La Trobe University has attained $15, 000 of funding through the Higher Education Equity Support Program to establish the Rural Careers Access: Online Employer Portal for Shepparton Students project.

Val Sandeman, Manager, Employer Liaison said 'the concept for the Online Employer Portal was developed to assist students utilise closer networks with their local employers'.

With 70% of Shepparton students working in their communities after completing their degree, the portal will open pathways to students and help address the need regionally for local businesses to employ rural students in the workforce.

The Portal, to be operational from the beginning of July will see employers given the ability to extend their ongoing relationship with La Trobe University through the development of graduate programs, mentoring opportunities, work placement projects and ongoing employment.

For students it will allow them the opportunity to explore the chance to develop a career locally.

Shepparton Campus Director, Liz Lavender is pleased to have the resources to provide students with information about those local businesses who wish to engage with the University, its students and graduates.

'It provides local employers with the opportunity to promote their businesses to the La Trobe community at no cost and gives hope to our students about their potential to make a difference within their own communities.'

Ms Lavender also announced Janet Congues, a La Trobe Arts Graduate from Shepparton Campus as one of the developers of the Online Portal.

'Janet is a successful student who has worked as a Drought Recovery Officer at Greater Shepparton City Council, while living with her family in Nathalia and studying her honours degree in Sociology here in Shepparton.'

Anyone wanting more information about the Online Employer Portal for Shepparton Students, please contact Janet Congues, Employer Liaison Officer, La Trobe University Shepparton Campus, 03 5821 8450.