Internships are increasingly part of the transition from studying to employment. However, it is important that internships deliver real opportunities for students to develop professionally to enhance their employment prospects, and to increase their value to industry in the long term.
We have developed an internship program that delivers benefits at every level. An intern's presence in your business allows them to receive broad learnings about your business in general, the world of professional work as well as contribute to your business objectives. Businesses can leverage off our financial incentive to get in-house projects off the ground, and industry is enhanced by the quality of graduates each year.
The program
Member organisations can employ an undergraduate or postgraduate student with the educational background to support a specific project in their business. While the project can cover any industry or subject, the project must have measurable outcomes to provide interns a clear opportunity to develop industry skills.
Sourcing interns
As part of the recruiting service, the Victorian Chamber works with our university partners to source internship candidates with the educational background to contribute to your project objectives. Contacting, interviewing and making an offer to a preferred candidate is the responsibility of the member organisation.
Hiring costs
Like any employment relationship, members must pay interns at the relevant award rate. To assist with the costs of paying the intern's wages, the Victorian Chamber provides a placement contribution of $3200 (for placements commencing after 1 July 2019). Please note that there are a limited number of Internship Program contribution payments available each year.
Employer obligations
If you are unsure of your employment obligations or have any concerns, including minimum wage requirements, please access detailed information from our Workplace Relations Advice Line on 03 8662 5222.
Hours
The length of the internship is capped at 120 hours. The hours can be made up through full-time, part-time or casual work at any time of year. We usually find our members spread the work over a period of eight to ten weeks during semester. Typically, interns are available for two days during semester and up to five days during semester breaks. On many occasions, members have such a great experience with their intern that they decide to extend the employment relationship beyond 120 hours. That’s a great outcome for all involved however please note that like arrangements are external to our program.
Project Supervisors
Prior to commencing the internship, member organisations need to identify a Project Supervisor. The role of this individual is to provide the intern daily guidance and support while they are working on the project. The Project Supervisor needs to have a suitable leadership style, as well as the time and resources to invest with the intern and their project.
Membership
The Internship Program is available to members of the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Melbourne Chamber of Commerce. If you are interested in learning more about member benefits or becoming a member, contact our membership team or view further information online.
University students
The Victorian Chamber Internship program helps students develop their professional skills and improves the transition from student life to the world of work. Working as an intern gives students real exposure to day-to-day experiences in their chosen field.
The internship program provides:
- Paid work experience that relates to a students field of study and/or career goals
- Essential skills that employers are looking for in new employees
- Career development, networking, personal and professional development opportunities
The program is open to current domestic students of any of the participating Victorian universities (listed below). As per Fair Work requirements, this program is not suitable for vocational placements that are part of formal studies.
If you are a student interested in gaining valuable work experience as an intern, visit your university's careers service to learn if they are currently recruiting for the Victorian Chamber Internship Program.
University partners
The Internship Program has partnered with Victoria's leading universities to source students with the educational background and professional skills to contribute to member projects as an intern.
