Central Coast Council welcomed 22 young people to its staff this week as part of its popular workforce development program.

At a special ceremony last week, Mayor Jane Smith welcomed the group and congratulated 11 others who successfully completed training programs with Council during 2018.

During their 12 months with Council, university students complete internships or scholarships in areas as diverse as engineering and commerce to environmental sustainability and social science.

Meanwhile, nine young people are starting apprenticeships or traineeships this year. They will train in a range of professions including electrical instrumentation, construction, warehousing, surveying and mechanical.

Mayor Jane Smith 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 workforce development program provides young people with hands-on experience in their chosen career, while being able to continue to live and work locally,” Mayor Smith said.

Council’s Acting Executive Manager People and Culture, Krystie Bryant said Council’s undergraduate, scholarship, trainee and apprentice programs often help young people understand the bigger picture of what’s available in their chosen fields.

“All scholarship recipients, interns, trainees and apprentices are mentored by staff members who are very experienced in their profession,” Ms Bryant said.

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

In the second half of each year, Council opens its scholarship, undergraduate, trainee and apprenticeship 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.

ENDS