Weddin Shire Council is pleased to welcome five new apprentices and trainees through the Office of Local Government’s Fresh Start Program.

The NSW Government has committed $252.2 million over six years to directly support local councils and the local government sector to develop sustaining workforces.

“Today we welcome five new positions into our structure that have been externally funded by the NSW Government’s initiative," General Manager, Noreen Vu said.

“The positions are new and will support areas within our business to grow and we are very thankful for this funding.”

The new positions include

• Information Technology (IT) Officer - Trainee

• Customer Service and Service NSW - Trainee

• Horticulturalist - Apprentice

• Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator - Trainee

• Civil Construction Engineering - Trainee

Council has made applications for further positions to complement the business in Round 2 of the Fresh Start Program and looks forward to hearing about the success of their applications.

Participants of this program were inducted on Monday in a comprehensive induction program.

“Our new employees will be supported with three hours of study a week during work time to assist them with their study requirements through their program over the next 18 to 24 months” Ms Vu said.

“The program aims to build capacity in our council and increase our local capacity, welcome aboard to our new team."