p
rofiles:
universities, employers & students working together
UWS WINTER VACATION PROjECT MONASH UNIVERSITY GIPPSLAND
Participating in a Winter Vacation Project,
CAMPUS COOPERATIVE EDUCATION PROGRAM
University of Western Sydney (UWS)
Monash University Gippsland campus
Bachelor of Design student Alexandra De
has set up an innovative Cooperative
Bonis found herself taking an all-expenses-
Education Program to assist selected
paid trip to photograph Melbourne’s iconic
students gain relevant work experience
trams, streets and architectural wonders.
and professional development training.
This was part and parcel of Alexandra’s four-week
Under the program – a joint initiative
project to develop the overall look and branding
of the University and Gippsland Group
for transport operations and safety company
Training (GGT) – regional employers assist
RMAus. Alexandra left RMAus with the legacy of with the skills development of students
a photographic library, which will be used for the by providing opportunities for work
company’s website as well as future advertising,
experience that fit with the demands of
reports and publications. “Not only has Alexandra
students’ full-time studies.
created a brand image which can be utilised
across all reports, presentations and marketing
Through specific support and mentoring from all
materials, but she has also injected new life and
parties, selected students have the opportunity to
fresh perspectives into the office,” said Michael
build strong work-ready skills to match the local
Wyatt, Consultant Quality Systems at RMAus. “The
labour market needs.
industry placement programs are excellent – we
Year 12 graduates applying for undergraduate
have now hosted six UWS students, and plan to
courses at the campus are eligible to apply for the
continue to support the programs.” Alexandra said
Cooperative Education program. The selection
the experience enabled her to develop a portfolio
of applicants is based upon a range of criteria,
of professional design work.
including personal skills and motivation as well as
UWS Careers & Cooperative Education’s industry
academic and non-academic achievement.
placement programs have been linking high
The students’ work placements are secured by
achieving students with organisations for
GGT and they play a vital role in the success
more than 10 years. In addition to longer term
of the program, by establishing appropriate
employment programs, the unit offers a suite
partnerships with local businesses and
of vacation programs which allow students to
organisations and ensuring their needs are met.
gain paid, degree-relevant work experience;
The regional employers fund the program to
obtain valuable industry contact; and ‘road test’
enable the students to receive a salary during the
their chosen career. For many students, the
life of the program. The employment experience
opportunity to “bring knowledge to life” in real-
is spread over three years with 10 days allocated
life work situations is one of the highlights of
in the first year, 15 days in the second year and six
studying at UWS.
months in third year.
By Leanne Findlay, Careers Liaison & Communication Officer,
Careers & Cooperative Education
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