School Based Trainee

*About the opportunity*

Are you a year 10 student (heading into Year 11 in 2026) who's ready to get a head start on your future? Council's school based traineeships are a great way to gain real-world work experience while you're still at school

We're on the lookout for a motivated student to join us as a school-based trainee and work towards a Certificate III in Business. You'll learn valuable skills, get hands-on experience, and build a strong foundation for life after school all while working with a great team here at Council.

Does this sound like you? Don't miss this awesome opportunity to learn, earn, and get ahead

The trainee's primary role is to provide efficient and effective administration support and customer service in a professional and responsive manner. Over a two year period, while completing year 11 and year 12 studies, trainees will:

• Work at least one day a week at Council at our main administration building;
• Receive an income while learning new skills;
• Achieve a Certificate qualification;
• Be supported by Council staff; and
• Potentially be considered for career opportunities at the end of their traineeship.

To find out more about your next career opportunity: Position Description

*About you*

To be successful in this position, you must:

• Be a current high school student commencing year 11 in 2026;
• Have an interest in business support and customer relations; and
• Have demonstrated commitment to providing customer service.

*Remuneration*

Hourly rate as per the Local Government (State) Award plus superannuation

*The Benefits*

Council has a wide range of fabulous benefits available for staff including;

• 2-year temporary school-based trainee position
• Part-time working one day per week
• 12% superannuation
• Supportive and engaging learning environment
• Picturesque Hunter Valley location

*What's next?*

Applications for the 2026 LAUNCH program are now open

Please ensure you complete the online application and submit detailed responses to the selection criteria, demonstrating your interest and commitment in the traineeship.

Your candidate suitability is determined by your responses to the selection criteria questions. For more information on how to address the selection criteria please visit our How to apply page.

*Pre-Employment Screening:*

Please note, prior to an offer of employment being made, recommended candidates will be required to undertake a medical assessment (including drug and alcohol testing) and other pre-employment checks, such as references, employment history checks, working with children checks or a criminal record check.

About Us:

At Cessnock City Council our success is built by our people and core values. We offer you a direct connection to the community, providing opportunities to both inspire growth and sustainability in our diverse region. We're committed to building a passionate and inclusive workforce.

We are committed to the value of respect, and we strive to have an inclusive workforce that is reflective of the diverse populations we serve. We welcome applications from qualified individuals of all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, the LGBTQIA+ community, veterans and people with disabilities.

We partner with the Veterans Employment Program and the NSW Government to implement recruitment practices dedicated to supporting veterans to pursue a career in local government. Our aim is to support veterans finding suitable, sustainable and meaningful employment.

There are options available to request adjustments. If you need any adjustments to be made to the recruitment process or if you would like to discuss any accessibility requirements, please contact  for a confidential discussion.

Applications Close: Thursday 25 September 2025 at 11.30pm

Who to Contact: Merleah Scroggy, Customer Relations Team Leader on

You must have the right to live and work in Australia to apply for this position.

Guided by staff values of integrity, respect, teamwork, accountability and excellence, Cessnock City Council is indeed an attractive, thriving Council and employer of choice.