local Government Apprentices, Trainees and Cadets Grants Program, more than 1,000 new apprentices, trainees, and cadets are already on the job, with hundreds more expected to start in the coming months.
Rounds 1 and 2 of the program have seen every council in the state approved for at least one new role. These positions have been identified by councils as crucial for delivering essential services, with a particular focus on addressing the skills gaps that have long been a challenge for local government.
A Boost for Regional and Rural Communities
The initiative is having a particularly positive impact in regional and rural areas, where local councils have long struggled with workforce shortages. More than 60% of the new roles funded by the Fresh Start program are based in these regions, offering a much-needed boost to local economies and providing new job opportunities for people in country towns.
Acting President of Local Government NSW, Mayor Claire Pontin, highlighted the importance of the program for both local governments and young job seekers. “For many years, councils across the state have identified skills shortages as a growing source of concern. LGNSW has been working hard with the Minns Government and unions to deliver this program, and it’s just terrific to now see those much-needed workers start their careers in local government,” said Mayor Pontin. “Working for a local council in NSW provides a secure, balanced, and rewarding career path where you can make a meaningful impact in your local community. We warmly welcome these new recruits to the local government family.”
Addressing Critical Skill Gaps
The Fresh Start program allows councils to address their most pressing workforce needs. Among the new recruits, 146 parks and gardens staff, 44 early childhood education trainees, 58 apprentice mechanics, and 25 apprentice electricians have already begun their roles. Additionally, 47 planning cadets and 58 engineering cadets have been approved under the scheme, signalling local government’s commitment to tackling the housing crisis by expanding its workforce in critical planning and infrastructure roles.
The program comes in response to a 2022 report from the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA), which revealed that councils across the state, especially in rural and regional areas, were facing significant skills shortages. The Local Government Workforce Skills and Capability Survey highlighted that shortages were particularly acute in trades such as plumbing, mechanical work, and construction, which are essential for maintaining local services and infrastructure.
A Successful Rollout and Positive Reception
“The fact that so many councils jumped at the opportunity to apply for the Fresh Start program shows how real the need was,” said Mayor Pontin. “I’m particularly pleased to see that more than 60% of the approved new roles are in regional and rural councils, providing a major boost to those communities and creating more job opportunities for people in country towns. It really is a win-win-win.”
Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig underscored the program’s success, particularly in rural areas. “The uptake from councils has been fantastic and goes to show how desperately councils need this support, especially in regional and rural areas. We’re opening the door for hundreds of young people to learn life-long skills, making sure councils have the workforce they need to continue delivering for their communities,” he said.
The program has already proven to be highly successful, with every council in NSW benefiting from the new roles. This is just the beginning, as a third round of the program will open in July 2025, continuing to offer local governments the opportunity to expand their workforces and address ongoing skills shortages.
Looking Ahead
Round 3 of the Fresh Start program will open in July 2025, with further opportunities for councils to recruit new apprentices, trainees, and cadets.
The Fresh Start initiative is an essential step in rebuilding the local government workforce, particularly in regional and rural areas, where the impact of skills shortages has been most keenly felt. By providing young people with secure career paths and the opportunity to make a difference in their communities, the program is ensuring that local councils can continue to meet the growing demands of their residents.
For more details about the program and upcoming rounds, visit the NSW Government website.
