Employment opportunities in focus as City responds to COVID-19

January 2022 will usher in a new year - and a new career - for 12 trainees, apprentices and graduates as Newcastle looks to create employment opportunities for the city’s young people as part of its response to COVID-19.

City of Newcastle will begin recruiting for its annual intake of early career positions this month, with roles available across a range of sectors including business services, customer service, greenkeeping, horticulture, conservation, metal fabrication, carpentry, civil construction and human resources.

Successful applicants will begin work towards the end of January, bringing City of Newcastle's number of apprentices, trainees, undergraduates and graduates to forty-two.

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said that as one of the largest employers in the region, City of Newcastle has an important role to play in creating career pathways and ongoing job opportunities.

"COVID-19 has been one of the most challenging periods for local jobseekers, with an economic downturn, rising unemployment levels and the restrictions put in place as part of the lockdown orders," Cr Clausen said.

"Young people have borne the brunt of these impacts, with youth unemployment levels in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie rising to almost 20 per cent earlier this year, significantly higher than the state average.

"Supporting and creating local job opportunities continues to be an important part of our response to the pandemic.

"This includes boosting our 2021/22 works program, which will support the local economy and help create new jobs, and forging ahead with our next intake of apprentices, trainees and graduates, to ensure there are quality early career opportunities for young people available in Newcastle.

"Importantly, these positions offer a foot in the door that can lead to meaningful employment in the longer term.

"In the past 12 months we’ve been able to transition 10 of our trainees and apprentices into permanent or ongoing temporary work opportunities with us, with three of these also undertaking further tertiary studies supported by City of Newcastle. An additional four staff employed under the graduate program have also secured permanent positions.

"With more than 20 of our current apprentices and trainees under the age of 24, City of Newcastle fosters an environment where young staff can learn from experienced professionals. In return these youth employees offer us the passion and enthusiasm that comes with commencing a full-time work career."

Tarryn Collison-Marsh was among those who made the successful transition into a full-time role this year after previously gaining an apprenticeship in Civil Construction and Road Maintenance in January 2019.

"Obtaining my apprenticeship was not only a kickstart to commence a career at City of Newcastle but also a great stepping stone for a future in the civil construction industry," the 21-year-old said.

"I've learned many skills that will not only greatly benefit me in my career but also in everyday life, such as greater communication skills and the ability to complete my own projects.

"This year I commenced a Diploma in Civil Construction Design and hope to continue my work and study options with City of Newcastle to eventually achieve my goal of becoming a Civil Engineer working on major projects for the Newcastle community."