Fresh Start Program – Round 2 Trainee Recruitment
Published on 19 May 2025
Young people across the Bellingen Shire will have new career pathways into local government, thanks to Council’s successful application to the NSW Government’s Fresh Start Program.
After being successful in Round 1 of the program for two apprentices and one trainee position in Heavy Vehicle Mechanics, Civil Construction (Bridges) and Supply Chain Operations, Bellingen Shire Council has now been provisionally approved for an additional seven new roles in Round 2 of the program. These new roles offer meaningful career opportunities in a range of fields, including:
- Communications and Media
- Environmental Health
- Records Management
- Information Technology
- Environmental Education
- Customer and Business Services
- Events
Recruitment for these roles will begin shortly, with new trainees and cadets expected to start from 1 July 2025.
The roles have been made possible under the NSW Office of Local Government’s Fresh Start Program, a $252.2 million initiative supporting councils to tackle skills shortages and grow the next generation of local government professionals. So far, more than 1,000 new positions have been funded across NSW, with over 62% in regional and rural councils like Bellingen.
Bellingen Shire Council’s General Manager Mark Griffioen welcomed the funding and its potential to create career pathways close to home.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for young people in our Shire to kickstart their careers while earning a nationally recognised qualification,” Mark Griffioen said.
“It also strengthens our local workforce and helps Council continue delivering great services to the community.”
The Fresh Start Program supports school leavers and career changers to learn on the job, while studying towards a qualification in their chosen field. The program aims to build long-term local government capability and ensure councils have the skilled workers needed to meet growing community demands.
With Round 3 of the program set to open soon, even more opportunities could be on the horizon.
To learn more about the Fresh Start Program, visit the NSW Office of Local Government website. olg.nsw.gov.au/programs-and-initiatives/apprentice-and-trainee-program/
Stay tuned to Council’s channels for updates on how to apply.