Chance for prospective bankers to gain experience

WESTPAC will next year offer places in a new regional graduate program, with Bendigo as one of the options.

The regional program builds on the bank’s existing graduate and summer intern program and will offer placements at 10 key regional centres.

Westpac business and wealth group executive Paul Fowler said the program is focused on creating meaningful training, development and employment opportunities for talented local people.

“We want to invest in the next generation of leaders and have built a program that’s more than just jobs, focusing on building careers and supporting communities,” Mr Fowler said.

“The program has been designed to give graduates hands-on experience with the opportunity to get on premise to meet with customers and support with financial and credit analysis.

“By providing more tailored experiences with personalised support we can help fast-track career pathways for talent in these regions. We’re also providing more flexibility to choose where they want to launch their careers.”

Graduates can choose to be based in Bendigo, Ballarat, Rockhampton, Toowoomba, Townsville, Wagga Wagga, Tamworth, Orange, Naracoorte or Launceston, where they will undertake four, three-month rotations with Westpac’s regional and agribusiness team.

Participants will gain experience and training in lending, portfolio management, credit risk, strategy and environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices within the two teams.

“The best part of my job is being able to work and support local farms and regional businesses within my own community,” said Westpac’s regional general manager for central Victoria and Gippsland, Mandy Hehir.

“It’s exciting to be able to provide local graduates with training and career opportunities in their home regions.

“Nurturing local talent and supporting the next generation of leaders in regional communities is critical to ensuring they continue to thrive.

“This is a unique opportunity for local graduates to gain real-world experience, develop their skills, and support business growth in their communities.”

The graduate program is available to students in their final year of university studies or who have completed either an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in the last three years.

Westpac’s central Victoria and Gippsland regional manager Mandy Hehir described the regional program as a unique opportunity for local graduates.