Central Coast Council welcomed 28 young people to its staff last week as part of its popular Early Career Pathways Program.

At a special ceremony, Mayor Lisa Matthews welcomed the group and congratulated 15 others who successfully completed nationally recognised training programs with Council in 2019.

During their 12 months with Council, university students complete an Undergraduate Program in areas as diverse as engineering to environmental sustainability and social science. New Undergraduates will commence early February and be offered the chance to undertake additional professional development.

Meanwhile, 13 young people are starting apprenticeships or traineeships as part of Council’s Apprentice and Trainee Program this year. They will undertake employment and study in a range of professions including water treatment, construction, fabrication, early childhood education and care, business administration and mechanical services.

Council’s Executive Manager People and Culture, Krystie Bryant said Council’s Undergraduate, Trainee and Apprentice Programs often help young people understand the bigger picture of what’s available in their chosen fields, and positively demonstrate the valuable work local government staff do.

“All Undergraduates, Trainees and Apprentices are mentored by staff members who are very experienced in their profession,” Ms Bryant said.

“Often the Program participants discover that there are a whole range of jobs they’d never considered and that there are many ways they can serve their community through local government employment.”

Mayor Lisa Matthews said Council is committed to helping create jobs and opportunities for the region and was proud that this Program delivered on that promise in a real and practical way.

“Our Early Career Pathways Program provides young people with hands-on experience at a variety of levels, while being able to live and work locally,” Mayor Matthews said.

In the second half of each year, Council opens its Undergraduate and Trainee and Apprentice Programs to young people looking for employment the following year.

For more information about working at Central Coast Council, visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/careers