Age, gender and experience are no barrier to people wishing to apply for employment based training with MidCoast Council.
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It will have 19 training positions available across a range of fields in 2022.
MidCoast says it employment-based training strategy is based around finding the right person for the job.
Since 2019, council has been committed to kickstarting local government careers for people of all ages, genders and skills, and for many, it's meant so much more than just full-time employment.
Samara Dun, Harry Lloyd and Joel Reading all joined MidCoast Council in 2021, each taking on positions in the 2020 recruitment phase.
Samara is completing her apprenticeship in horticulture with the parks and gardens team, Harry took on a graduate land use planning position after completing his degree and after 12 years working away, Joel took on a traineeship in water and sewer with the water operations team.
With a young family at home, Joel saw the traineeship advertised on council's website and knew it was his chance to get a 'foot in the door' and the opportunity to come home full-time.
"I saw it as my first step with MidCoast Council and a chance to learn and get experience in the areas I wasn't so knowledgeable in. I had a lot of experience in heavy industrial water, but not so much in sewer and water reticulation so I've learned a lot in my traineeship," Joel said.
"When I started, the managers and team welcomed me straight away, passing on their knowledge, helping me learn the processes and they really helped me get my confidence very quickly."
For Samara and Harry, the level of support they've received from their managers and team members has also had a big impact on their experience.
Although working in an all-male team was daunting for Samara at first, she said everyone helps each other out.
This has been the best opportunity for me, and you shouldn't let your age or gender hinder your career choices.
- Samara Dun, only female in her horticulture team at MidCoast Council
"It's a nice environment to be a part of. Having a good team makes me want to go to work and do the best I can, not only for myself and the team, but for the community," Samara said.
"This has been the best opportunity for me, and you shouldn't let your age or gender hinder your career choices."
Similarly for Harry, his team have welcomed him and supported him with his new career.
"I have been taken under everyone's wing, my team really helped and encouraged me as they stepped me through the process - the experience has been very enjoyable."
He said he really appreciates having access to so many skilled and talented co- workers.
"Learning a broad spectrum of duties from planning to the strategic side of the role was transformative and opened up a whole world I didn't know about."
Council's commitment to creating more employment-based training opportunities within the organisation has seen its trainee, apprentice, cadet and graduate programs increase to represent 5.5 per cent of the current workforce.
Council's education and training focus saw it a finalist in the 2021 NSW Training Awards, Large Employer of the Year category.
The current employee based training opportunities will see these numbers continue to significantly increase, with 19 positions available to start in 2022.
"It's great to give back to your community, there's a lot of satisfaction in a career in local government, you really feel like you're making a meaningful difference and this is a common sentiment amongst all our staff," Sophia Greenwood, council's talent acquisition officer, said.
"We work hard to support our staff to further their careers if that's what they want but we also emphasise flexible working conditions, so staff can make the most of living in this beautiful part of the world."
Over the last two years 38 apprentices and trainees and eight graduates have started their career through the program.
"Our apprentices, trainees and graduates have all made really positive contributions to their teams, the organisation and to their community and I can't wait to welcome the successful applicants from this year's recruitment," council's general manager, Adrian Panuccio said.
"A career in local government is always a good move, whether it means you can have the lifestyle you've always envisioned for you and your family, or it trains you up to go on and take your skills elsewhere, whatever path our employees choose, this is a great place to establish their career," he said.
To see the full list of job opportunities currently available with MidCoast Council, head to www.midcoast.nsw.gov.au/careers
