Warren Shire Council is offering two new employment opportunities and encourages keen young locals to apply for these exciting roles.

Thanks to funding received, Council are able to offer two exciting new positions: Trainee Tourism Officer and Apprentice Heavy Vehicle Mechanic.

Acting General Manager Stephen Glen shared his enthusiasm about the new trainee role and its potential to contribute to this growing sector.

"Tourism is an incredibly dynamic industry, and Warren Shire has so much to offer,” Mr Glen said.

“The Warren Shire Council:Trainee Tourism Officer position is a fantastic opportunity for someone to join this exciting space, helping to attract visitors, promote our Shire, and contribute to the local economy.

"With the chance to earn a Certificate III in Tourism through Warren TAFE, this role also provides a strong foundation for a rewarding career in tourism, whether locally or further afield."

Recently, there has been a lot of activity in the tourism sector in Warren Shire, including the completion of the Discover Warren Regional Tourism Brochure and the launch of the Discover Warren NSW website initiative.

Home to places of stunning natural beauty, from the Macquarie Marshes to the Tiger Bay Wetlands, there is plenty to see for visitors.

Mr Glen said the Warren Shire Council:Apprentice Heavy Vehicle Mechanic role also offered training and ongoing opportunities.

"Council’s fleet represents a wide range of machinery and vehicles that are critical in a rural and agricultural community like ours.

"This apprenticeship offers the chance to learn from some of the most experienced staff in the industry, ensuring the apprentice gains not only technical skills but also real-world insights that set them up for a successful career," Mr Glen said.

"It’s an incredible opportunity to work on the frontline of our operations and play a key role in keeping our Shire moving forward."

Susan Balogh, Economic Development and Visitation Manager said the Council were grateful to receive the funding.

"We got half of what we applied for, which we were expecting," Ms Balogh said..

"It looks as though the funders were looking for a 50/50 split, meaning an equal number of trainees to apprentices and spreading it amongst councils.

"When I spoke to the coordinator, he said the funding was over prescribed and when you look across the successful applicants there doesn’t seem to be any double ups in position type.

"For example, in the central west, there doesn't seem to be another tourism traineeship or another heavy vehicle mechanic position, which is what we are offering."

The Macquarie Marshes are just one of Warren Shire's spectacular attractions that the new Tourism Trainee can tell visitors about.

For Warren Shire, this new funding builds on the success of a pilot program run in collaboration with Warren Central School and the Department of Education last year.

During this program, Council worked with the school to introduce possible careers in local council.

"The pilot program showed us the potential to inspire our youth to pursue meaningful careers right here in Warren," Mr Glen said.

"Now, with these new positions, we’re turning inspiration into action."

Both roles represent Council’s commitment to retaining talent and fostering economic growth within the Shire.

By offering practical, hands-on training alongside formal qualifications, the positions ensure that locals can build their futures without needing to leave the region.

"We’re excited to see how these roles can positively impact not just the individuals who take them up but the wider community.

"Whether it is contributing to Warren’s tourism success or ensuring our infrastructure is running smoothly, these positions are about building a better future for everyone," Mr Glen said.

Ms Balogh said the funding was fantastic as it covered the majority of costs for the new positions.

“The apprenticeship wages are funded for four years, and the funding also pays 15 per cent of the on costs of employment.

"It’s the same story with the traineeship, but for two years,” she said.

“This means councils really just need to find the balance of the on costs, which makes it very affordable.

"Often, it's very difficult for councils to fund a whole new position.

"It also means that once they have the qualifications and experience behind them and want to stay on, it gives the council time to build that monetary increase into the budgets and also to fill skill shortages.

"It’s a win-win."

Applications for the positions close on January 23, and Council is encouraging all eligible locals to apply.

For more information, visit Warren Shire Council or contact the Council office.