New jobs at council under fresh start program

A WORK program which offers valuable hands-on experience with Ballina Shire Council, while earning formal qualifications to lock down future employment opportunities is taking on new applicants.

Six new positions are now being advertised after council filled 13 spots under the state government’s Fresh Start program which launched late last year.

The Fresh Start program enables students and school leavers to study and learn on the job while gaining a nationally accredited qualification.

The Ballina roles include cadet and trainee positions in civil design, airport facility officer, environmental health, bush regeneration and work health and safety.

“The aim is to support career pathways locally and building up the future workforce,” a council spokesperson said.

“It also supports people coming out of school and others that might be looking at a career change.

“We had a large response when we first advertised the program and it’s a great one to be part of.”

A 2022 report by the Australian Local Government Association

found that 91 per cent of respondent councils in NSW reported skills shortages.

Close to 30 per cent reported shortages in trades such as plumbing, automotive and mechanical work.

Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig said Fresh Start aims to help councils build the workforce they need to deliver for their communities.

“From Wollongong to Walgett, the Blue Mountains to Ballina, the Fresh Start program is an investment in the future of local government in NSW,” he said.

“The uptake from councils has been fantastic and goes to show how desperately councils need this support, especially in regional and rural areas.”

Lismore City Council ran its 2025 Employment Acceleration Pathways program under the Fresh Start initiative.

It allowed six roles to be filled by apprentices and trainees, with jobs in water operations, civil construction, business administration, parks and gardens and electrical trades.

To view the Ballina job listings visit ballina.nsw.gov.au/Council/News-Careers-and-Feedback/Careers/Positions-Vacant