Lake Macquarie City Council and Hunter Water have joined forces to provide better career pathways for graduates, launching a new program that will see employees transition across the two organisations.
The Hunter-first program's initial intake includes four employees, including two communications and engagement officers and two civil engineers.
Each entrant will spend 12 months at one workplace before transferring to the other to complete the two-year program.
"The hope is that these graduates will be able to incorporate knowledge and practices they have learnt into both our organisations," Lake Macquarie City Council workforce planning coordinator Belinda Leck said.
"As two of the region's largest employers, we want to be industry leaders when it comes to innovation and job opportunities for the younger workforce.
"We're always looking for ways to attract and retain younger employees to stop the 'brain drain' away from our region to capital cities."
Hunter Water head of people and culture Ian Pike said his organisation was "proud" to "deliver employment opportunities for the next generation of professionals".
Program entrant Eliane Beveridge said it was an exciting way to begin her career in communications.
"This is the first time I've seen a graduate program structured like this. To be able to work between two large organisations straight out of university is such a unique opportunity," the 23-year-old said.
