Economic Development Cadet
At Wollongong City Council, we continuously strive to create an Extraordinary Wollongong for our community. We focus on the delivery of exceptional services, infrastructure and facilities for our community. Our aim is to work toward the community's goals in the Our Wollongong Our Future Community Strategic Plan 2035.
Wollongong is a great place to work, live and play! Together, our responsibility is to create an inclusive community where everyone is welcome, valued and belongs. Our strength is the diversity of our people.
We lead with courage, openness and curiosity and believe our employees are the key to our success. Learn more about us here.
The Opportunity
As an Economic Development Cadet, you'll work with Council's Economic Development team to support projects that help strengthen and diversify the Wollongong economy. The team works on a range of initiatives, including supporting small businesses, attracting investment and jobs, and delivering outcomes for the Wollongong Local Government Area.
You'll gain practical experience while contributing to economic development projects, research, analysis and stakeholder engagement. This cadetship is designed for someone who has completed the equivalent of one full time year of study in Economics, Business or a related degree, and is eligible in 2027 to enter their second year of study.
What you will be doing
- Supporting economic development projects and initiatives.
- Researching and analysing economic data and trends.
- Preparing written, visual and verbal information.
- Working with teams across Council.
- Supporting engagement with internal and external stakeholders.
- Helping identify opportunities for economic growth.
- Contributing ideas and solutions to local economic issues.
About you
- Has completed the equivalent of one full time year of study in a Degree in Economics, Business or a related field and is eligible to enter their second year of study in 2027.
- Has a genuine interest in economics, business and the Wollongong economy.
- Demonstrates strong analytical, research and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret data and identify trends.
- Has well developed written, verbal and digital communication skills.
- Is reliable, self motivated and takes ownership of their learning and professional development.
- Works effectively as part of a team and builds positive working relationships with others.
- Has strong organisational skills and can manage competing priorities to meet deadlines.
- Adapts well to new challenges, changing priorities and different work environments.
- Demonstrates attention to detail and a commitment to producing high quality work.
- Seeks and responds positively to feedback from mentors, supervisors and colleagues.
- Has a commitment to understanding and applying Work Health and Safety principle
Learn more about our learning pathways program and the benefits of working at council HERE
Why you'll love working at Wollongong City Council!
- True work-life balance
We know you work hard, and we make sure that effort is rewarded with real flexibility. Our hybrid work options, flex-time, and rostered days off mean you can maintain balance while delivering great outcomes.
- Great working conditions
Enjoy a 35-hour work week or a 9-day fortnight with a regular rostered day off (RDO).
- Career growth and recognition
We are committed to supporting your personal and professional development. Our initiatives include a reward and recognition program, corporate learning opportunities, study assistance, and leadership development programs to help you grow and succeed.
- Generous leave provisions
Benefit from five weeks of annual leave per year (pro rata) and access long service leave after just five years.
- Health, safety, and wellbeing
We prioritise a safe workplace for everyone, every day, everywhere. Our wellbeing programs support mental, physical and social wellbeing of our people to be at their best and include an Employee Assistance Program, skin and hearing checks and discounted gym memberships.
- A vibrant social culture
Join our Social Club for monthly activities, an annual trivia night, and fantastic Christmas events!
Participate and engage in meaningful work, and contribute to our extraordinary community, where together we make a difference.
For more information, click on 'Apply' to be redirected to Wollongong City Council's job vacancy page.
Applications close 11:59pm Sunday 23 August 2026.
We invite everyone to apply no matter your identity, you'll be welcome. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people who are culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD), people with disability and veterans.
Wollongong Council adheres to the principles of a child safe organisation and is committed to the care and protection of all children and young people in the community.
Applicants are required to undergo a rigorous employment screening process which will include Reference, Identity and Medical History Checks, and may also include a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check and Working with Children Check. Employment is subject to clearance of all these checks.
