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Bass Coast Shire Council traineeships open pathways to local careers and opportunities

Bass Coast Council’s 2026 traineeship program supports seven trainees with practical experience, qualifications and career pathways. Applications for 2027 are expected early next year, with opportunities showcased at Phillip Island September expo.

By news@gippsland - 14th August 2026 - Back to News

In March 2026, Bass Coast Shire Council welcomed 7 new trainees as part of its annual traineeship program. Delivered in partnership with Westvic Staffing Solutions, the program provides local people with the opportunity to gain practical workplace experience while studying towards a nationally recognised Certificate III in Business through Integrity Business College.

People and Culture trainee Caitlin and former trainee Ruby spoke with students, job seekers and career changers at the Bass Coast Jobs and Careers Expo in Wonthaggi, sharing their experiences and highlighting how traineeships can provide a pathway into local government careers

Trainee program benefits

Over 12 months, trainees develop valuable workplace skills, build professional confidence and gain a firsthand understanding of local government. They also contribute to projects and services that make a real difference in the community. This year's trainees are working across a diverse range of council teams:

• Arts, Culture & Heritage - Aerin
• Building Services - Lloyd
• Customer & Visitor Experience - Laura
• Financial Services - Frishta
• Information Technology & Business Systems - James
• People & Culture - Caitlin
• Tourism & Business Development - Winter

Westvic's Gippsland consultants support both council and trainees throughout the program, assisting with recruitment, onboarding, mentoring and traineeship administration. Council's traineeship program reflects an ongoing commitment to developing local talent, creating meaningful employment pathways and supporting the future workforce of the Bass Coast region.

Whether you're a student, first-time job seeker, career changer or looking for a new local opportunity, the Bass Coast Jobs and Careers Expo is a great place to explore what's possible.

Career Pathways Expo

The expo is organised by council's Business in Bass Coast team, including Tourism and Business Development Trainee, Winter, and brings together employers, training providers and industry representatives to showcase local career opportunities and pathways.

Representatives from Westvic Staffing Solutions, council's traineeship partner, attended the Wonthaggi expo and will also be available at the upcoming Phillip Island event to answer questions about the traineeship program and career pathways into local government.

While applications for council's 2027 traineeship intake are expected to open in early 2027, now is the perfect time to start thinking about your future career, explore your interests and learn more about the opportunities available across Bass Coast.

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Bass Coast Shire Council's 2026 trainee cohort at their official welcome in March. Back row: (L-R) Leah Baud, Organisational Development Partner, Donna Taylor, General Manager Future Places, James, Caitlin, Laura, Lloyd, Greg Box, CEO, Patrick Dillon, General Manager Innovation and Engagement. Front row: (L-R): Winter, Frishta and Aerin

Bass Coast Jobs and Careers Expo - Phillip Island

To learn more about employment and traineeship opportunities at Bass Coast Shire Council, visit www.basscoast.vic.gov.au/careers or come along to the Phillip Island Jobs and Careers Expo. View more details via 2026 Bass Coast Jobs and Careers Expo - Phillip Island page.

Pictures from Bass Coast Shire Council website.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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