Students placements
When placed with an organisation, the student is expected to:
- Pay their own travel costs to and from the organisation each day
- Negotiate a work schedule with the supervisor
- Arrive promptly for work and discuss in advance any necessary schedule changes with their supervisor
- Work to acquire the knowledge and abilities necessary to carry out the responsibilities outlined within stated realistic time lines
- Exhibit professional behaviour and interact appropriately with supervisors, other staff and the employer's clients
Costs
Working Solutions is offered at no cost to the student.
Students will be required to meet the cost of their transport to and from the host organisation and other miscellaneous cost such as lunches.
All work related expenses will be met by the host organisation.
Visa's
Students will also need to meet the costs associated with obtaining 'Permission to Work' rights on their student visa. Students may be asked to provide evidence of their permission to work prior to the commencement of any placement.
Information regarding how to apply for permission to work is available online from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (open an external page).
Insurance
Students who participate in Working Solutions are insured for public liability through UTS. In addition, UTS provides students with personal injury cover, in case of injury during placement. This insurance is provided at no cost to the host organisation.
Organisations participating in Working Solutions also need public liability insurance before hosting a student.
Preparation Program
The Working Solutions Preparation Program is compulsory for all students and must be completed before the commencement of any placement. The Program briefs students about what they can expect on the placement and informs students about important issues such as Occupational Health, Safety & Welfare, discrimination, harassment and equal opportunity in the workplace.
Advertising Vacancies
Working Solutions vacancies will be advertised throughout the year to UTS International students through the Careers Service, notice boards and to students registered on the Working Solutions student database via the Working Solutions listserv.
A listing of the positions/projects available will be made available to interested students in the Careers Service. Interested students should also periodically refer to the Careers Service Jobs notice boards for opportunities.
Students are also encouraged to source and negotiate their own Working Solutions placements. Student initiated placements will require the endorsement of UTS prior to commencement.
Finding your own Working Solutions placement
As an alternative to the positions offered by Working Solutions, students can organise their own placements. Working Solutions placements may be identified through many different angles including; your own contacts, academic leads, professional associations and memberships and any other referrals available to you. Students should be aware that certain requirements need to be agreed prior to commencement and final approval is at the discretion of the University.
Advantages of finding your own placement include the ability target employers offering experiences specifically related to your course and area of interest or ability and you are in the unique position of being the only competitor for the placement.
Contact the Careers Service for information and handy hints to assist students find their own placement.
Application Process
Students can apply for Working Solutions by completing a student application form detailing current skills/abilities, previous experience and academic background. In addition, students are required to submit a short paragraph outlining their reasons for wanting the placement they are applying for and how this would assist their career development.
Interviews and Student Selection
Interviews will take place to select a student suitable for the requirements of the host organisation. Students may be required to submit a current copy of their resume for interview purposes. The Host supervisor can elect either to participate in the selection process for their organisation or to submit a project description and the Careers Service will shortlist a pool of suitable students for final selection. UTS Careers Service will contact successful and unsuccessful students to arrange and finalise placement details.
