Whether you want to be a horticulturalist, electrician or signwriter – there is a job at Wollongong City Council for you.
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The council is calling for applications for entry-level positions as part of its regular cadetship, traineeship and apprenticeship drive.
Scott Miller, 29, is one employee who took up that opportunity four years ago and he hasn’t looked back.
“I am about to finish my four-year horticultural apprenticeship,” he said. “I specialise in nursery production at the Wollongong Botanic Garden.
“I wanted a career change and I developed an interest in gardening and in particular native plants.
“I used to frequent the nursery to collect plants for my own garden.
“When an apprenticeship position came up at the botanic garden, I applied.”
The job opportunities are targeted at people either fresh out of school or starting or changing a career.
Wollongong City Council Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery said local government was a great career choice.
“I’d really encourage anyone looking to get a foot in the door to have a look at what’s available,’’ he said.
“There is such a diversity of jobs within our workforce. In fact, according to statistics there are about 300 different job occupations within local government across NSW, which represents a whopping 63 per cent of occupations in the country.
“Of course, the real benefit to working here is that what you do has a direct impact on your community.
“You can see what you do helps make our city better for others.’’
Mr Miller said he enjoyed working outdoors and loved the hands-on role.
“I have a diverse range of duties,” the Mount Keira resident said. “I help staff in collecting seeds and cuttings along the coastal dunes and escarpment.
“I also work on endangered plant conservation projects.
“I have served customers at our plant sale and have gone to schools to help plant trees on National Tree Day.
“I have enjoyed learning how to make plants grow and germinate and I take constant care of the nursery plants.”
Mr Miller encouraged residents to apply for roles because the council was a supportive employer.
“My managers and supervisors in the garden have encouraged me to put my hand up for opportunities,” he said.
“The apprentice program provides support, allows you to study and gives you great exposure.
“There is a lot of knowledge within the organisation.”
Mr Miller plans to continue at Wollongong Council after he finishes his apprenticeship.
The council supports 15 cadets, nine apprentices, 25 trainees and five school-based trainees through the cadet, apprentice and trainee programs.
The programs allows participants to combine full-time work with training and part-time or school-based study.
The council’s corporate services director Renee Campbell said the council was an employer committed to building a workforce that was reflective of the community.
“We encourage everyone of all ages, abilities and backgrounds to apply for any of the positions they might be interested in,” she said.
There are signwriting, greenkeeping, electrician and horticulture apprenticeships; community relations and engagement, asset account, civil engineering and building surveyor cadetships; and revenue administration, information management, geotechnician and operation work traineeships.
People can apply for one or more of the cadetships, apprenticeships or traineeships.
Applications close 12pm, October 22.
For more information on the positions, job descriptions and details of how to apply visit the council’s website or call customer service on (02) 4227 7111.