Sixteen graduates have officially joined a illustrious alumni roll from diverse industry backgrounds across the Ballarat region.

But this cohort was the first to graduate as Future Shapers.

The revamped and rebranded Committee for Ballarat program, formerly known as Leadership Ballarat and Western Region leaders' forum, has stepped up a hands-on approach for participants to put leadership experience and lessons into action.

Ms Jackson, Committee for Ballarat's leadership program lead, said key changes such as participant-lead program days and community projects were more in line with sister programs across the state. This offered different ways for participants to really grow personally and professionally.

"We've been looking for opportunities during the year to do the 'doing' of leadership, learning opportunities and challenges to experience negotiation, teamwork and problem-solving skills," Ms Jackson said.

"..We have tried new things this year. We encouraged all Future Shapers to be curious and have the courage to experiment. We're thrilled with the results and the way the group has engaged with the program."

IN OTHER NEWS

The traditional leadership trip to Canberra, retreats and a visit to Hopkins Correctional Centre remained key program features.

Participant groups organised four experiential program days, drawing on frontline community workers and ambassadors to explore issues in Ballarat of homelessness, interculturalism, renewable energy and healthy, active living - including a bike tour from City of Ballarat chief executive Evan King.

They also collaborated on projects to tackle homelessness, explore multi-purpose infrastructure opportunities in Clunes and develop life skills programs, such as car maintenance for youth.

Future Shaper Owen Harris said the group projects took him out of his comfort zone as an engineer.

"The projects have a lot of power behind them but they're also a lot of work," Mr Harris said.

"I was in the group looking at multi-use infrastructure in Clunes and it was a really different type project for me, compared to my work."

Fellow Future Shaper Kasey Cornwell said the program challenged her to learn more about her strengths.

"I've also made lots of friends and networks with people I might not have previously run in to but we had common goals and that helped bring us together," Ms Cornwell said.

"...The total refresh and rebranding of the program had real benefit and I think sounds healthier. I encourage anyone to apply and be open to doing the program for themselves."

Apply for Future Shapers 2022 until December 17 via committeeforballarat.com. Scholarship details are available from Thursday.

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