Internship boost for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students

Internship boost for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students

RMIT's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students will have increased access to paid internships thanks to a new agreement with CareerTrackers, an Aboriginal-led not-for-profit organisation.

RMIT is one of the first two universities in Australia to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with CareerTrackers.

Professor Gary Thomas, RMIT's Pro Vice-Chancellor for Indigenous Education, Research, and Engagement, said the agreement demonstrates the University's commitment to Indigenous student success.

"Our goal is to provide Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students with meaningful and culturally safe, industry-partnered learning opportunities that help them achieve their goals at university and beyond," he said.

RMIT's Indigenous Student Centre, Ngarara Willim, has worked with CareerTrackers for nearly a decade, with 34 students securing internships. 

"This new agreement will strengthen our ties. CareerTrackers will work more closely with our students and the Ngarara Willim team to create meaningful paid job opportunities, preparing students for success in their careers," Professor Thomas said.

Deadly Alumnus Stuart Robb shares his leadership journey at the MOU launch Deadly Alumnus Stuart Robb shares his leadership journey at the MOU launch.

RMIT Deadly Alumnus Stuart Robb is among the 34 students who have benefited from CareerTrackers. He said his internship boosted his leadership journey, giving him the confidence to hold his own in a room with leaders. Stuart is a Bachelor of Business graduate and an experienced Indigenous mining and investment professional.

RMIT’s Senior Manager, Indigenous Education Nicole Shanahan and Indigenous Industry Engagement Coordinator Levi Foster were among those celebrating the MOU. RMIT’s Senior Manager, Indigenous Education Nicole Shanahan and Indigenous Industry Engagement Coordinator Levi Foster were among those celebrating the MOU.

CareerTrackers CEO Adam Davids said the organisation is helping support more Aboriginal role models in the corporate world. He reflected on how, when he was growing up, the Aboriginal role models presented to him were mainly from the sporting world.

"Through this partnership, RMIT and CareerTrackers are creating a path for First Nations students to succeed now and ensuring more Indigenous professionals take on leadership roles in the future," Davids said.

"This change is crucial, as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples earn 67 cents for every dollar earned by other Australians and have half the superannuation balance," he said.

Celebrating the new partnership, CareerTrackers donated an artwork, Establishing Credentials by award-winning artist Blak Douglas, to RMIT. It will hang proudly in the Ngarara Willim Centre. 

08 September 2025

Share

Return to RMIT News
08 September 2025

Share

Engage

Related News

rmit-midsumma-march-1220x732.jpg

RMIT becomes Midsumma Festival Major Partner

RMIT is proud to partner with Australia’s leading LGBTQIA+ arts and cultural festival as it marks 30 years of the Midsumma Pride March – one of many events celebrating pride and unity.

Sneaky Sound system

RMIT community comes together to celebrate the Class of 2025

With Sneaky Sound System setting the scene and honorary degrees awarded to two outstanding leaders from the art and business communities, the 2025 RMIT Melbourne Graduation Ceremony was full of highlights.

Louise-Adams-2025Graduation-1220x732px.jpeg

Louise Adams recognised with honorary doctorate at 2025 graduation

RMIT has awarded Louise Adams, Aurecon Chief Executive Officer, the Doctor of Business honoris causa, acknowledging her leadership in engineering, gender equality and Australia’s partnership with Vietnam.

Maree_Clarke_2025_Graduation_1220x732.jpeg

RMIT proudly awards honorary doctorate to Maree Clarke

Distinguished artist Maree Clarke is the recipient of the Doctor of Arts honoris causa, in recognition of her exceptional leadership and impact on southeast Australian Aboriginal art and cultural practice.

Show more
aboriginal flag float-start torres strait flag float-start

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

More information