The scale and diversity of the work we do means there are many ways to start a new career in Local Government.
We offer a range of programs for graduates, school leavers, school and university students and mature aged people to develop a new career path and make a real difference in your community.
Graduate Positions
Graduate positions are open to those who have recently completed university studies.
They are most common in areas such as planning, engineering, environmental health, human resources and project management.
As with any professional position, councils look out for graduates who possess great communication and people skills and show lots of initiative.
Cadetships
Cadetships are fixed-term programs that provide paid employment to professional staff while completing their university degrees.
They are a great way to gain practical experience while studying. The length of cadetships can vary according to the degree and whether study is full- or part-time.
Cadetships are most commonly offered in:
- Engineering
- Building surveying
- Planning
- Finance and accounting
- Human resources
To find a cadetship, look out for advertised vacancies or contact your university.
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are a great way to get a trade qualification and work at the same time.
They usually take 3-4 years to complete and while a job may not be guaranteed at the end, most apprentices go on to be employed by councils or other businesses in the local area.
Apprenticeships are available to those leaving school, re-entering the workforce or adults looking at a career change. Students can even begin an apprenticeship while finishing high school, which is known as a School-Based Apprenticeship.
There are over 120 apprenticeship qualifications available nationally, with choices varying in each state according to local need.
Many Councils offer apprenticeships, particularly in the following vocations:
Automotive
Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology
Certificate III in Mobile Plant Technology
Building & Construction
Certificate III in Civil Construction – Plant Operations
Certificate III in Civil Construction – Road Construction & Maintenance
Certificate III in Plumbing
Electrotechnology
Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician
Engineering
Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade
Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade
Horticulture
Certificate III in Parks and Gardens
Certificate III in Sports Turf Management
Traineeships
Like apprenticeships, traineeships offer paid work and training, leading to a national qualification upon completion.
Traineeships usually take 1-2 years, depending on the level of the qualification. Traineeships are available in over 300 qualifications for outdoor and indoor (administrative and professional) Council staff.
Those most commonly offered by councils are in:
- Business Services (e.g. Business Administration, Project Management, Leadership & Management)
- Civil Construction
- Information Technology
- Community Services (e.g. Early Childhood Education and Care, Individual Support)
- Horticulture
- Asset maintenance (e.g. waste management)
- Local Government
- Tourism - Events
- Water Industry Operations
For more information on how to become an apprentice or trainee, go to Australian Apprenticeships - https://www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au/ and Australian Apprenticeships Pathways - https://www.aapathways.com.au/
Work Experience
Work experience is a great way to gain hands-on knowledge.
It adds a valuable practical element to your studies, broadens your experience and vastly improves your employment opportunities.
Work experience enables you to work as part of a team, develop communication skills and build a strong work ethos - all qualities that potential employers will be looking for.
Most councils offer work experience to students from surrounding high schools or university students who need industry placement experience as part of their degrees.
Contact your local council for potential work experience opportunities.
Entry Level Opportunities
Is council right for you?
Local Government’s 189,000 employees have many different skills and backgrounds, but together they share certain values and attributes that enable them to succeed at Council.
Find out if you have what it takes.
Looking for a job?
Discover the job opportunities available right now in Councils across Australia. Browse by job type, department, Council or location to find your perfect role, and apply online.
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