Shellharbour City Council is helping to shape the next generation of local professionals through its Cadet, Apprentice and Trainee (CAT) Program.
As part of the NSW Government's goal to grow the local government workforce by 15%, the $252.2 million Fresh Start Apprentice and Trainee Program will support councils to employ 1,300 new cadets, apprentices and trainees over six years. The program targets workforce shortages, skill gaps and critical roles. Shellharbour is committed to growing its own Cadet, Apprentice and Trainee (CAT) program, and this funding will help support that ongoing expansion.
Caption: Council's Cadets, Apprentices, and Trainees currently make up about 8 per cent of the organisations workforce. Image courtesy of Shellharbour City Council
During the last 12 months, Council has employed a number of CATs roles including Engineering and Subdivision Cadet, Business Administration Trainees, Horticulture Apprentices, Sports Turf Apprentices, Construction and Maintenance Apprentices, Fabricator Apprentice, Community Programs Cadet, Events Trainee and Airport Trainee.
The program provides structured employment for people starting out in their careers, allowing them to earn nationally recognised qualifications while gaining hands-on experience across a range of Council teams.
Council has endorsed a more formal and expanded approach to the program, creating 14 new positions across a variety of departments. There are now 37 cadets, apprentices and trainees working at Council, making up around 8 per cent of the organisation's workforce.
Shellharbour Mayor Chris Homer said the program was helping to grow local talent and strengthen Council's future workforce.
"We're proud to support young people and early-career professionals through the CAT Program," Mayor Homer said. "It's an investment not only in individuals, but in the long-term capacity of Council to deliver high-quality services for our community."
CAT participants receive support through workplace mentoring, tailored training plans and one-on-one guidance from Council's Learning and Development team. They also build valuable job-ready skills that complement their formal studies at TAFE or university.
Council staff, including managers and supervisors, are supported with coaching and practical resources to ensure they can help participants thrive in their roles. Council also actively promotes the program through school visits, job expos and local career events, highlighting the benefits of working in local government and the many opportunities the CAT Program offers.
This announcement comes during Local Government Week, which celebrates the vital role councils play in building strong, connected communities. The CAT Program reflects Council's commitment to developing a skilled local workforce, ensuring we can continue delivering quality services well into the future.
KEY MESSAGES:
- Shellharbour City Council's Cadet, Apprentice and Trainee (CAT) Program offers structured employment and nationally recognised qualifications for early-career professionals.
- The program has been expanded, with 14 new positions created, now representing around 8% of Council's workforce.
- Participants receive mentoring, training and hands-on experience, while Council also promotes the program through schools, expos and career events.
