Apprenticeships and traineeships

Cessnock City Council aims to offer Apprentice, Trainee and School-Based Trainee positions each year to the community by providing opportunities to inspire growth and sustainability. These positions provide individuals with a dynamic work environment, ongoing professional development and a supportive on-the-job learning experience. A formal qualification is gained, providing a career pathway to younger people.

What are the different types of positions?

Apprentices

Apprentices typically start following the completion of year 10 at school. These positions are offered over 4 years and consist of full-time work and study through TAFE NSW to obtain a formal qualification / trade.

 

Trainees

Trainees can commence following the completion of year 10 and are offered a 2 year traineeship to complete a formal qualification as well as full-time work.

School-based trainees

These positions are offered to students commencing year 11 at school and intend to remain at school until the completion of year 12. School-Based Trainees are required to attend school, work one day a week at Council and undertake online study. Some students may choose to have this traineeship count towards their overall ATAR.

 

What area of Council are these positions offered?

The areas of Council varies depending on the business need at the time of the position. Areas that have facilitated these positions are:

  • Aquatics and Community Facilities
  • Business Administration
  • Carpenter
  • Construction
  • Finance
  • IT & Communications
  • Library
  • Mechanic / Workshop
  • Painter
  • Parks and Gardens

When can I apply an apprentice or trainee position?

All of the Apprentice, Trainee and School-Based Trainee positions at Council are advertised in September and October each year. The successful applicant will commence in January or February of the following year.

How do I apply for a position at Council?

All candidates need to follow our merit based recruitment process which is the same for all roles at Council. You will need to put a resume together, write a cover letter outlining why you would be great at the position and provide thorough answers to the selection criteria questions which are specific to the role.

Current vacancies 

We advertise for apprenticeships, traineeships and school-based trainees from August to December each year. Keep an eye out for openings on our Current Vacancies page.  

Student work placement opportunities

We always aim to place our work experience students in their preferred team at Council, depending on availability.

Students applying for a placement should submit the following documents with your application:

  1. a submission which outlines your specific area of interest to gain experience or volunteer in
  2. the length of the placements and specific dates if available
  3. a copy of your school’s insurance details (i.e. a certificate of currency for insurance covering you for personal accident and injury while undertaking work experience at Council)

Please submit your completed application together with all relevant documentation to recruitment@cessnock.nsw.gov.au. Unfortunately we're unable to process applications submitted without completed documentation.

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