Grow here

From apprentice to project lead, Jesse’s journey shows where a strong start can take you.

Jesse Wisselo’s career at PMHC spans more than a decade, and it all started with an electrical apprenticeship in 2013. While completing his Certificate III in Electrotechnology, Jesse went the extra mile and added a Certificate IV in Industrial Electronics and Control. From there, he steadily worked his way through a variety of roles across Water and Sewer Operations.

By 2018, Jesse had stepped up as a Team Leader, later coordinating our Headworks team and eventually managing more than 17 staff across bulk water and construction. All the while, he continued his studies - completing a Certificate III in Water Industry Operations and recently finishing a Bachelor of Civil Engineering (Honours) in 2024.

Now a Project Manager based at HQ, Jesse combines deep operational knowledge with formal engineering expertise to lead infrastructure projects that support our growing region,

"Doing my apprenticeship at Council gave me real, hands-on experience, working on live infrastructure and seeing the direct impact our work had on the community. It laid the foundation for everything I’ve done since - from further study in civil engineering to managing capital projects today."

Jesse lives in Port Macquarie with his young family and is a great example of what’s possible through our Entry Pathways Program.

Trying different roles helped Danika find her place and build a career she’s proud of.

Danika joined PMHC in March 2024 as a trainee in Procurement, completing a Certificate III in Business while gaining hands-on experience in contract management. From supporting stakeholder engagement meetings to keeping supplier documentation in check, she played a key role in keeping things running smoothly behind the scenes.

After six months, Danika stepped into the Development Assessment team to cover a maternity leave position, before taking on an alternative duties opportunity as a Financial and Commercial Support Officer. It was a perfect fit - and soon became a permanent role.

Now, Danika’s role supports a wide mix of teams across the organisation. From assisting the Executive Lead Finance & Commercial Operations, to helping with procurement, finance, asset management, the Airport, the Lab, and the Glasshouse, no two days look the same, and that’s exactly what she enjoys.

“The Entry Pathways Program opened doors I didn’t expect. I’ve felt supported to grow and encouraged to try new things from the beginning.”

Danika’s story is a great example of how the Entry Pathways Program can help you explore different directions, build confidence, and find your place in Council life, even early in your career.

From apprentice to technical specialist - Sam’s career is proof that learning never stops.

Sam began his career with PMHC through a 4-year electrical apprenticeship, gaining his Certificate III in Electrotechnology and completing a Certificate IV in Industrial Electronics and Control. The Entry Pathways Program gave him a solid foundation in hands-on infrastructure work and the flexibility to study while applying his learning in real time.

After completing his apprenticeship, Sam launched his own electrical business, took on a teaching role at Newman Senior Technical College, and worked across the Hunter and Newcastle region. In 2021, he returned to PMHC, then briefly stepped into a management role at Kempsey Council, before rejoining PMHC again in 2025.

Now a Telemetry Instrumentation Technical Officer, Sam works with complex systems like SCADA, telemetry, and instrumentation - the invisible tech that helps keep our region’s water and sewer networks running.

“PMHC gave me a strong foundation, and the flexibility to grow my skills in so many directions. Every day is a chance to learn something new, the Entry Pathways Program is a great place to start and build a long-term career.” 

Sam’s journey shows how the Entry Pathways Program can support long-term growth, open doors to new opportunities, and help people find their way back to a workplace that values learning and real-world experience.

From trainee to team leader in under two years - Jade’s story is rooted in growth.

Jade Rosiak joined PMHC in November 2022 as a Parks and Gardens Trainee. Having already completed a Certificate III in Conservation and Land Management, Jade signed on to complete a Diploma of Horticulture. Jade’s previous studies meant she was able to transition into a cadetship, a first for Council at diploma level.

Jade spent her first year at PMHC with the gardens team before rotating to the mowing crew, gaining valuable hands-on experience and building strong working relationships along the way. In May 2024, Jade secured a permanent role as a Natural Resource Management Field Officer - and just two months later, stepped into her current role as Team Leader.

Although her diploma is currently on pause, Jade plans to pick it back up when the time is right. For now, she’s proud of how far she’s come and how quickly her team is growing around her.

“I’ve had to build the team and train others while still learning myself, but the practical experience has been invaluable. I work with great people who make being a team leader enjoyable.”

Jade’s journey is a great example of how the Entry Pathways Program can help you turn practical experience into leadership, and shape a career with real impact.