Applications for the fourth round of the  Community and Social Services Graduate Program are opening on the 17 November 2025.

To support the Community and Social Services sectors, VCOSS and the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (the department) are co-hosting an online information session for prospective employers to share more information and answer any questions about the Graduate Program, on:

8 Dec 2025 3pm -4pm via TEAMS
About the Program
The department is working with employers and peak bodies to pilot a new whole-of-sector graduate program for community and social services to build and develop the future skilled workforce. 
Investing in a rich and rewarding graduate experience will help us keep more new workers in the sector. It will also grow the skilled workforce that community and social services need to meet current and future demand. 
We know it can be difficult to support new starters to develop their skills and experience. By participating in the graduate program employers will have access to:
- a structured program with learning and development activities to improve retention of workers in their early years of employment
- funding to share in the cost of investing in early career workers

supported recruitment through the Graduate Resource Centre providing access to qualified graduates looking to start their career.
Round 4
- Applications for Round 4 will open on the 17 November 2025.
- Assessment of eligibility and graduate matching will take place between 17 November 2025 – March 2026
- The graduate program will commence in April 2026.
About the Victorian Council of Social Service
VCOSS is the peak representative body for Victoria’s social and community sector, and the state’s leading social advocacy organisation. We work towards creating a Victoria that is fair, just and inclusive. A society where nobody is trapped by poverty, and everybody is supported to live a life of wellbeing.
Auslan
Due to high demand, Victoria is experiencing a shortage of Auslan interpreters. VCOSS strives to ensure our events are inclusive to everyone and will do our best to secure Auslan interpreters. To help us do this, if you require Auslan for this event, please RSVP as soon as possible so that we can work with Expression Australia to secure interpreters. Contact Mary-Lou Proppe at VCOSS via email mary-lou.proppe@vcoss.org.au