Apprentice Maintenance Carpenter

Join to apply for the Apprentice Maintenance Carpenter role at Illawarra Mercury

Start your career in carpentry - maintenance & repair You will learn the trade through hands-on maintenance and repairs—keeping our city's assets safe, functional and in working order.

This role is based at our Oak Flats Services Depot and reports to the Team Coordinator, Building Maintenance. You will complete a Certificate III in Carpentry course at Shellharbour TAFE to gain and develop practical knowledge and skills. This opportunity is open to school leavers, mature age applicants and/or those who have already commenced their Certificate III in Carpentry. Please note: this opportunity is dependent upon external funding confirmation. Successful applicants will commence in January 2026 based on funding being confirmed.

This is more than a trade... apprenticeships cover theoretical and practical requirements of on-the-job and off-the-job training. After completing your apprenticeship you will have formal qualifications with four years of practical experience plus the ability to gain additional skills across our maintenance and city presentation teams.

Shellharbour City Council promotes respect at work as a fundamental right for all, and strives to create a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. Our values are Collaboration, Accountability, Integrity, Respect and Sustainability.

• Support the Building Maintenance team with practical carpentry tasks
• Repair doors, windows and fixtures; replace damaged timber
• Install and repair parkland furniture and equipment
• Fencing, minor concreting works
• Use hand and power tools to complete tasks
• Read and interpret maintenance plans
• Work safely in occupied buildings

• Open to school leavers, mature age applicants, or those who have already commenced a Certificate III in Carpentry
• Enrolment in or completion of Certificate III in Carpentry (or similar) via Shellharbour TAFE
• Willingness to undertake a Certificate III in Carpentry course
• Pre-placement Medical examination is required
• General Construction Induction Card (White Card) prior to commencement
• Ability to work in a team and in occupied environments

Shellharbour City, located in the Illawarra region, is 80 minutes south of Sydney and home to over 82,000 people. We are a high-performing and sustainable council committed to a great organisational culture and our core values. We have been recognised with state and national awards and offer flexible working arrangements and opportunities for career development.

Temporary Full time up to 4 years (or for the duration of the apprenticeship) 38 hours per week with a 9-day fortnight. Salary range from $601.70 per week (16 years old) up to $827.40 per week (18+), plus 12% superannuation. On-the-job training; course costs paid by Council; leave to attend TAFE; employee benefits including novated leases, retail discounts, corporate fitness programs, EAP, and more. Long service leave after five years; sick leave; health and wellbeing leave.

Please note: You will need to complete a Pre-placement Medical examination and obtain a White Card prior to commencement. For further information about the position, contact Alan Dekker, Team Coordinator, Building Maintenance, on 0421 044 122. Closing date: Wednesday, 24 September 2025 at 11:30pm.

To apply, complete the online application and answer questions describing how your skills and experience are relevant. Attach your resume and qualifications on the next page. You may save and return to the application; incomplete applications will not be considered. Prepare responses in advance and copy-paste into the fields. An email confirmation will be sent after submission. Ensure your email address is correct and check your junk inbox. For more information about the selection process and criteria, view the Guide To Applying. Shellharbour City Council is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applicants from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and people with a disability.

Closing statements: This is an Equal Opportunity Employer; our values are Collaboration, Accountability, Integrity, Respect and Sustainability.