Lake Macquarie council has added 27 new trainees as part of its education to employment program aimed at young adults leaving school, university or TAFE.
The recruits will complete an employment tenure of between one and three years with the organisation.
There were a number of designated positions for women in non-traditional roles in the 2021 intake, along with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workers.
The recruits, most of which were born from 1997 onward, will rotate through various roles in their set departments and complete other forms of training or study.
Amanda Shields has been employed as a trainee works assistant and will gain experience in the council's presentation, construction and infrastructure teams, all of which have traditionally been male-dominated areas.
"I have a passion for the outdoors and have always loved anything hands-on, so being able to work outdoors and learn new skills in a very hands-on position is a big win for me," she said.
"It was a little intimidating at first, knowing I was going to be the only female in my team, but I have always been interested in working in this field and I'm confident I will be a good fit for the role."
The council's director organisational services, Laura Kendall, said the program increased workplace diversity and broadened career opportunities for participants.
"This is a win-win program," she said.
"Council gains the vibrant enthusiasm, skills and diversity of young people in our community, and the trainees are provided a foundation to their careers aimed at setting them up for life."
