A quarter-billion-dollar investment by the NSW Government will see 1300 new apprentices employed in the local government sector. Photo: File.
A $252.2 million investment by the NSW Government to train 1300 new apprentices and trainees aims to reverse the trend of LGAs outsourcing trade jobs to contractors by creating new roles for councils and providing training to the next generation of trade workers.
The new council roles will focus on in-demand trades, including electricians, plumbers, engineers, civil construction workers, mechanics, planning cadets and many more, as the NSW Government looks to keep more experienced professionals in the regions.
Premier for NSW Chris Minns and Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig made the announcement yesterday (28 July).
“This investment will also make a big difference in smaller towns and regional communities where fewer pathways for formal training currently exist,” Mr Minns explained.
“This is the biggest state government investment in directly hiring new apprentices in recent memory and will play a critical role in building better communities across NSW.
“From electricians and landscapers to plumbers and planners, these 1,300 new apprentices and trainees will play a key role in building the homes and communities of our state’s future.”
Local government currently employs more than 50,000 people across the state’s 128 councils, and many trainees and apprentices who start their careers at councils also work in local industries.
With a shortage of skilled labour acting as a significant handbrake in the development of new housing and infrastructure across NSW, this will play a key role in training new apprentices and trainees that will build better communities.
Councils are also currently experiencing declining workforce numbers with serious skill gaps and a large portion of experienced professionals who have worked in the sector for decades are also likely to retire within the next five years.
Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig said it is great news for regional NSW as it will mean young people can pursue careers within their own communities.
“Councils have been crying out for a solution to the looming skills crisis for years, but the previous government did nothing to address the problem,” he said.
“This funding from the NSW Labor Government will provide a much-needed boost for our councils, which are responsible for providing the services and facilities communities use every day.
“With the housing crisis the state government’s number one focus, this investment will also ensure councils are well equipped to build the infrastructure and facilities to support growing communities.”
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