Fresh faces, bright futures: Council’s LEAP program in action
Published on 24 March 2025
Lismore City Council is building a skilled local workforce through its Lismore Employment Acceleration Pathways (LEAP) program, which is supported by the NSW Government’s A Fresh Start for Local Government Apprentices, Trainees and Cadets initiative.
LEAP is an annual program designed to create employment opportunities for those looking to start or change careers. The initiative provides funded traineeships and apprenticeships, allowing participants to gain hands-on experience in Council roles while earning formal qualifications.
The program has already started strongly this year, with Council securing six funded positions in Round One of the Fresh Start initiative to bolster the eight trainees/apprentices we currently have.
Five apprentices and trainees have already commenced, with another set to join in the coming weeks. This intake includes roles in water operations, civil construction, business administration, parks and gardens and electrical trades—key areas that will strengthen Council’s workforce for the future.
Lismore City Council General Manager Jon Gibbons said the LEAP program, supported by Fresh Start funding, is an investment in the future of Council and the community.
“By bringing in enthusiastic apprentices and trainees, we’re not only creating career pathways for local people but also ensuring Lismore City Council has the skilled workforce it needs for years to come,” he said.
“This initiative strengthens our capability, supports local jobs and helps us continue delivering essential services to our LGA.”
After posting an advertisement online via the Council's website and SEEK, more than 100 Expressions of Interest were received, demonstrating the strong demand for local career pathways.
Kamron Thurgood, one of Lismore City Council’s new Business Support Officer Trainees, has found her experience smooth and rewarding.
“The onboarding process was smooth and organised, and the team has been so patient and supportive—I’ve learned a lot really quickly without feeling rushed,” she said.
“With Youth Week approaching, I have been assisting in developing the program, which includes a fantastic range of events and activities.
“I want to gain as many experiences and skills as I can. I don’t want to be limited in what I can do, so I’m taking on as much as possible while I have the chance.”
During the recruitment process, more than 30 candidates, parents and caregivers attended an information session in December to learn about the opportunities available and hear directly from Council teams.
Following a competitive application process, Council was awarded six funded roles:
- Apprentice Electrician – Water & Wastewater Trades Team
- Water Operations Trainee – Wastewater Team
- Civil Construction Trainee – Water Capital Team
- Parks & Gardens Apprentice – Open Spaces Team
- Business Administration Trainee – Stakeholder Engagement Team
- Business Administration Trainee – Rates/Finance Team
Each successful applicant is now gaining real-world experience under the guidance of experienced mentors while working towards a nationally recognised qualification.
Lismore City Council’s Acting Manager of People and Culture, Dianne Parker, said the Fresh Start funding has been instrumental in supporting the LEAP program.
“The aim is to create talent pipelines in difficult-to-fill roles to ensure local government workforces can meet the community's needs,” she said.
“This funding allows Council to attract and support a broader range of candidates and promote Lismore City Council as an exciting place to kick-start their careers.”
The Fresh Start program is part of a NSW Government initiative, with $252.2 million allocated over six years to help councils develop sustainable workforces.
Across four funding rounds, up to 1300 positions will be supported state-wide.
LEAP is an annual program, with applications opening at the end of each year. It is open to people of all ages looking to start or change careers. The Council thanks the local schools participating in the program and Training NSW for their assistance.
For more information regarding careers at Lismore City Council, visit www.lismore.nsw.gov.au/Council/Careers-at-Council.