Apprentice Painter

Are you looking to kick start your career? Obtain a Nationally Recognised Qualification and valuable experience in Painting with an Apprenticeship at Lake Mac Council Earn while you learn – Get paid while you study a Certificate III – Painting and Decorating Trade. Gain valuable skills while being mentored by highly skilled professionals. Make a difference and positively contribute to our community. Lake Macquarie City Council is one of the largest employers of training positions in the Hunter region. The Apprentice Painter is part of Council’s Early Careers program – designed to provide you with on-the-job experience, mentoring and support from highly skilled professionals, all while you complete a formal qualification. Additional benefits include paid course fees and paid study time while gaining valuable skills and experience. Earn while you learn and kick-start your career with Lake Mac Council ABOUT THE JOB This exciting opportunity lasts up to four years, where you'll be supported to complete a Certificate III in Painting and Decorating. As an Apprentice Painter, you’ll gain hands‑on experience, develop technical knowledge, and build valuable skills while working toward a nationally recognised qualification. Ideally, we’re seeking a student entering their third year of study in 2026 who is eager to learn on the job. However, we’re also open to applications from new students who are passionate about starting a career in this field. You’ll be part of a collaborative team, contributing to the maintenance and improvement of Council’s building assets. Training will be delivered both on‑the‑job and through formal study at Maitland TAFE – Metford Campus. This entry‑level role is designed to nurture and mentor the successful candidate across all aspects of the painting trade. In this role, we will support you to: Learn on the job and perform tasks that help you meet the training requirements. Develop practical knowledge in painting and decorating, including surface preparation, patching, and tool maintenance. Work alongside experienced tradespeople, gaining a deep understanding of the trade in a team‑based environment. Provide excellent customer service to both internal and external stakeholders, representing Lake Mac professionally. Follow all Work Health and Safety (WHS) guidelines and responsibilities. The position is located at Lake Mac Council Works Depot at Boolaroo and involves travel to multiple areas within Lake Macquarie. You will be rostered to work between 6am and 3:30pm, Monday to Friday, and occasionally on weekends work with notice. Candidates who have completed a Cert III Painting qualification or higher may not be eligible to apply. WHAT WE OFFER Wages whilst studying towards a qualification starting from $611.50 per week (if 16 years of age), $719.59 per week (if 17 years of age), $841.02 (18+ years of age), plus 12 per cent superannuation. Payment of all course fees. Paid time to study and attend compulsory classes. Adverse Working Conditions Allowance per hour $0.51. Yearly pay increases. 38 hour working week with nine‑day fortnight. Four weeks paid annual leave. Mentorship and support from a team of qualified tradespeople in a supportive, empowering, innovative and collaborative work environment. Minimum of Year 10 High School Certificate (or finishing Year 10 this year). Interest in painting and furthering your career. Commitment to completing the training course requirements over 4 years. Enjoy working in a team. Good attention to detail and ensuring work area is kept clean and tidy. Hold a minimum of Provisional Driver’s Licence. HOW TO APPLY If this job sounds like you, we would love to hear from you Get your application in by midnight, Sunday 23 November 2025. Check out the FAQs and Guide to Applying before starting your application. Click the ‘Apply Now’ button below to start your application. You will need to upload a resume and provide responses to application questions based on the position statement. You will hear back from us by 24 November 2025, and interviews will be held 2 December. The position will commence in January 2026. If you need assistance with your application, any adjustments to be made to the recruitment process or if you would like to discuss any accessibility requirements, please contact Isabelle Field, Early Careers Advisor for a confidential discussion on or via email or click here for more information. Our people shape the future of our city. We’re proud of our city and the work we do to make our city even better for the community, and we know you will be too. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating a safe and inclusive workforce that empowers our staff to be creative, innovative, bold and most importantly – to be yourself We welcome and encourage applications from all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, the LGBTIQ+ community, refugees, and people with disability. We understand the skills and attributes veterans can bring to our Council. As part of the recruitment process, prior to an offer of employment being made, recommended candidates may be subject to a medical assessment which may include alcohol and other drugs testing. #J-18808-Ljbffr