Work experience

Each year we host a large number of students from secondary schools and tertiary institutions.

Before applying, have a look at the rest of our website for an overview of what happens at Edendale to be sure we are suited to your interests and needs.

Secondary school students

General work experience - CLOSED

Due to high demand from early applications and with the imminent launch of the Edendale Youth Volunteer Program, all 2025 work experience placements are now on hold.

Structured workplace learning

Anyone can apply, however, preference will be given to students who have a connection the Nillumbik area.

We have limited structured workplace learning placement opportunities for secondary students studying a recognised VCE VET programs in one of the following areas -

Animal Studies
Agriculture

These placements are for one term on Friday mornings, 8.30am to 12.30pm.

Horticulture
Conservation and Ecosystem Management

These placements are for one term on Friday mornings, 9.30am to 12.30pm.

Please complete the enquiry form below to express your interest in a work experience place.

SWL Application Form

First name * (required)

Last name * (required)

Phone number * (required)

Email address * (required)

Which school do you attend * (required)

We are funded by Nillumbik Shire Council and as such we have a requirement to offer a preference to students who have a connection to Nillumbik. Please let us know of your connection to Nillumbik, if any * (required)

Please indicate which VET course you are doing * (required)

Animal Studies
Agriculture
Horticulture
Conservation and Ecosystem AMnagement

Structured Workplace Learning is for several hours ONCE a week for a term

Please indicate your preference

Animals/ag - Fridays 8.30am - 12.30pm
Horticulture/conservation - Fridays 9.30am - 12.30pm

Which term is your preference? * (required)

Why do you want to come to Edendale for Work Experience?

What experience have you had with animals / or horticulture?

Are there any tasks you don't feel comfortable or confident doing?

Do you have any allergies?

How do you feel about working independently, with minimal supervision? This would only happen after you have been trained properly.

Have you any limitations or do you see any challenges? This information is needed so that we can plan your jobs on the farm and know how we can best support you.

Is there any other information you think could be relevant in assessing your suitability?

Privacy Collection Notice Nillumbik Shire – Edendale Farm is collecting information for the purpose of completing and contacting you for your enquiry. The personal information you provide will not be shared without your consent unless we are permitted or required to by law. You have the right to access & correct your personal information. Enquiries for access should be made to the Privacy Officer 9433 3271 or privacy@nillumbik.vic.gov.au .

Please note - if you want to work with the Edendale animals you will need to complete a few additional steps:

1. Read through both these documents for more information about doing work experience with farm animals.

2. Complete the form below, including all the required signatures.

Working with animals form(DOCX, 69KB)

3. Email the form to us at edendale@nillumbik.vic.gov.au.

Tertiary student placements

Anyone can apply, however preference will be given to students who have a connection to the Nillumbik area.

Tertiary students are welcome to apply for a placement related to their field of study and requirements of their course. We will offer placement if suitable. Please note we can only offer 36 hours (one week) per student.

As part of Edendale's Child Safe Policy it is now a requirement that all university and TAFE students over 18 years old hold a valid Working with Children Check card. This is a free check - for more information please go to the Working With Children Check website.

Complete the enquiry form and we will contact you to confirm availability and what might be possible, depending on your needs.

Enquiry form

Tertiary student placement enquiry form

First name

Last name * (required)

Phone number * (required)

Email address * (required)

Please note - We do not take students who are studying on-line courses where the majority of the assessment is done on placement. Coming to Edendale for placement provides you with a good overview of both a community farm with a range of animals plus a horticultural enterprise. Being a public Local Government venue, we do not allow students to conduct extensive filming or photography for assessment purposes.

Course and Institution details * (required)

We can offer Tertiary Students a variety of option to meet your needs. It is best to discuss these direct with staff. However, it is not always possible for us to meet all your placement time requirements. We can offer for instance ONE FULL WEEK of placement working on the farm, or 3 hours per week working in the nursery for an extended period of time.

What time requirements do you need to be met? Do you have any preferred dates in mind?

What specific areas of study are most relevant to your time at Edendale.

Why do you want to come to Edendale for Placement?