The pair are part of an innovative nationwide program that will take top university graduates and turn them into teachers.

Sixty-seven graduates and professionals have been handpicked as the best in their field for the Teach for Australia initiative, which aims to attract inspirational teachers to disadvantaged areas.

Mr Holden completed a degree in international relations and Indonesian, while Mr Hogan studied creative writing and literature. 

Neither had any plans to become teachers, until approached by Teach for Australia. From February they will take on positions at local secondary schools.

Before they begin their teaching careers, they will spend the next four weeks at the Deakin University Warrnambool campus, with two weeks spent on intensive teaching programs and two weeks in local schools.

Deakin’s school of education has been awarded the tender by Teach for Australia to deliver the Master of Teaching in secondary schools across Australian states and territories for three cohorts of teachers, known as associates.

Deakin University associate professor Bernadette Walker-Gibbs said the initiative had the potential to change the way teacher education is delivered.

“It will be so good for the campus to host people over summer, a time that is traditionally quiet for the university,” she said. “It gives them an opportunity to experience our regional schools before being placed into schools more permanently.” 

The associates will participate in the program as part of their preparation for teaching in schools across Australia in February 2015.

Mr Hogan will move from Geelong to Warrnambool and teach English and humanities subjects to year 7 and 8 students at Hawkesdale P-12 College.

Mr Holden plans to relocate from Tasmania and will take on a position at Warrnambool College.

The associates will complete their Master of Teaching degree with support from in-school mentors.

The initiative is expected to bring increasing numbers of post-graduate students to Warrnambool over each of the next five years.