Skip to main content

Site navigation

  • University of Technology Sydney home
  • Home

    Home
  • For students

  • For industry

  • Research

Explore

  • Courses
  • Events
  • News
  • Stories
  • People

For you

  • Libraryarrow_right_alt
  • Staffarrow_right_alt
  • Alumniarrow_right_alt
  • Current studentsarrow_right_alt
  • Study at UTS

    • arrow_right_alt Find a course
    • arrow_right_alt Course areas
    • arrow_right_alt Undergraduate students
    • arrow_right_alt Postgraduate students
    • arrow_right_alt Research Masters and PhD
    • arrow_right_alt Online study and short courses
  • Student information

    • arrow_right_alt Current students
    • arrow_right_alt New UTS students
    • arrow_right_alt Graduates (Alumni)
    • arrow_right_alt High school students
    • arrow_right_alt Indigenous students
    • arrow_right_alt International students
  • Admissions

    • arrow_right_alt How to apply
    • arrow_right_alt Entry pathways
    • arrow_right_alt Eligibility
arrow_right_altVisit our hub for students

For you

  • Libraryarrow_right_alt
  • Staffarrow_right_alt
  • Alumniarrow_right_alt
  • Current studentsarrow_right_alt

POPULAR LINKS

  • Apply for a coursearrow_right_alt
  • Current studentsarrow_right_alt
  • Scholarshipsarrow_right_alt
  • Featured industries

    • arrow_right_alt Agriculture and food
    • arrow_right_alt Defence and space
    • arrow_right_alt Energy and transport
    • arrow_right_alt Government and policy
    • arrow_right_alt Health and medical
    • arrow_right_alt Corporate training
  • Explore

    • arrow_right_alt Tech Central
    • arrow_right_alt Case studies
    • arrow_right_alt Research
arrow_right_altVisit our hub for industry

For you

  • Libraryarrow_right_alt
  • Staffarrow_right_alt
  • Alumniarrow_right_alt
  • Current studentsarrow_right_alt

POPULAR LINKS

  • Find a UTS expertarrow_right_alt
  • Partner with usarrow_right_alt
  • Explore

    • arrow_right_alt Explore our research
    • arrow_right_alt Research centres and institutes
    • arrow_right_alt Graduate research
    • arrow_right_alt Research partnerships
arrow_right_altVisit our hub for research

For you

  • Libraryarrow_right_alt
  • Staffarrow_right_alt
  • Alumniarrow_right_alt
  • Current studentsarrow_right_alt

POPULAR LINKS

  • Find a UTS expertarrow_right_alt
  • Research centres and institutesarrow_right_alt
  • University of Technology Sydney home
Explore the University of Technology Sydney
Category Filters:
University of Technology Sydney home University of Technology Sydney home
  1. home
  2. arrow_forward_ios ... Newsroom
  3. arrow_forward_ios ... 2018
  4. arrow_forward_ios 07
  5. arrow_forward_ios From Apprentice to Local Government Executive

From Apprentice to Local Government Executive

16 July 2018
Daniel Buckens photo

The latest Institute for Public Policy and Governance Postgraduate Scholarship* recipient and Master of Local Government student, Daniel Buckens, found his passion for local government over 20 years ago. During his career, Daniel has risen from apprentice to manager, and now has his sights set on executive roles. Having engaged in many roles and projects over the years, Daniel is the perfect example of how diverse a career in local government can be.  

Can you tell me about your career?

I started in local government as a trades apprentice, and have been able to work my way up through the structure to higher positions up to the manager level. Local government has given me opportunities and skills to develop from being a tradesperson right through into engineering and management roles over my 20 years of employment in local government. I am now at that point in my career where I am looking to take the next step into director/executive role.

How and why did you become interested in studying local government studies at postgraduate level?

I was looking to undertake further study to broaden my career prospects within local government to achieve the next career goal. Whilst undertaking a short course provided by the Institute for Public Policy and Governance, it was explained what other study options were available, that was what sparked the interest in undertaking the Master of Local Government. I had explored a number of different options across both the engineering and business disciplines and considered that this course was best aligned with what I was trying to achieve in advancing my career within local government. What the course offers is a broader understanding of local government and provides the skills required to be an effective leader underpinning theory, principles, concepts and values of the public service. 

Why did you choose to study at UTS?

I previously completed a Graduate Certificate in Engineering at UTS, and have undertaken short courses offered by the Institute. Given the affinity with the University and the offering of a course in my area of interest, I couldn't think of a better place to continue my learning. In addition, the method of delivery and units offered was a huge part of the decision.

What do you hope to accomplish while completing your degree?

I’ve only just started the degree and have already gained a deeper understanding of what local government is and local government’s role across the various areas in which we provide services contributing to the creation of public value.  I am working full-time whilst undertaking study, and I am hoping the way the course is delivered I can apply my learning to the benefit of my organisation whilst completing my degree. 

How do you plan on using your studies to achieve your future career plans?

The main motivation of undertaking the Master of Local Government was to gain skills and knowledge to further progress my career. I have technical qualifications, and I was looking for something that would stand me out from the crowd - and I think the Master of Local Government provides just that. 

*scholarship no longer available

Share
Share this on Facebook Share this on Twitter Share this on LinkedIn
Back to Archived News

Related News

  • From Climate Change and Bees to Studying Policy

Acknowledgement of Country

UTS acknowledges the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation and the Boorooberongal People of the Dharug Nation upon whose ancestral lands our campuses now stand. We would also like to pay respect to the Elders both past and present, acknowledging them as the traditional custodians of knowledge for these lands. 

University of Technology Sydney

City Campus

15 Broadway, Ultimo, NSW 2007

Get in touch with UTS

Follow us

  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • YouTube
  • Facebook

A member of

  • Australian Technology Network
Use arrow keys to navigate within each column of links. Press Tab to move between columns.

Study

  • Find a course
  • Undergraduate
  • Postgraduate
  • How to apply
  • Scholarships and prizes
  • International students
  • Campus maps
  • Accommodation

Engage

  • Find an expert
  • Industry
  • News
  • Events
  • Experience UTS
  • Research
  • Stories
  • Alumni

About

  • Who we are
  • Faculties
  • Learning and teaching
  • Sustainability
  • Initiatives
  • Equity, diversity and inclusion
  • Campus and locations
  • Awards and rankings
  • UTS governance

Staff and students

  • Current students
  • Help and support
  • Library
  • Policies
  • StaffConnect
  • Working at UTS
  • UTS Handbook
  • Contact us
  • Copyright © 2025
  • ABN: 77 257 686 961
  • CRICOS provider number: 00099F
  • TEQSA provider number: PRV12060
  • TEQSA category: Australian University
  • Privacy
  • Copyright
  • Disclaimer
  • Accessibility