Traineeships and apprenticeships

Photo of two landscapers wearing high vis, working together to pour mulch onto a garden and neatly rack in through

Ready to kick‑start, restart or reinvent your career? Your next opportunity starts here.

At Campbelltown, our entry pathway programs let you:
  • Earn while you learn
  • Gain hands‑on experience,
  • Receive a nationally recognised qualification
  • Develop the skills to build your future, no experience needed.

See below for more information on the various programs we offer.

Traineeships

School-based traineeship

Two (2) years duration completed as part of your HSC studies. 

The school-based traineeship allows you to work one day per week while completing your HSC, gaining on-the-job experience while working towards a nationally recognised qualification (certificate level) and earning money. 


Business Administration traineeship

Twelve (12) months in duration with a Certificate III in Business Administration awarded at successful completion of training.

We host Business Administration trainees in different teams across the organisation, providing you an insight into the different services we deliver for our community. 


Both the school-based and Business Administration traineeships are advertised through our partner group training company, My Gateway.  Available traineeships are usually advertised October / November each year, so check My Gateway's job board for more details around that time. 


Education and Care Services (EACS) traineeship

Eighteen (18) months to 2 years in duration with Certificate III to Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care awarded at successful completion of respective level of study. 

Employed by Council you gain hands-on experience working in one of our childcare services learning from our team of qualified early childhood educators. 

Apprenticeships

This four-year trade apprenticeship leads to a Certificate III or IV in a relevant trade upon successful completion.

You will work alongside experienced, qualified tradespeople while studying at TAFE, gaining practical, hands-on experience and nationally recognised qualifications valued by employers.

Apprenticeships are offered across Urban Landscapes and Civil Works, with pathways including:

  • Parks and Gardens
  • Greenkeeping / Turf Management
  • Horticulture
  • Arboriculture
  • Heavy Vehicle Mechanic
  • Civil Construction
  • Signwriting 

Cadetships

Our cadetship program offers current university students a paid placement (pro rata based on days worked) while completing their university degree.

You’ll be working alongside our specialist teams gaining practical experience to complement the studies in your chosen professional field.   We currently offer cadetships in the following disciplines:

  • Accounting
  • Planning
  • Engineering
  • Environmental Health 

How to apply?

1.  Check when vacancies are available 

All available career pathway opportunities will be advertised on either our Positions Vacant page or via our partner Group Training Organisation's (GTO) job noticeboard, currently My Gateway.  

2. Submit your application

You’ll be asked to submit a resume and provide a short response addressing selection criteria.  We’re looking for potential, enthusiasm and a strong motivation to learn and apply skills.

3. Prepare for interview

If your application is shortlisted, you will be invited to an interview. This is your chance to tell us about yourself, your past experiences, interests and hobbies and what you’re hoping to get out of the training program. It’s a conversation to get to know each other better.

4. Accept offer and get ready to start your career

If you are a successful applicant, you will receive a formal offer advising when you will start.   You'll be taken through a  structured induction so you know exactly what to expect on your first day, including who your mentor is and what your first weeks with us will involve.

We support diversity and inclusion

Campbelltown City Council is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and veterans.

Support is available throughout the application process, let us know what adjustments you need.

We are committed to child safety and wellbeing. We uphold children’s rights to be safe, heard, and respected, and have zero tolerance for child abuse. We strive to provide a safe and inclusive environment for all children.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I need prior experience to apply?

No. Our programs are designed for people who are looking to start a new career. We recruit based on attitude, enthusiasm and potential — not on what you’ve done before.  If you’re willing to learn, we’ll teach you everything you need to know.

How much will I be paid?

Pay rates are set in line with the relevant Award or Enterprise Agreement for your program and year of study.  Rates increase as you progress through your training.

How much time will I spend studying versus working?

The balance varies depending on the program. For traineeships and apprenticeships, most of your time is spent learning on-the-job, with regular off-the-job training at TAFE or through a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). 

Cadetships are structured around your university timetable.

What happens when I finish my training program?

Completing your program is a real achievement, and we want to celebrate that with you.

While we can’t guarantee ongoing employment at the end of your training, many of our graduates go on to secure roles within Council or in their chosen industry. You’ll leave with a nationally recognised qualification, substantial workplace experience and a professional network to build on.

Can I apply if I’m still at school?

Yes.  Our school-based traineeship is designed specifically for students in Years 10 to 12.  You work one day per week at Council while continuing your HSC studies. It’s a great way to get a head start on your career before you even finish school.

How do I find out when positions are advertised?

The best way is to follow us on social media where we announce new opportunities as they open and check our Positions Vacantpage. You can also speak with your school’s careers advisor regarding school-based traineeships or contact our People & Performance team at people.performance@campbelltown.nsw.gov.au who can help guide you on where to look.