Major investment to boost apprentice and trainee numbers in Newcastle

City of Newcastle has celebrated the NSW Government's announcement of $252.2 million to employ more apprentices and trainees in the local government sector across the state.

Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig joined Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen at City of Newcastle's Works Depot today, meeting apprentices such as Jazmin Webber, who recently won the Young Achiever’s Award at the Minister's Awards for Women in Local Government.

Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig joins Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and City of Newcastle staff at the Works Depot.More than 170 hopeful applicants have already put their names forward for City of Newcastle's 2025 intake, with 12 positions on offer across the organisation in areas including human resources, civil construction, painting, horticulture and greenkeeping.

Three roles have been targeted towards Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as part of City of Newcastle’s commitment to its Aboriginal Employment Strategy.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said City of Newcastle is committed to providing well trained, skilled staff to meet the workforce challenges of the future.

"We're focused on making a real difference in our community as a diverse, inclusive and culturally welcoming employer of choice,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Each year our apprentice and trainee program proves incredibly popular as we provide pathways into employment with mentoring from highly skilled professionals across a wide range of roles.

“It’s fantastic to see the positive outcomes of this program, from Jazmin’s well-deserved recognition at the Minister’s awards to the 74 people who have gone through this program and secured full-time employment at the City of Newcastle during the past four years."

Minister Hoenig said the funding will provide a much-needed boost for councils which are responsible for providing the services and facilities communities use every day.

“It will mean young people can pursue careers within their own communities, which will revitalise local training networks and importantly keep people in our regions,” Minister Hoenig said.

“With the housing crisis the state government’s number one focus, this investment will also make sure councils are well equipped to build the infrastructure and facilities to support growing communities."

Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig with Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and City of Newcastle apprentice Jazmin Webber.Jazmin Webber became City of Newcastle's first female carpenter after securing an apprenticeship in 2022 and is currently one of 40 apprentices, trainees, graduates and undergraduates completing their on-the-job training.

Ms Webber originally wanted to pursue a career in medicine when she finished high school but has no regrets about her chosen career path.

"The best thing about an apprenticeship with City of Newcastle is the variety and strong mentorship support. I've worked on a range of different projects with a rotation of different mentors since starting in 2022," Ms Webber said.

"I'm in the third year of my carpentry apprenticeship and I'm still learning so much. Every day I get a little bit more comfortable working on my own.

"I love putting in the extra effort to make City of Newcastle a great place to work by attending Workplace Health and Safety meetings and putting forward initiatives regarding mental health.

"I'm determined to finish my apprenticeship and secure a permanent position as a carpenter with City of Newcastle."

Successful applicants will begin working for City of Newcastle in late January 2025.

For any questions regarding apprenticeships and traineeships contact futurefit@ncc.nsw.gov.au