Category: Apprenticeships NSW

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October 2025 Update

Across New South Wales, hundreds of young people are taking their first big step into meaningful careers — thanks to the NSW Government’s Fresh Start program. This exciting initiative has already seen 500 apprentices, trainees, and cadets begin work with local councils across the state, marking a major milestone in the Minns Government’s commitment to rebuilding local capability and creating lasting career pathways.

Through a $252 million investment, the program will support 1,300 new council positions over six years, helping councils train the next generation of skilled workers. From civil engineers to early childhood educators, these recruits are gaining nationally recognised qualifications — while helping deliver essential community services like parks, waste management, and local infrastructure.

What’s more, more than 60% of these roles are based in regional and rural NSW, ensuring local young people can find great jobs close to home.

The 500th apprentice recently started at Dubbo Regional Council, joining a growing network of motivated new workers making a difference across the state.

Take Blaze Curtis-Green, an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander trainee at Tweed Shire Council. Her passion for environmental and cultural preservation drives her daily work in land and ecosystem management. Or Mark Norris, a cadet surveyor at Lake Macquarie City Council, who’s gaining hands-on experience alongside seasoned professionals while completing his studies. These are just two examples of how the Fresh Start program is connecting people with purpose.

The program spans the entire state, with strong participation across:
- Sydney & Blue Mountains: 197 recruits
- Hunter: 40
- Northern Rivers: 43
- Riverina: 31
- Orana: 27
And many more communities — all benefiting from new energy and ideas.

Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig says this initiative represents more than just job creation:
“This is 500 more people working in their communities, learning new skills, and contributing to the essential services councils provide. It’s an investment in people, in local government, and in the future of New South Wales.”

And this is just the beginning — another 292 apprenticeships are already in the pipeline for next year, spread across 73 councils.

The Fresh Start program is more than a training initiative — it’s a statewide movement to nurture local talent, strengthen communities, and ensure councils have the skills they need to deliver for generations to come.