Co-Operative Education Model
The Co-operative Education Model
with Federation University Australia
At GBS Recruitment, we are proud to support The Co-operative Education Model by connecting students, local businesses, and education providers across Gippsland.
Our goal is simple: create meaningful, work-ready outcomes for students while helping regional businesses access emerging talent.
Supporting Gippsland
Through Practical Pathways
The Co-operative Education Model is a leading initiative that blends academic learning with real-world experience. As Gippsland’s leading regional recruitment agency, GBS Recruitment plays a key role in strengthening this connection.
We work closely with:
- Federation University to enhance student placement success
- Students seeking relevant, career-building opportunities
- Local businesses looking to access motivated, emerging talent
How GBS Recruitment Supports the Co-operative Education Model
End-to-End Recruitment
Support for Businesses
We can manage the full recruitment process on behalf of Gippsland employers, including:
- Advertising placement opportunities
- Candidate screening and shortlisting
- Interview coordination
- Placement and onboarding
This ensures businesses receive high-quality, pre-qualified students aligned to their needs—saving time and reducing risk.
Flexible Payroll
Solutions
For businesses that already have a preferred student or candidate, GBS offers a simple and compliant payroll solution.
Through our discounted partnership model, we:
- Employ the student directly through GBS Recruitment
- Manage payroll, superannuation, and compliance
- Reduce administrative burden and employment risk for the host business
This provides a low-risk, flexible engagement model while ensuring students are paid correctly and supported professionally.
Connecting Students
with Real Opportunities
We actively support students by:
- Identifying suitable placement opportunities across Gippsland
- Matching roles to their field of study and career goals
- Providing guidance and support throughout the placement process
Our strong regional network allows us to open doors to opportunities that may not be publicly advertised.
Employment Advice,
Awards & Compliance
A critical part of any placement is ensuring the engagement is structured correctly.
GBS Recruitment provides expert guidance on:
- Appropriate pay rates aligned to industry standards
- Applicable Modern Awards and classifications
- Conditions of employment, including hours, overtime, and allowances
- Ensuring all placements are compliant with current workplace legislation
We help businesses understand their obligations and ensure students are engaged under the correct award, with all relevant conditions and entitlements clearly defined—protecting both parties and minimising risk.
Strengthening Regional Engagement
One of the key challenges in regional placement programmes is connecting students with the right local opportunities.
GBS Recruitment bridges this gap by:
- Leveraging deep relationships with Gippsland employers
- Promoting The Co-operative Education Model across our established client base
- Encouraging businesses to participate in structured placements
This helps ensure the programme continues to grow and deliver long-term value to the region.
Benefits for All Stakeholders
For Federation University
- Improved student placement rates
- Stronger engagement with Gippsland industry
- A trusted regional delivery partner
For Students
- Access to meaningful, career-aligned placements
- Real-world experience in local businesses
- Ongoing support from a professional recruitment team
For Businesses
- Access to emerging talent pipelines
- Reduced recruitment and administrative burden
- Confidence that all employment arrangements are compliant and correctly structured
- Flexible, low-risk engagement options
Partner with GBS Recruitment
GBS Recruitment has been supporting Gippsland businesses and workforce development for over 30 years. Our partnership with Federation University strengthens our commitment to building a skilled, sustainable regional workforce.
Whether you’re a business, student, or education partner, we’re here to help make industry placements simple, effective, and successful.
Get in touch with our team today to learn more about how we can support your involvement in The Co-operative Education Model.