Work experience

Overview

A young person with glasses talking to colleagues in the office

Work experience is a great way to get hands-on experience and exposure to real work and industry environments.

We offer workplace learning opportunities for:

  • local high school students
  • tertiary (after high school) education students
  • community members

Last year Council hosted more than 60 work experience students.

Why choose us?

"My son really appreciated the knowledge gained from all who have assisted him and praises the excellent leadership and teamwork displayed by the team" — Parent of a work experience student

Visit our careers page to learn more about why Shoalhaven City Council is a great place to work.

Areas of opportunity

Shoalhaven City Council is a large organisation with a variety of opportunities across a range of sectors, including:

  • administration
  • construction and maintenance (carpentry and painting)
  • tourism and information services
  • libraries
  • parks maintenance
  • light and heavy vehicle mechanical services
  • information technology (hardware services)
  • welding and metalwork
  • electricity and communications
  • art galleries and theatres
  • animal welfare
  • health and fitness
  • recycling and waste services
  • water and wastewater services
  • property and asset management
  • customer service
  • governance
  • work, health and safety
  • financial and business services
  • environmental services
  • ranger services
  • media and communications

You can visit our other websites below to learn more about some of these areas of Council:

High school students

A young person in a mechanic shop smiling at the camera

Frequently asked questions

What can I expect from you?

You can expect us to provide:

  • a safe and supportive environment
  • supportive and knowledgeable supervisors
  • exposure to local government and a wide range of industries in one location
  • insight into future career paths
  • practical skills and experience to complement studies
  • feedback on your placement
  • completion of learning institution placement documentation

What would you expect from me?

We will expect you to:

  • be appropriately dressed for the type of the work you're doing — this means:
    • professional clothes if you're working in an office space (business casual)
    • work clothes and PPE that meet our requirements if you're working outdoors or at depots
  • follow instructions
  • act in a way that builds a good reputation for both yourself and Council — this means:
    • following our Code of Conduct
    • actively participating in activities
    • being considerate, respectful and polite to the people you work with and to members of the community
    • being punctual (on time for work and meetings)
    • listening to your colleagues
    • asking questions that help you do your job
  • let your supervisor know if there are changes to the times or days you've agreed to work
  • let your supervisor know if the behaviour of others in the workplace is concerning or upsetting
  • let your supervisor know if you see anything that is unsafe
  • complete required paperwork on time and as requested

Steps to apply

Before you apply

Plan ahead

We need time to review and process your application, so your application must be submitted no less than three (3) weeks (15 business days) before the date you would like to start — applications submitted after this time can't be guaranteed a placement.

Seek your career advisor's approval

You will need to discuss your work experience plans with your careers advisor before applying.

How to apply

Complete the online application form

Either you, your parent or guardian, or your careers advisor will need to complete this expression of interest form below.

What happens next

We will review your request and let you know by the email you provided whether your application has been successful or if we need more information.

The supervisor or manager of the team may contact you to discuss your application prior to approval. We may also contact your school to confirm the placement is suitable.

If your application is approved, we will require a few things prior to officially starting your placement:

  • a copy of your completed Student Record paperwork (we will work with your school to ensure this is completed prior to your placement)
  • evidence you are covered by Indemnity Insurance
  • completion of a Confidentiality Acknowledgement and safety induction training on your first day

Tertiary education students

Two young people having a conversation at a desk in an office

Frequently asked questions

What can I expect from you?

You can expect us to provide:

  • a safe and supportive environment
  • supportive and knowledgeable supervisors
  • exposure to local government and a wide range of industries in one location
  • insight into future career paths
  • practical skills and experience to complement studies
  • feedback on your placement
  • completion of learning institution placement documentation

What would you expect from me?

We will expect you to:

  • be appropriately dressed for the type of the work you're doing — this means:
    • professional clothes if you're working in an office space (business casual)
    • work clothes and PPE that meet our requirements if you're working outdoors or at depots
  • follow instructions
  • act in a way that builds a good reputation for both yourself and Council — this means:
    • following our Code of Conduct
    • actively participating in activities
    • being considerate, respectful and polite to the people you work with and to members of the community
    • being punctual (on time for work and meetings)
    • listening to your colleagues
    • asking questions that help you do your job
  • let your supervisor know if there are changes to the times or days you've agreed to work
  • let your supervisor know if the behaviour of others in the workplace is concerning or upsetting
  • let your supervisor know if you see anything that is unsafe
  • complete required paperwork on time and as requested

Do you offer internships?

Council offers a limited number of internships to university students.

Email workplacelearning@shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au with your expression of interest, and we will let you know if we have any internships available.

If you are interested in a career or other employment opportunities (full time, part time, temporary or casual) with Council please visit our Current Vacancies page.

Steps to apply

Before you apply

Plan ahead

We need time to review and process your application, so your application must be submitted no less than three (3) weeks (15 business days) before the date you would like to start — applications submitted after this time can't be guaranteed a placement.

Prepare a resume (optional)

You may also wish to include a resume with your work experience application. This is optional and won't impact your application if you don't supply one, but it can help us assess which placements might be most suited to you.

How to apply

Complete the online application form

What happens next

We will review your request and let you know by the email you provided whether your application has been successful or if we need more information.

The supervisor or manager of the team may contact you to discuss your application prior to approval.

If your application is approved, we will require a few things prior to officially starting your placement:

  • a copy of your completed paperwork (your training provider will provide you with this)
  • evidence you are covered by Indemnity Insurance (your training provider will also provide you with this)
  • completion of a Confidentiality Acknowledgement and safety induction training on your first day.

Community members

A group of young people having a casual work meeting on a couch

We understand it can be difficult to get work experience in an industry you're interested in, especially when you're a recent graduate or are re-entering the workforce after a long break.

Work experience with local government can be a great way to get your foot in the door.

Frequently asked questions

Do you provide work experience opportunities to people who aren't students?

Yes, though you will need the support of an employment service provider or training institute to handle the administrative side of work experience.

If you are not linked to a training provider undergoing studies, you may choose to speak with an employment service provider. An employment service provider may offer coaching and support and can manage the administration requirements for work experience.

What can I expect from you?

You can expect us to provide:

  • a safe and supportive environment
  • supportive and knowledgeable supervisors
  • exposure to local government and a wide range of industries in one location
  • insight into future career paths
  • practical skills and experience to complement studies
  • feedback on your placement
  • completion of learning institution placement documentation

What would you expect from me?

We will expect you to:

  • be appropriately dressed for the type of the work you're doing — this means:
    • professional clothes if you're working in an office space (business casual)
    • work clothes and PPE that meet our requirements if you're working outdoors or at depots
  • follow instructions
  • act in a way that builds a good reputation for both yourself and Council — this means:
    • following our Code of Conduct
    • actively participating in activities
    • being considerate, respectful and polite to the people you work with and to members of the community
    • being punctual (on time for work and meetings)
    • listening to your colleagues
    • asking questions that help you do your job
  • let your supervisor know if there are changes to the times or days you've agreed to work
  • let your supervisor know if the behaviour of others in the workplace is concerning or upsetting
  • let your supervisor know if you see anything that is unsafe
  • complete required paperwork on time and as requested

How to apply

Before you start

You may need to register with an employment service provider to access work experience opportunities with Council.

Find an agency

If you have a physical disability or mental health condition, you may be eligible to work with a disability employment service (or 'DES') provider, which can provide additional support in applying for work experience placements with us.

Find a DES provider

What happens next

Once you are registered with an agency, we will then coordinate with the agency to find a work experience opportunity that meets your needs.