Information for hosts
Overview
The Faculty of Architecture and Building (ABP) Internship Program is offered to eligible students from our postgraduate course Master of Construction Management enabling them to gain an authentic placement in industry relevant to their studies. This program aims to equip students to further progress their professional skills by applying their postgraduate technical knowledge within a workplace environment in conjunction with the Internship subject (ABPL90434) supporting professional development. Internships are conducted individually under supervision of an industry supervisor and a dedicated member of our academic staff. ABP are committed to supporting host organisations and students to achieve success. Students have the opportunity to secure their own internship or to apply to a range of internships negotiated by the University each semester.
How does it work?
Students can choose an internship subject offered in their university degree course. As well as attending seminars on campus, students are required to complete an unpaid industry placement. The internship lasts for a minimum of 20 days (or the equivalent part-time over 16 weeks). Do you have projects or ideas that need assistance or expertise to get started? Have you ever wondered how to contact students who are studying in your field of work? We have enthusiastic students who would love to help out for a couple of weeks.
Duration and dates of the internship
Internship involve approximately 340 hours taken over a 4‐15 week period during University semesters.
Students may complete the internship on a full time or part time basis.
- Summer ‐ Early December – late February
- Semester 1 – Early March – late June
- Semester 2 ‐ mid July – Late October
What can you expect from an intern?
Students engaged in the ABPL90434 Internship subject will typically be in the later stages of their master’s degree, actively seeking additional professional development in their chosen field prior to graduating. As part of the academic component of the Internship subject, students will be regularly reflecting on their own personal professional growth and adaption to a workplace environment. Students will complete a range of graded academic assessment including a career case-study, reflective essay on the placement, and a class presentation, which are all assessed by the academic coordinator of the subject.
What is expected of an internship host?
Each student undertaking an internship will need to be supervised by a staff member from within your organisation whom is a technical expert in that area (depending on the project) who can provide the student with expert support in regards to their day to day activities whilst on placement. This supervisor should continue to discuss the students’ performance with them throughout the placement either informally (through conversations) or formally (within meetings and in writing) when appropriate. Supervisors are expected to complete a brief evaluation, covering attendance, diligence and outcomes in consultation with the student.
The host is required to ensure a workplace that is free from discrimination and harassment.
Financial matters
Internships are paid or unpaid, they are covered by the University’s insurance via a Vocational Placement Letter Agreement (VPLA) which requires signing. Organisations may alternatively offer a student a stipend payment whereby the organisation offers a nominal amount invoiced by the University which is then transferred to the student as a studentship payment. The University covers insurance under a VPLA.
The Host organisation is expected to also maintain appropriate Public Liability insurance.
Commercial considerations
Agreements
As the internship placement forms a component of study embedded in ABP curriculum, internships through ABP’s Internship Program satisfy the requirements of a ‘professional placement’ as defined under the University’s Professional Placement Policy, Procedure and Guidelines.
For all internships, a formal placement letter agreement must be signed by the relevant University supervisor and an authorised signatory of the host organisation. Three possible agreements are available, depending on the nature of the agreed internship. Once a payment arrangement is determined, ABP will arrange and send you a copy of the appropriate placement agreement to review, sign and return prior to the student commencing their internship to ensure they are covered whilst on site.
Workers compensation and insurance
The University maintains Public Liability and Professional Indemnity insurance that covers any liability of the University and the student in relation to the Placement, this covers students on unpaid placements. The Host organisation is expected to also maintain appropriate Public Liability insurance.
Intellectual Property and Privacy
As mandated by Australian legislation, University staff and students must ensure the non‐disclosure of Host organisations’ confidential information accessed during the period of the Placement. This is further detailed in sections B and D of the PPLA and VPLA Agreement’s and ABP are happy to discuss further if clarification is needed.
Occupational Health and Safety
Host organisations must have a commitment to safe work practices, such as a formal Occupational Health and Safety Plan, and must comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (Vic) 2009. Any disagreements, incidents or near accidents must be reported promptly to the Industry Placement Coordinators.
Support from the University of Melbourne
The University of Melbourne will offer our support to you and your staff from the early stages of formulating a suitable position through to the end of the student’s placement. If you would like to participate in the Internship program, please contact
Student Enrichment, Industry Placement Team: abp-internship@unimelb.edu.au