Apprenticeships, traineeships and work experience

Build your career with Central Coast Council’s Apprentice and Trainee Program

We offer nationally recognised Apprenticeships and Traineeships for motivated people who have an interest in gaining hands on work experience and technical training in our varying trades.

We offer Apprenticeships and Traineeship opportunities in a variety of areas including:

• Electrical (Water & Sewer)
• Heavy Mechanical  
• Childcare
• Horticulture
• Civil Construction
• Customer Service
• Business Administration 
• Warehousing
• Water and Wastewater Treatment
• Boilermaking
• Fitter Machinery 

Why do a Traineeship or Apprenticeship with Council?

• Gain on the job experience with formal training that leads to a nationally recognised qualification
• Earn while you learn in a paid and structured learning and development program 
• Access mentoring and plenty of hands-on support to build confidence and skills
• Career progression opportunities and pathways across different service areas in Council 
• Access employee benefits such as 9-day fortnight, Fitness Passports, Employee Assistance Program, Reward and Recognition Program

How to apply

Council generally holds a bulk recruitment drive for Trainee and Apprentice roles every year, these are advertised on our Current Vacancies page and through our social media channels. 

Some roles are advertised outside of these times. Keep an eye on our current vacancies or sign up to receive job alerts, so you are notified when roles become available. 

Our checklist for applying for Traineeships and Apprenticeships is a helpful resource. You can find this at the bottom of this page. 

Work experience

We offer meaningful unpaid work experience and work placement opportunities through our Work Experience Program. 

Opportunities are available in a variety of areas including Childcare, Automotive, Business Services, Tourism, People and Culture, Leisure and Pools, Youth and Senior Services, Construction, Environmental Management, and Catchments to Coast. 

To request work experience, complete our Work Experience Application Form, and we’ll be in touch about availability.  Or ask us a question at buildyourcareer@centralcoast.nsw.gov.au. 

Eligibility criteria 

We accept unpaid work experience or placement from applicants; 

• In high school where work experience is approved by the school
• Completing a high school VET or eVET course where placement is a compulsory requirement
• Completing a University, TAFE, or private RTO course where placement is a compulsory requirement
• Registered with an approved referral agency or institution

Applicants must be able to provide proof of insurance coverage from their educational institution or referral agency. Unfortunately, we will be unable to progress with your application if we do not receive this information. 

For work experience requests in areas involving children and young people (e.g., childcare, libraries, and leisure and pools), you will be required to provide a current Working with Children Check if you are over 18.

Application requirements

To apply, please complete the Work Experience Application form.

We accept unpaid work experience or placement from applicants; 

• In high school where work experience is approved by the school
• Completing a high school VET or eVET course where placement is a compulsory requirement
• Completing a University, TAFE, or private RTO course where placement is a compulsory requirement
• Registered with an approved referral agency or institution.

Applicants must be able to provide proof of insurance coverage from their educational institution or referral agency. Unfortunately, we will be unable to progress with your application if we do not receive this information. 

For work experience requests in areas involving children and young people (e.g., childcare, libraries, and leisure and pools), you will be required to provide a current Working with Children Check if you are over 18.
Application Form. Before you start, make sure you have: 

• Evidence of insurance
• Working with Children Check (over 18 relevant placements only)
• Any relevant licences or tickets (e.g., General Construction White Card)

Applications must be made at least 6 weeks prior to the preferred start date. We may take up to 14 days to provide a response to your application.

If your application is successful, you will be required to complete a pre-placement medical questionnaire and provide proof of vaccinations (if required for your desired area of placement). You are required to contact your nominated supervisor within 7 days of receiving your notification, or your application may be declined. 

Applicants with lived experience of disability are encouraged to apply.