Council benefits under Fresh Start program as workforce grows

BALLINA Shire Council is addressing shortages in its workforce with financial support under the state government’s Fresh Start program, which allows them to recruit apprentices and cadets.

It is part of a statewide $250 million investment to help councils employ an additional 1,300 apprentices, trainees and cadets over the next six years.

Minister for Local Government, Ron Hoenig, joined mayor Sharon Cadwallader to meet the current crop of apprentices working at the Ballina council depot.

Earlier, he presented a parliamentary certificate to William Black who became the first cadet to officially graduate from the initiative.

Black completed his accounting cadetship in November and has secured full-time employment with the council’s finance team.

He is among 15 apprentices, trainees and cadets completing their qualification at Ballina Shire Council, with their wages fully funded by the state government.

“I’m really grateful for the opportunities this program has opened up for me and for the support I’ve received from everyone at council,” Black said.

“Balancing full-time work with finishing my degree has been a big year, but it’s given me a strong foundation for my career.”

Recruits employed under the Fresh Start program are studying and learning 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.

Hoenig said more than 60 per cent of the roles are in regional and rural councils, providing jobs in country towns so people don’t have to leave their communities to find work.

“Travelling around the state meeting with councils, I’ve seen firsthand how beneficial this program is for communities, especially in our regions,” he said

“A lot of young people want to stay in their towns; this is one of the best ways that it can happen.

“Local government has an ageing workforce and needs to provide skills from the bottom up.

“This gives young people an opportunity to play an important role in helping councils, too.”

Finn Watson is one of the apprentices at Ballina.

He is 16 years old and works as a boilermaker while attending TAFE.

“It’s something that can set me up for life and working for council is great,” he said.

“I applied online and it all happened quickly. I’ll be fully qualified by the time I’m 20.

“The program takes a lot of pressure off, and I’ve learnt a lot in just under a year.”