Aboriginal Pathways: Fresh Start into Water Operations
The Water Group in partnership with Aboriginal Affairs NSW and NSW Water Directorate, offered a two-week course that supports a career pathway for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people into water operations.
The course pilot was run with Shoalhaven Water in Nowra in April 2026 with the intention to be replicated across regional NSW to meet local workforce needs and support Aboriginal communities.
Following completion of the pilot, Shoalhaven Water plans to support more than 10 full-time traineeships in 2026, providing opportunities for participants.
The short course is co-funded by the NSW Department of Education (Training Services) and the NSW Office of Local Government through its Fresh Start program.
Read the media release
Careers in the water industry
The water industry plays a vital role in providing clean, safe, and reliable water and wastewater services for communities. Careers in the water industry are not only essential for public health and environmental sustainability but also offer diverse opportunities for individuals passionate about making a difference.
Water professionals in NSW work in various roles, from water treatment plant operators and wastewater treatment specialists to hydrologists and civil engineers. They ensure the quality and availability of water for drinking, industry and farming processes, while also managing wastewater treatment and recycling.
A career in the water industry offers a strong sense of purpose and the opportunity to contribute to innovative technical water solutions. This is driven by the growing global awareness of water supply issues and the significance of sustainable water management.
Storytelling to promote Aboriginal traineeships
Go on a journey with these impressive and inspiring Indigenous employees as they share their personal experiences as trainees in local water utilities. Storytelling is a powerful way to inspire the next generation and encourage more Aboriginal People to join the water industry. Watch their stories
Skills and training focus group
In mid-2023, the department formed a focus group consisting of volunteers across the water industry including members of local water utilities, Local Government NSW, Training Services NSW and the NSW Water Directorate. The purpose of the group is to provide a platform to exchange information, promote collaborations and identify opportunities where the program can support and catalyse the training sector. The group does this by guiding implementation of the Water operations skills and training action plan (PDF, 505.92 KB).
Traineeship and apprenticeship intake
Find opportunities in the Local Government Areas shown in the map and listed below.
| Council | Program type | Intake period | Additional information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gwydir Shire Council | School Based Traineeship, Traineeship | Annual intake October to November | Positions Vacant - Gwydir Shire Council |
| Tweed Shire Council | Traineeship, Apprenticeship | Annual intake aligned to school year | Career options - Tweed Shire Council |
| Richmond Valley Council | Traineeship | Annual intake August | Apprenticeships, Traineeships and Cadetships - Richmond Valley Council |
| Clarence Valley Council | Traineeship | Annual intake September to November | Find a job - Clarence Valley Council |
| Kempsey Shire Council | Traineeship, Apprenticeship | Annual intake September to October | Careers - Kempsey Shire Council |
| Tamworth Regional Council | Traineeship | Annual intake September to November | Current vacancies - Tamworth Regional Council |
| Port Macquarie Hastings Council | Traineeship, Apprenticeship | Annual intake June to August | Apprenticeships and Traineeships - Port Macquarie Hastings Council |
| MidCoast Council | Traineeship | Annual intake August to September | Trainee, apprentice and graduate program - MidCoast Council |
| Central Coast Council | Traineeship | Annual intake June | Apprenticeships, Traineeships and Work Experience - Central Coast Council |
| Cowra Council | School Based Traineeship, Traineeship | Annual intake as needed | Current Vacancies Portal - Cowra Council |
| Shoalhaven City Council | School Based Traineeship, Traineeship, Apprenticeship, Cadetship | Annual intake August to September | Recruitment Portal - Shoalhaven Council |
| Bega Valley Shire Council | Traineeship | Annual intake August to September | Careers at Council - Bega Valley Shire Council |
| Riverina Water | Traineeship, Apprenticeship, Cadetship | Annual intake September to October | Employment opportunities - Riverina Water |
Information and resources
We encourage local water utilities, councils and job seekers to view the below materials to help inform and promote skills and training opportunities in the water sector.
Career information
- NSW university courses that provide a pathway into the water industry (PDF. 153KB)
- Water Treatment Plant Operator Job Guide (PDF. 2,300KB)
- Water Treatment Plant Operator (Aboriginal) Job Guide (PDF. 1,700KB)
- Local Government of NSW careers flyer (PDF. 431KB)
- Water industry careers and educational resources (PDF. 105KB)
Council resources
Resources for councils to plan and run a water industry showcase day and content to use across their social media, newsletters and job advertisements.
In 2023, the department held a Water Industry Showcase Day at the Calala Water Treatment Plant in Tamworth in partnership with the NSW Department of Education. We invited jobseekers and students from local high schools to learn about the range of careers available in the water industry.
This resource is to assist local water utilities to plan and hold a water industry careers event.
Download the toolkit (PDF. 2.8MB)
Additional kits
Successful traineeship programs enable local water utilities to bring in new talent, provide training for hands-on roles, and develop a strong and capable workforce for the future.
This guide explains how to recruit, train, and support water industry trainees. It covers benefits, financial incentives, key responsibilities, and resources. It supports efforts to successfully implement a program that provides benefits for trainees, their organisations, and the broader water industry
Videos
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Contact us
For more information call us on 1300 081 047 or email us at water.enquiries@dcceew.nsw.gov.au