Some fresh new faces will be showing up in local shire staffrooms as councils begin to fill the biggest intake of trainees and apprentices seen in many years.

Councils across the Western Plains were awarded funding for 51 new apprentices or as part of the Fresh Start state government initiative.

In total 1000 apprentices across the state will be provided with training for local essential services with more than 60 per cent of the roles being delivered to rural and regional areas.

Positions to be filled include Parks and Gardens, Business Administration, Engineering, Civil, Construction, Waste and Water, Urban and Regional Planning, Mechanics, Childcare, Building (Surveying, Inspection, etc.), Electricians, Information Technology, Finance, Plumbing and Environmental Services.

• Bourke Shire Council – 2
• Brewarrina Shire Council – 6
• Walgett Shire Council – 6
• Bogan Shire Council – 6
• Warrumbungle Shire Council – 12
• Warren Shire Council – 4
• Coonamble – 7
• Narromine – 8

Member for Barwon Roy Butler was happy to receive the news of apprenticeship funding for his area.

"I am extremely supportive of any initiative that means more tradies in Barwon communities”, said Mr Butler.

“We all know how hard it is to get qualified tradies out West; the tyranny of distance means that getting work done can be much more expensive when you take in the cost of travel. 

“The $252.2 million funding from the Government will mean that my councils don't have to think twice when making the decision to take on an apprentice.

"It will take time, but the long-term impact will mean more qualified tradespeople in our communities who will eventually start their own businesses and enhance the liveability of many small towns out West," he said.

Bogan Shire Council General Manager Derek Francis (IMAGE: supplied)

Bogan Shire Council General Manager Derek Francis said council is very pleased to have been successful with obtaining six funded positions under Fresh Start funding.

“These have been specifically targeted in a diverse range of fields from human resources to plant operations,” said Mr Francis.

One apprentice has already commenced work, with another to start next week and the remaining successful applicants will commence work in the next three to six months.

“Our recent workforce management plan highlighted that our workforce overall is aging, and this is an ideal opportunity to build capacity for the future.

We would like to thank the NSW Government for the program and the funding provided,” said Mr Francis.

The Fresh Start program is funding the wages of 1,300 apprentices, trainees and cadets over the next six years, giving local students and school leavers the opportunity to study and learn on the job while gaining a nationally accredited qualification.

“Across the electorate of Barwon, Council staff are out in our communities every day, providing the services we often take for granted, and this program is a massive boost for local government and for young people looking for a job where they can work in their local community,” said Stephen Lawrence MLC.

“Across the electorate of Barwon, the uptake from councils has been fantastic and goes to show how desperately councils need this support, especially in regional and rural areas,” he said.

One Western area resident said communities are struggling to keep young people in town and this is a great start to keep kids in community.

“Rural communities are losing young people to the city to gain qualifications and employment, leaving us with aging rural towns.

"By providing apprenticeships we can keep our kids in the community, while they are still able to gain life changing skills and that can only be a great thing for us,” he said.