To address local employment needs and create meaningful opportunities, the Mornington Peninsula Shire launched a Traineeship Program in partnership with Chisholm Insitute. The program aims to set trainees up for success with the combination of practical experience and a formal qualification. What’s in it for local businesses? Fresh talent and the opportunity to nurture a highly skilled, adaptable workforce.
The traineeship program offers participants, who range from school leavers and return-to-work candidates to professionals seeking a career change, 12 months of paid professional experience paired with a Certificate III in Business. Working across a range of Shire departments, trainees have the opportunity to develop practical and transferable skills, receive mentorship and gain valuable insight that comes with hands-on experience. This helps them build professional connections and provides a strong foundation for their next career move.
The 2024 cohort is made up of six trainees, set to graduate in February 2025. Trainees are supported with a week-long induction, the appointment of a Homebase department, a mentor and a supervisor, as well as regular Professional Development days and Trainee Tribe meetings.
Organisations and teams that work with trainees also get a lot out of it: “as the trainee has learnt new things and grown, so have I – and the organisation has benefitted from the new skills both of us have obtained along the way”, observes a trainee supervisor from the Shire’s Customer Experience (CX) team, Jen Novotny. Existing staff have the opportunity to mentor and develop new leadership skills, and in turn are energised by the eagerness and fresh perspectives that trainees bring to the table. “Our cohort of trainees were enthusiastic, curious and willing to learn new things which made them a great asset for the teams that hosted them”, the Shire’s CX Project Manager, Jane Piotrowski shared.
Traineeships are often subsidised (as was the case with the Shire, who qualified for the Hiring Incentive). This is a great cost-effective way for an organisation to trial potential long-term employees who have been trained in the specific skills relevant to its needs and strategic goals. Programs like this can also strengthen the reputation of an organisation as an inclusive, community-focused employer, boosting their status as an employer of choice. Upon completion of the traineeship, graduates are strongly encouraged to apply for any suitable roles within the Shire, further demonstrating trust in the program and an appreciation for the value that trainees bring.
The growth experienced by both stakeholders and trainees is remarkable, extending beyond professional development to personal growth as well.
Lucy Willis, Employment Pathways Lead at Mornington Peninsula Shire
For trainees, the value lies in the opportunity to gain exposure to different career fields and team dynamics in professional settings, as well as build on a mix of technical and interpersonal skills. Whether it’s improving capabilities in communication, strategic problem-solving or adaptability, they are building on transferable, workplace-ready skills that will make them more employable and give them a competitive edge. As an added benefit, rotational placements provide an introduction to a variety of fields and can help to clarify career interests and goals.
Participants are well supported with one-on-one mentoring and offered a safe environment in which to give and receive feedback, reflect on their professional growth and build confidence and decisiveness. Sally Basset, a mature-age trainee in the 2024 cohort describes the experience as “truly life changing”, pushing her out of her comfort zone and providing her a unique opportunity to study, earn money and gain practical experience at the same time. During this time, trainees also network and collaborate with stakeholders within and outside of the organisation, allowing them to establish professional connections for future employment opportunities.
The traineeship has been a transformative experience for me… The on-the-job learning far exceeded my expectations, enabling me to develop skills I never imagined I could acquire without formal industry education. I am deeply grateful to have been part of this traineeship, which has opened doors and shaped my future in ways I’ll always be extremely thankful for.
Airlie Hogan, 2024 trainee and recently appointed Business Support Officer at the Shire
Hiring graduates of a program like the one delivered by Mornington Peninsula Shire and Chisholm offers significant advantages to local businesses. Trainees have learnt how to apply their skills and knowledge in a range of different work contexts, and how to meaningfully engage with a mix of stakeholders. They can bring discipline, reliability, and fresh ideas to the table, presenting an opportunity to reinvigorate your team and business. This can lead to increased productivity, innovation and competitiveness.
Trainees come equipped with a range of transferable skills and a robust blend of technical expertise and practical experience, making them likely to succeed in a dynamic professional environment. Their already developed understanding of workplace behaviours, expectations and commitments ensures a seamless integration into a new role. This can make the onboarding process faster and smoother, saving time and resources.
Beyond skillset and competence, employing former trainees demonstrates a business’s commitment to fostering professional growth and investing in the community. This has the potential to enhance a business’ reputation among customers and stakeholders and attract like-minded employees and clients, allowing businesses to position themselves as leaders in social and economic responsibility.
Content first published December 2024, reviewed February 2026
