AFS & Associates Chartered Accountants (AFS), a leading regional accounting firm, has partnered with La Trobe University to tackle the skills shortage in regional Victoria. AFS provides local and international students valuable career opportunities through internships, placements, and employment.

Partnership at a glance

• AFS partners with La Trobe University to provide career opportunities for local and international students through internships, placements, and ongoing employment
• The collaboration helps address regional workforce shortages and contributes to economic development in Bendigo
• Work-integrated learning ensures students gain practical skills that count towards their university qualifications
• International graduates benefit from flexible work arrangements that support visa transitions and permanent residency applications

A strategic collaboration

Nestled in the heart of Victoria, Bendigo is a thriving regional city known for its strong business community and commitment to economic growth. Here, industries such as accounting and professional services face a pressing need for skilled talent. Recognising this challenge, AFS has joined forces with La Trobe University to create a structured pathway for students to develop their careers in their region.

As one of the largest accounting firms in Bendigo, AFS plays an important role in fostering local talent and addressing workforce shortages. Chloe Pyke, AFS People and Culture Manager, champions this initiative as a way to invest in the next generation of professionals. The collaboration takes many forms, including career fairs, internships, and ongoing part-time employment, enabling domestic and international students to integrate academic learning with hands-on experience.

"We take any opportunity that we can get in front of students, whether or not that be business or accounting students, to speak about what it's like to work in the industry," said Ms Pyke.

From student placements to employment

The collaboration between AFS and La Trobe University offers opportunities for students to gain practical experience and transition into employment. AFS provides short-term internships lasting up to 12 weeks, where students work about three days a week to gain hands-on experience in an office environment. These internships help students understand industry expectations and develop professional skills.

Beyond internships, AFS hires both undergraduate and graduate students in part-time roles that allow them to balance their studies while working. These ongoing placements provide continuity in learning and development, enabling students to build deeper expertise and integrate seamlessly into the firm's operations. Many students transition from these placements into full-time roles upon graduation, making the program a key talent pipeline for AFS.

"We bring students straight into our business," Ms Pyke said. "We employ first, second, and third-year students in permanent, ongoing roles and allow flexibility for them to study and work."

AFS provides mentorship from experienced professionals, many of whom started as graduates themselves, helping students build confidence, workplace skills, and industry-specific expertise. "Many of our team members started as graduates as well, so they have lived that experience to be able to work and study at the same time," she said.

A key aspect of the partnership is work-integrated learning, which ensures students' work at AFS counts towards their university qualifications.

AFS also actively supports international students and graduates by offering flexible work arrangements that align with visa requirements and providing employment opportunities that allow them to apply for permanent residency independently.

“There are many advantages in hiring international graduates,” Ms Pyke said. “They bring diverse perspectives, strong work ethics, and a willingness to contribute to regional communities.”

Strengthening the regional workforce

The partnership between AFS and La Trobe University significantly benefits students and the broader community. For AFS, this collaboration enables the company to develop its own talent, ensuring that new hires align with its values and culture. Ms Pyke says the benefits of the collaboration are twofold. "We can teach them the way we want them to learn and help them develop into professionals who not only understand the technical aspects of the job but also embody the values and culture of our firm," she said.

AFS's partnership with La Trobe University demonstrates how regional businesses can address skill shortages while also providing valuable career opportunities for students, including international graduates. The program plays a crucial role in retaining talent in Bendigo, decreasing the chances of skilled professionals moving to metropolitan areas. This retention supports AFS's growth and strengthens the regional economy by keeping highly skilled workers within the community.