The Wollongong City Council broadened its Cadet, Apprentice, and Trainee Programme to cultivate a skilled workforce that effectively addresses essential digital government functions and various public sector requirements. This initiative focuses on cybersecurity, engineering, and business administration, providing various full-time positions that combine hands-on work experience with academic learning.

The programme provides a variety of career pathways for school-based trainees and professionals. Cadetships combine practical industry experience with undergraduate education, enabling participants to pursue a degree while working. Apprenticeships focus on hands-on trade skills in areas like electrical engineering and horticulture. Traineeships focus on high school students and provide them with early exposure to the public sector.

The programme prioritises cybersecurity, making it essential for the realm of digital government. This stream equips participants with the skills to support local government initiatives that protect digital infrastructure and sensitive data, building greater trust in public services. During their training, these recruits will manage digital security systems while obtaining relevant formal qualifications, delivering immediate value to the Council, and enhancing the long-term resilience of the public sector.

Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM, Wollongong City Lord Mayor, pointed to the programme’s importance in nurturing local talent: “Council is proud to offer a warm and enriching working environment that fosters the personal and professional development of its more than 1,800-strong workforce across a myriad of industries and fields. Providing entry points to rewarding careers in local government is part of the Council’s commitment to developing local talent and ensuring the ongoing strength and vitality of our community.”

Boosting digital skills

This initiative comes at an important point as local governments across New South Wales face a growing skills gap, particularly in technical roles essential for maintaining digital government operations. The New South Wales Government designates $250 million in funding to enhance apprenticeships and traineeships across all Local Government Areas (LGAs). This funding enhances Wollongong City Council’s enduring dedication by helping 1,300 apprentices and trainees throughout the state join local government.

Wollongong City Council General Manager Greg Doyle said, “This funding will go to good use to fill the gap in knowledge left by the growing skills shortage. While we wait to learn more about the roll-out of this funding, we continue to support our own cadets, apprentices, and trainees.”

This investment ensures local councils are ready to tackle the challenges of digital transformation. The initiative cultivates the upcoming generation of public servants who will uphold and enhance digital initiatives essential for contemporary governance, fostering continuity in the public sector.

Empowering digital workforce

The programme not only offers personal advantages but also strengthens the local government’s capacity to implement and maintain digital services effectively. The programme places significant emphasis on cybersecurity, particularly in light of the growing demand for public sector professionals capable of combating cyber threats and managing intricate digital infrastructures. By incorporating apprenticeships and cadetships into these high-demand sectors, the Council cultivates a strong workforce, equipping them to protect public services in a progressively digital landscape.

The recruitment process for the 2024 intake of the Cadet, Apprentice, and Trainee Programme has begun, focusing on positions that fulfil essential government requirements, particularly in digital services. Join them to explore the available roles and see how the programme can serve as a stepping stone for your career in local government. 

The Wollongong City Council’s Cadet, Apprentice, and Trainee Programme enhances career development through a strategic initiative. The initiative equips the public sector with essential skills to sustain and advance digital government services. This program focuses on practical experience and receives support from new state funding, providing immediate and long-term benefits for individuals and the public sector.

Justin Lance Marcel Lavadia

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Justin Lavadia is a content producer and editor at Public Spectrum with a diverse writing background spanning various niches and formats. With a wealth of experience, he brings clarity and concise communication to digital content. His expertise lies in crafting engaging content and delivering impactful narratives that resonate with readers.

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