A fresh start for Local Government Apprentices, Trainees and Cadets - Round One

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This is a preview of the Stage 1 - NSW Apprentices and Trainees Program form. When you’re ready to apply, click Fill Out Now to begin.
 

A fresh start for Local Government Apprentices, Trainees and Cadets

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Program purpose

As part of the NSW Government’s commitment to increase the NSW local government workforce by 15 per cent, under this funding program (the Program), $252.2 million is being invested over six years to provide direct support to local councils across the state in wage support for 1,300 new trainees, apprentices and cadets.

The Program funding addresses identified workforce shortages, skill gaps and will boost critical workforce numbers. The sector is impacted by a trend for outsourcing which has caused a severe depletion of in-house trade capabilities and the expected retirement of experienced professionals over the next five years will have significant ramifications.

The local government sector currently employs more than 50,000 people[1]. As respected employers within their local communities, the local government sector is a key player in workforce development across regional, rural and remote communities, which allows community members to gain qualifications and have employment within their local area. Many trainees and apprentices who start their career at councils also go on to work in local industry.

For further details please see program guidelines

The funding will be administered by the Office of Local Government (OLG) in accordance with these guidelines and the NSW Grants Administration Guide 2024 (the NSW Grants Guide).

 

Instructions for Applicants

Before completing this application form, you should have read the program guidelines 
 
Incomplete applications and/or applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
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Program Details

Program objectives

Through the Program funding of wages for new apprentices, trainees and cadets, the NSW Government seeks to:

  • Increase the local government workforce through the employment of apprentices, trainees and cadets (recruits) over the next six years.
  • Build capacity in councils and a stronger local government sector.
  • Create positive social outcomes by generating local education and employment opportunities particularly targeting youth.

 

Program and funding duration

This Program is running over six years, delivering $252.2 million to employ an additional 1,300 apprentices, trainees and cadets in the local government sector. The Program funding will be completed by FY 2029/30.

Funding is for the nominal term of the apprenticeship, traineeship or cadetship as prescribed in the Agreement.

 

What is being funded

The Program will fund:

  • 100 per cent of the applicable award wage for a new apprentice, trainee or cadet.
  • 15 per cent of on-costs. (Note the on-cost rate will not be increased as any additional allocation will take from the number of positions that can be funded.)
  • Up to 1,300 new positions over six years from January 2025, comprising of approximately 700 apprenticeships and 600 traineeships and cadets.

 

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Disclaimer

The Applicant acknowledges and agrees that:

  • submission of this application does not guarantee funding will be granted for any project, and the Department expressly reserves its right to accept or reject this application at its discretion;
  • must bear the costs of preparing and submitting this application and the Department does not accept any liability for such costs, whether or not this application is ultimately accepted or rejected; and
  • has read the Funding Guidelines for the Program and has fully informed itself of the relevant program requirements.

Use of Information

By submitting this application form, the Applicant acknowledges and agrees that:

  • if this project application is successful, the relevant details of the project will be made public, including details such as the names of the organisation (Applicant) and any partnering organisation (state government agency or non-government organisation), project title, project description, location, anticipated time for completion and amount awarded;
  • the Department will use reasonable endeavours to ensure that any information received in or in respect of this application which is clearly marked ‘Commercial-in-confidence’ or ‘Confidential’ is treated as confidential, however, such documents will remain subject to the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (NSW) (GIPA Act); and
  • in some circumstances the Department may release information contained in this application form and other relevant information in relation to this application in response to a request lodged under the GIPA Act or otherwise as required or permitted by law.

Privacy Notice

By submitting this Application form, the Applicant acknowledges and agrees that:

  • the Department is required to comply with the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998 (NSW) (the Privacy Act) and that any personal information (as defined by the Privacy Act) collected by the Department in relation to the program will be handled in accordance with the Privacy Act and its privacy policy (available at: https://www.dpc.nsw.gov.au/privacy);
  • the information it provides to the Department in connection with this application will be collected and stored on a database and will only be used for the purposes for which it was collected (including, where necessary, being disclosed to other Government agencies in connection with the assessment of the merits of an application) or as otherwise permitted by the Privacy Act;
  • it has taken steps to ensure that any person whose personal information (as defined by the Privacy Act) is included in this application has consented to the fact that the Department and other Government agencies may be supplied with that personal information, and has been made aware of the purposes for which it has been collected and may be used.

Eligibility Confirmation

Please declare this application meets the Program eligibility criteria:
  • It has been prepared by and is being submitted by an eligible applicant
  • Project applications are specific to new apprentice, trainee or cadet recruitment 
  • Applicants have not secured funding from another source for any of the positions listed
  • Applicants will notify OLG to any changes or variations to this submission in writing via email to grants@olg.nsw.gov.au 
I confirm that the applicant and project is eligible according to the criteria outlined in the Program Guidelines * Required