Information for Employers

Organisations taking part in the RMIT Business Work Integrated Leaning Program may select the best option for their company.

You may select a student from one of the following programs:

Co-operative Education Program which 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 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 and provide an avenue for students to specifically apply their discipline-related skills.

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.

More specifically, employers participating in the Co-operative Education Program benefit from:

high calibre and motivated students who will bring new ideas to their organisation at a pre-graduate salary
a choice of two recruitment periods
a strategic alliance with RMIT Business
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
RMIT staff who develop recruitment and employment strategies, offer on-site support and promote the organisation to students and the wider RMIT community.

Most students are employed for 12 months but placements that are two- semesters (13 weeks each semester) are possible. Students are expected to commit to the terms of the employment contract in relation to the length and requirements of the placement.

Relevant or suitable employment for a co-operative education placement is defined as professional employment focusing on the operation of a business or organisation. To be considered relevant employment a co-op placement must:be full-time (35-40 hours per week)

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

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

The programs in the Business Portfolio from which employers can seek students for co-op and voluntary placements are:

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