Creating a new generation of workers at the City of Greater Bendigo

Our extended partnership with the City of Greater Bendigo since 2018 has been creating new pathways into employment for a generation of young people, and a sustainable pipeline of skilled and knowledgeable staff for the City of Greater Bendigo.

The picture above shows five women Elsa Wang, Chelsea Hill, Caitlin Van Dolderen, Katie Mansfield and Lily Andrews, who all commenced work with the City of Greater Bendigo through Traineeships supported by CVGT Employment Apprenticeships & Traineeships. It is inspiring to see the fruits of our partnership with the City of Greater Bendigo which has supported 83 individuals into one of 21 apprenticeship and traineeship courses through our Apprenticeship & Traineeship program. Both organisations consider it an investment in the future – a cost effective way to deliver long-term, positive development for the community.

Working with CVGT, we have been able to leverage their expertise and enhance the likelihood of our apprentices and trainees completing their qualification. They play a key role in addressing the youth employment rate in the Bendigo region
Kylie Cheal
People and Culture Manager – City of Greater Bendigo

Discover the stories of three trainees we’ve supported with the City of Greater Bendigo.

Elsa found a traineeship at the City of Greater Bendigo through CVGT Employment’s Apprenticeships & Traineeships program, where she works in the Community Grants Program within the Community Strengthening Team. Having moved to Bendigo in 2022, Elsa was not sure if her administrative experience overseas would translate or be recognised. She was also not confident speaking in front of people or handling customer enquiries over the phone or face‑to‑face.

“With support from my traineeship supervisors and team, I was able to practice, by chairing unit meetings and meeting customers alongside my supervisor. Over time, I became much more comfortable communicating with colleagues and the customers.
Elsa
CVGT Participant and Community Strengthening Officer, City of Greater Bendigo

Now Elsa is thriving in her role, having completed a Certificate IV in Business and gained hands-on knowledge and skills, including communication skills, community knowledge, Microsoft systems, and time management.

The best part is that it gave me the opportunity to step into the workplace and eventually secure an ongoing role after completing my traineeship.
Elsa
CVGT Participant and Community Strengthening Officer, City of Greater Bendigo

Starting her traineeship with the City of Greater Bendigo in February 2024, Caitlin embraced every challenge as an opportunity to grow. As a young single mother, she balanced full-time work and study while supporting a team dedicated to empowering young people.

I chose this traineeship to kickstart my career and gain real-world experience while studying – a perfect fit for me as a young single mother determined to reach my goals.
Caitlen Van Dolderen,
Business Administration Trainee,
City of Greater Bendigo

Since beginning her traineeship, Caitlin has moved from strength to strength, gaining a Certificate IV In Business while supporting the Yo Bendigo team dedicated to empowering young people, and winning the2025 Trainee of the Year and 2025 People’s Choice Trainee of the Year at the 2025 Apprentice Training Awards.

Katie, who is a business trainee working in the Yo Bendigo team dedicated to empowering young people, is enjoying the opportunity to study and gain a qualification while also earning money and gaining hands on experience from a supportive team.

The thing I love most so far is how amazing my team is, they have been so supportive, welcoming and loving to me. It has been nothing but amazing and it makes coming back to work so much easier.
Katie Mansfield
Business Administration Trainee, City of Greater Bendigo

The collaboration between CVGT Employment Apprenticeships & Traineeships and the City of Greater Bendigo has ensured a sustainable pipeline of skilled and knowledgeable staff, that has also lifted the employment participation rate of people aged 18-24.

We appreciate that CVGT Employment is an end-to-end service. They commence our trainees and apprentices, they look after the RTO, and they have a pastoral care facility as part of their service. Our trainees and apprentices are looked after from a business side, as well as a personal side, which enables them to fit into our teams seamlessly.
Greg Harris
Work Placement Officer – City of Greater Bendigo

Contact us today

Register your interest in becoming or employing an Apprentice or Trainee with CVGT Employment.

Fill out your details below and we will be in touch or call us on 132 848 if you have any questions.