Traineeships and Work Experience

Traineeships and Work Experience

Combining on-the-job experience and study towards a nationally recognised qualification, our Annual Traineeship Program offers positions in Business Administration, Children’s Services and Information Technology.

How to apply and Eligibility

Council’s Traineeship Program in Business Administration, Children’s Services and Information Technology are advertised annually.

Applications for 20224 Traineeship have closed.

Applications for 2025 Traineeship will be advertised later in the year. Applicants will need to visit our Current Opportunities page to apply.

To be eligible for a traineeship, applicants must:

  • Not hold a Certificate III or IV in any field completed in the last 7 years, and/or Diploma qualification and above in any field of any date
  • Have the ability to work in Australia (if applicable, visa information is required)

For further information about the position please contact the Human Resources Team on 4732-7777 or email

Business Administration

Our Business Administration traineeships are offered in a range of departments at Council. You’ll take care of general office duties and tasks specific to the department while studying a Certificate III in Business once a month at Nepean TAFE.

Traineeships are offered in a range of Council Departments each year.

Children’s Services

Trainees will be placed in one of our quality local Children’s Services Centres and attend formal training with TAFE to gain a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care. Trainees will gain hands on experience in a demanding but very rewarding career path.

Information Technology

Our Information Technology department provides PC support to hundreds of Civic Centre and off-site Council staff. This Trainee will gain on-the-job IT experience, develop communication and diagnostic skills, whilst studying at TAFE to attain a Certificate III in Information, Digital Media.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Traineeships

Each year, we offer a number of positions within our traineeship program to applicants who identify of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island background.

Traineeships will be offered to people of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander background – exemption granted under section 126 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977.

Professional Specialist Traineeships

Council offers a range of Professional Specialist traineeships in areas including Engineering, Planning and Library Services to applicants studying in their field.

Employed for the length of their degree, successful applicants have access to a range of study leave options to balance study and full-time employment. In addition, university tuition fees are paid for, under Council’s Educational Assistance Policy.

Visit our Current Opportunities page to apply for positions vacant

Applications for work experience/placement

  • Apply between February -March, to request a placement in April to June
  • Apply between July – August, for a placement in September, to November.

What we offer

Our work experience program offers experience in a 'real-life' work environment for students (Years 10-12, TAFE, University or College). Due to the large number of requests Council receives for work experience, our program is aimed at students currently studying only. The program offers unpaid developmental opportunities for students studying in a chosen field relevant to the work of Council. Options include:

  • Building Approvals/Surveying
  • Business Administration
  • Children’s Services
  • Civil Construction
  • Environmental Health
  • Events
  • Finance (unavailable between June and September)
  • Horticulture
  • Human Resources
  • Information and Communications Technology
  • Information Management (Records)
  • Library
  • Metals/Mechanics
  • Town Planning

Placements depend on the host department's requirements and availability at a given time. Work placements are limited to 1 week in most areas, However if it is a course requirement for set hours please submit your request and we will determine if it can be accommodated. Please note we cannot guarantee any work placements. If we are unable to accommodate an applicant we will contact them as soon as possible.  

Due to the large number of requests, please allow 4 weeks for a response.

All placements must be organised and approved through Council's People and Culture Department.

Am I eligible?

You can apply if you:

  • are a student currently studying (high school - Years 10, 11 or 12, TAFE, university or college) and
  • can provide insurance coverage (certificate of currency for Public Liability & Personal Injury insurance) from your place of study.

Additional requirements for specific Council service areas:

Building Approvals/Surveying, Civil Construction, Horticulture, Metals & Mechanics and Town Planning: A Work Health Safety (WHS) White Card before placement. You must wear steel-capped boots on site.

Civil Engineering work placements: Council currently coordinates with various universities to offer placement opportunities. Students must be in at least the third year of a related Engineering degree at University and have:

  • a valid driver's licence
  • WHS White Card
  • knowledge of survey practices and CAD
  • Availability of 4-5 days a week (Monday to Friday)

Early Childhood Education: Council's Children's Services Department offers industry placement in numerous locations across the Penrith Local Government Area. A Working with Children Check will be conducted before placement for any student 18 years and over.

How to apply

To apply, please use the link below to complete the online application form. Please be prepared when completing the application form with the following information including:

  • name
  • school/college/RTO/University
  • phone number and email address
  • type of placement, including details of what you want to learn and experience in your placement
  • length of placement required
  • specific dates requested
  • your availability (e.g. Monday to Friday)
  • insurance cover details
  • any additional information, such as any reasonable adjustment to the workplace you require
Applications open for work experience and work placement twice a year. Vacancies will be advertised on our careers website. Please note, applying for work experience or work placement does not guarantee you a placement. 
 
For more information on work experience contact 4732-7777 and ask to be transferred to the Human Resources Team or email .