Newcastle to Benefit from Council Apprenticeships as NSW Government Rolls Out $252 Million Jobs Package

newy.com.au – Newcastle is set to gain 23 new apprentices, trainees, and cadets under the NSW Government’s $252.2 million Fresh Start program, which will support more than 1,300 new roles in councils across the state.

The initiative, announced this week by Premier Chris Minns and Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig, is designed to tackle workforce shortages and create secure career pathways for young people in regional and metropolitan communities. Roles span vital services including mechanics, civil construction, planning, climate sustainability, and business administration.

Newcastle Labor Councillors welcomed the investment, saying it builds on the city’s efforts to expand job opportunities for young people through council programs.

“This is a major investment in the future of our communities and our local workforce,” Labor Councillor Declan Clausen said. “Newcastle Labor Councillors have long advocated for the expansion of apprenticeships and traineeships, and this announcement is a welcome endorsement of that vision.

“In 2023, under Newcastle Labor’s leadership we more than doubled the number of apprentices and trainees at City of Newcastle, with over 50 young people now getting their start in secure, meaningful work with Council. This additional investment from the Minns Labor Government helps us go even further.”

Councillor Deahnna Richardson said the positions are about more than short-term employment.

“These roles aren’t just jobs, they’re the start of lifelong careers in public service,” Cr Richardson said.

“As Labor Councillors, we are committed to increasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workforce participation at City of Newcastle, and are exploring dedicated apprentice and trainee roles as part of our enduring commitment through our Aboriginal Employment Strategy.”

Councillor Dr Elizabeth Adamczyk added that high-quality public services rely on a stable and skilled workforce.

“Newcastle Labor understands that public services work best when they’re delivered by skilled, secure workers, and that starts with giving people the opportunity to learn and grow on the job.”

The councillors also acknowledged the United Services Union and its General Secretary, Graeme Kelly, for helping push the program forward.

“This program wouldn’t have happened without the determined work of the United Services Union,” Cr Clausen said. “Graeme Kelly and the USU have long fought to rebuild local government’s capacity, and we thank them for championing apprenticeships and traineeships as part of that mission. This win has secured a pathway to quality jobs for the next generation of council.”

Newcastle roles under Round 2 include:

• Heavy Vehicle Mechanic (Apprenticeship)
• Civil Construction (Apprenticeship)
• Plumber (Apprenticeship)
• Greenkeeper (Apprenticeship)
• Chef (Apprenticeship)
• Horticulture (Apprenticeship)
• Ranger (Traineeship)
• Business Services (Traineeship)
• Natural Areas (Traineeship)
• Planning (Cadetship)
• Climate Change & Sustainability (Cadetship)
• Engineering (Cadetship)

City of Newcastle also received funding under Round 1 of the program, resulting in nine new roles established in late 2024.