When Lake Macquarie’s Ebony Rose was making sandwiches for her local takeaway store six months ago she had no idea where she’d end up in the future.

But, fast forward to now and the 18-year-old is making the city a better place for more than 200,000 people.

Ebony is one of 22 new recruits in Lake Macquarie City Council’s Education to Employment (E2E) program.

It’s an initiative aimed at providing career pathways for high school graduates and other young people in the local community.

The former Lake Macquarie High School student, and her E2E colleagues, will spend the next 12 months rotating through various roles at Council, getting hands-on experience and getting paid to study for nationally recognised qualifications.

“I was working at Subway and then a shoe shop before here, but that was pretty much to pass time and get money – do what you need to do to survive,” Ebony said.

“But this has come along and really struck my interest. It’s all new to me, but I like the idea of working outside and working in a team.

“You get to be close to other people and build a bond with them, and I’ve always wanted that.”

As one of seven female E2E participants recruited into positions designated for women in non-traditional roles, Ebony said she wanted to eventually go into the mines to work.

Talent acquisition coordinator Penny Howell said the program was helping break down gender barriers.

“Diversifying outdoor roles that were once almost exclusively the domain of men improves workplace culture, improves results and creates a more inclusive and rounded workforce,” she said.

This year’s intake also includes five positions for people of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander background. Of the 52 current E2E participants, almost 20% identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.

Kyle Saunders, 26, jumped at the chance when he learnt of the program.

The proud Gamilaroi man played rugby league for Manly Sea Eagles under-18s and under-20s and was a teacher’s aide working with Aboriginal students at Maitland High School before taking up his new position.

“When I finished high school, I went into labour work and I wanted to get back into it,” Mr Saunders said.

“I like being outside and meeting new people, so when the opportunity came, I went for it.”

Go to lakemac.com.au for more information on the E2E program.

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