At just 26 years of age, Ms Wilkie last night became the employment and training organisation's youngest chairman.

Having gained a traineeship through Westvic in 2003, she is in the rare position of knowing how valuable support for young people looking to enter the workforce can be.

"Westvic supported me through my training and provided me with many invaluable opportunities for personal and professional development," Ms Wilkie said.

"Now I would like to give something back and do my best to help people, particularly young people, into employment.

"Our service can do a lot, especially in helping young people who are struggling to get their foot in the door. I will be encouraging Westvic to increase its contribution to providing employment and training services for young people."

In 2004 Ms Wilkie was named trainee of the year for the Hamilton region, capping the award with the Victorian trainee of the year title the following year.

She was appointed to the Westvic board in 2006 and capped her swift ascension at the organisation's annual meeting last night.

Ms Wilkie said she was keen to see Westvic Staffing Solutions continue to grow and respond to the needs of businesses and local communities.

"We will be implementing government programs but it is important that we be aware of how we can help local businesses to meet their employment and training needs."

Ms Wilkie completed year 12 at Baimbridge College in Hamilton in 2002 and took up an 18-month traineeship through Westvic in 2003 as an IT officer at the Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority (CMA).

In 2008 she became a waterway and wetland planner at the CMA and is now studying part-time for a bachelor of environmental science.

Ms Wilkie replaces Cobden Technical School principal Peter Rock as chairman of the board.