Yarra Ranges Council, in partnership with the Outer Eastern Local Learning and Employment Network (OELLEN), wrapped up a pilot work experience program for secondary school students across the region on Friday, 27 June.
10 students from government schools, including Yarra Hills Secondary College, Mooroolbark College, Upwey High School, Monbulk College, Upper Yarra Secondary College, and Lilydale Heights College, took part in the five-day program, which gave them hands-on insight into the wide range of careers available within local government.
Throughout the week, students worked alongside experienced staff across multiple council departments, from planning and urban design to parks, trees, and trails – gaining a practical understanding of how local government serves its community.
“Yarra Ranges Council is passionate about supporting the next generation coming into the workforce. Work Experience gives students the chance to see firsthand the wide range of work that happens behind the scenes in local government,” Yarra Ranges Council, chief executive officer, Tammi Rose said.
“We’re delighted to welcome them to Council and help them build skills, confidence, and connections for the future.”
The program culminated in a celebration and presentation day on Friday 27 June, where students spoke to council staff and their peers about what they had learned.
OELLEN’s community engagement advisor, Chloe Williams said the program aligned closely with their mission.
“This work experience program was really important to us. It’s at the core of what we do, and we worked with schools right across the region to make sure students were aware of this opportunity and that the right young people could take part,” she said.
“At the start, the students were nervous and hesitant to ask questions. But by the final day, they were chatting to each other and council staff with confidence. They already seemed like a team. It was really lovely to see how beautifully they were welcomed into council.”
Yarra Ranges Council’s economic development officer, Nicola Woods said the program was designed to highlight the range of roles within council.
“We are the largest employer in the Yarra Ranges, so we have a bit of an obligation to our young people to offer opportunities like this and show them what’s possible,” Ms Woods said.
“We partnered with OELLEN because they’re the experts in this space. They have the school connections, and it’s been a great way to work with local organisations while supporting young people,” she said.
Ms Woods said she hoped students walked away with “a meaningful experience and some great examples of what a good employer looks like.”
“These young people will eventually become our future employees and employers. There’s a real opportunity for them to pay that forward in future,” she said.
During their presentations, students shared what they’d taken away from the experience.
“The council interested me because I wanted to see how the government deals with community and how they are able to connect and represent the community and fix issues. It’s a future pathway because there are so many jobs – waste collection, community management, building BMX tracks. It’s such a massive community and it’s incredible,” Upper Yarra Secondary College student, Jackson Edsel Watt said.
Aelwyn Cook, from Mount Evelyn Christian School, said, the thing she liked best was the sense of community in the work culture.
“It really helps the team work better and contribute more to the wider community,” she said.
Beau Dean Wade, from Yarra Hills Secondary College said, “It’s important for young people to understand what council is actually responsible for, so they can get involved and help make change. Also, you learn that people who work in council are just people – not some big soulless organisation.”
Luca, from Upwey High School, said he’d choose Sport and recreation if he could work in any department, because of his interest in sports and local facilities.
Students also reflected on how the experience helped them build real-world skills.
“Getting up early, getting into a routine, working with others – it gives us a taste of what it’s like to be in the workforce,” Jackson said.
“It helps you become more mature, responsible, respectful. And it makes you realise the workplace is made up of real people who care,” Beau said.
“This experience bridges school and council. You’re still learning, but it’s not out of a textbook. You’re responsible for yourself. It’s a big shift from school,” Aelwyn said.
With strong feedback from both students and staff, the program is being considered for future years.
Both Yarra Ranges Council and OELLEN hope this pilot marks the beginning of an ongoing initiative to support young people as they explore local career pathways and connect with their community.
