Information for Employers
There are three key ways organisations may take part in the RMIT Business Work Integrated Leaning Program.
Cooperative Education Program (Co-op)
Co-op runs for a minimum of two semesters (34 weeks) to a maximum of 12 months and is a paid position. This enables companies to trial prospective employees, temporarily fill vacant positions and play a role in preparing the future workforce.
Voluntary placements
Voluntary placements offer the student the opportunity to gain discipline-related experience in industry while simultaneously contributing to the not-for-profit world. These placements range in length from one course in a semester to a full semester.
Industry projects
Industry projects are usually offered in a dedicated Work Integrated Learning course (over a period of one semester) and are required to be related to the student’s field of study. Companies who wish to avail themselves of student expertise for a specific project may check to see their availability from specific disciplines such as marketing, management and entrepreneurship.
Apart from the value the co-ops bring to us during their co-op year those co-ops who've remained with Nortel have developed and grown into fully fledged marketing and sales professionals who are now at the leading edge of their profession.
David McDermott (General Manager Nortel, Australia)
Cooperative Education (Co-op)
Benefits
Employers participating in the Cooperative Education Program benefit from:
- High calibre and motivated students who will bring new ideas to their organisation at a pre-graduate salary
- A strategic alliance with RMIT Business
- RMIT staff who develop recruitment and employment strategies, offer on-site support and promote the organisation to students and the wider RMIT community.
- Reduced recruitment and training costs; many students return as graduates to their co-op employer
- Students covering special projects, prolonged staff absences or long-service leave
- A choice of two recruitment periods
Requirements
Requirements to be considered relevant employment a co-op placement must:
- Be full-time (35-40 hours per week)
- Offer the student experience in a project related to their studies
- Provide supervision by an experienced manager
- Meet current minimum employment requirements regarding rate of pay and employment conditions
- Most students are employed for 12 months but placements that are two semesters (13 weeks each semester) are possible.
- The students are expected to commit to the terms of the employment contract in relation to the length and requirements of the placement.
Employer responsibilities
Employers are requested to provide:
- A position description when advertising the vacancy
- Normal employee benefits and conditions, including pay at an appropriate industry rate; (generally around $25,000 - $40,000 pa)
- Adequate induction/training/supervision to perform tasks of the position
- Supervision of the student to monitor progress and liaise with the academic mentor; as required
- Some support to assist student in meeting the needs of the assessment
- Feedback to the student at the end of the placement
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
A list of frequently asked questions by other employers, to hopefully answer any questions you may have.
Employers guide to Cooperative Education
The employers guide to Cooperative Education has been provided so you know what is happening every step of the way.
Further information
Industry Projects
Industry-based projects are generally conducted in the context of a course devoted to Work Integrated Learning. They may range from market or other business research projects…
Contact Us
Contact details of the WIL staff.