Through a combination of La Trobe Industry Projects and student placements, Prompcorp - an integrated facilities management (IFM) and property services company - has accessed fresh thinking to solve business challenges, supported major business initiatives and built connections with emerging professionals who are ready to contribute from day one.
The partnership demonstrates that organisations don't need a one-size-fits-all approach to engaging university talent. Whether the goal is solving a complex business problem or building capability within a team, there are different ways to work with La Trobe that deliver value for both employers and students.
Solving real business challenges through Industry Projects
As Prompcorp continues a significant digital transformation, the organisation looked to La Trobe University's Industry Projects program to help tackle genuine business priorities.
Through the program, student teams worked on two projects central to the company's transformation roadmap: a War Room bid intelligence dashboard and an ERPNext bid-tracker extension.
"We wanted a structured way to bring emerging talent onto genuine business problems rather than manufactured exercises," says Fan Zhang, Head of Digital & AI at Prompcorp and Jarrah Group.
"These weren't side projects. The thinking and prototypes the students produced have shaped how we now approach bid intelligence and pipeline visibility."
For Fan, one of the greatest strengths of the Industry Projects model was seeing students quickly develop business context while applying their technical knowledge to real organisational challenges.
"Students gain authentic industry experience, and we build a talent pipeline that already understands how we work."
The projects also highlighted outstanding emerging talent. Fan says student Turki Khalaf A Alajmi stood out for his understanding of the business requirements, strong communication, and ability to deliver against the project plan.
“His grasp of the overall business requirement and his execution against the project plan were excellent, and his communication was clear and well established throughout - exactly the qualities we hope to see in a future professional.”
Reflecting on the overall experience with students, Fan says the partnership struck the right balance between academic rigour and business relevance.
"What stood out was how well the (Industry Projects) program balanced academic structure with real-world relevance. The cohort model genuinely accelerated the students' learning, and we'd be glad to continue the partnership."
Building business capability through student placements
Alongside Industry Projects, Prompcorp has also welcomed La Trobe students on placement across their Human Resources and Work Health and Safety departments.
Unlike project-based engagements, placements embed students within business teams, allowing them to contribute to day-to-day operations while gaining practical industry experience.
Human Resources student, Alyssa Marazita, completed a three-month placement providing support across onboarding, recruitment, data analysis, injury management, performance management, learning and development, Fair Work conciliation and grievance resolution.
Her supervisor, Ana Tosheski, Head of People & Culture, says Alyssa quickly became a valued member of the team.
“Alyssa showed passion for Human Resources, a strong willingness to learn and great adaptability. She was always reliable and resourceful, and demonstrated problem-solving abilities, a positive attitude and outstanding interpersonal skills. We would not hesitate to hire Alyssa if ever given the chance.”
In Work Health, Safety, Environment and Quality (WHSEQ), student Olivia Baxendale supported several important initiatives. This included the implementation of SafetyCulture, a new digital platform for hazard and incident reporting, while reviewing workplace health and safety legislation across Australia and New Zealand.
"Olivia was instrumental in helping get the SafetyCulture platform to its current stage, demonstrating strong digital capability, attention to detail and initiative throughout," says Lisa Nolan, WHSEQ Supervisor.
"Hosting students provides a great opportunity to support industry development while bringing fresh perspectives into the workplace - we would welcome another (student)."
For Olivia, the placement transformed classroom learning into practical capability.
“Beyond reviewing WHS legislation, I have strengthened my risk awareness through hands-on exposure to how my host organisation manages safety compliance and reporting. This has helped me understand not just the theory of risk, but how it is actively monitored and controlled in a workplace.”
Different pathways, shared benefits
Prompcorp's experience demonstrates that La Trobe offerings each have distinct advantages, while sharing a common outcome: connecting organisations with emerging talent to solve real business challenges and meet organisational needs.
Industry Projects provide fresh thinking on defined challenges, supported by academic expertise and delivered by multidisciplinary student teams. Placements embed students within organisations, providing additional capability while helping develop work-ready graduates.
Prompcorp continues to build on both models, hosting a new cohort of La Trobe students across WHSEQ, Finance, Human Resources and Creative Business Writing while exploring future opportunities for project collaboration.
“We have enjoyed creating meaningful work-integrated learning opportunities for these La Trobe students and are very keen to continue this partnership,” says Laura Omar, People and Culture Manager, Prompcorp.
For organisations considering partnering with La Trobe, the message is simple: there are flexible ways to engage that can be tailored to your business needs - whether you're looking to tackle a strategic project, build team capability or connect with future employees.
Partner with La Trobe
If you're looking to solve a business challenge through an Industry Project or host a student on placement, La Trobe Talent can help connect your organisation with talented students ready to make a real contribution.
La Trobe Talent works with employers to identify the best engagement model, connect organisations with students and provide support throughout the partnership.
To learn more about Industry Projects, student placements and other opportunities to partner with La Trobe, visit the La Trobe Talent website, contact La Trobe Talent at latrobetalent@latrobe.edu.au or submit an Expression of Interest.
For broader La Trobe University industry engagement opportunities, contact industry.engagement@latrobe.edu.au
