Victorian Government launches $6.3 million program to address workforce shortages

Sep 13, 2024

The new program aims to create a variety of job opportunities throughout Victoria.

In response to widespread workforce shortages, the Victorian Government has launched a new program to attract more people to a career in local government.

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Victorian Local Government Minister Melissa Horne has unveiled a $6.3 million pilot initiative, the ‘Earn and Learn’ program, set to generate diverse job opportunities at councils across Victoria.

The program aims to equip participants with essential skills for managing council projects and providing vital community services.

“Our ‘Earn and Learn’ program will ensure workers have the skills they need to deliver the council projects and services that communities rely on,” Ms Horne said.

RMIT University is spearheading the two-year pilot program in collaboration with esteemed institutions like Federation University, Swinburne University of Technology, and Victoria University.

Together, they aim to address critical skills gaps in fields such as engineering, town planning and allied health services.

The Earn and Learn program will extend invitations to all 79 Victorian local councils, and Greater Shepparton City Council has already signalled its intention to join.

“We would welcome the opportunity to take part in the Earn and Learn program in the hope of addressing some of the skill shortage areas within council and provide more pathways into employment for the local community,” Greater Shepparton City Council Director of Corporate Services Chris Teitzel said.

Earn and Learn is a free program that will begin in 2025.

For more information, visit localgovernment.vic.gov.au/earnandlearnprogram