Organisations across the Hunter region are being encouraged to consider hosting University of Newcastle students through Work Integrated Learning (WIL) placements that link industry projects with student research.
The placements are part of the university’s Career Ready Placement program and provide businesses with an opportunity to involve students in real work while gaining new perspectives on technical challenges.
Through the program, students can contribute to projects related to renewable energy, solar technology, energy storage, sustainable fuels or recycling processes that reuse waste materials.
Access to emerging talent and university expertise
Hosting a placement can provide businesses with access to students who bring current research knowledge and analytical skills into industry settings.
Students work alongside host teams while also being supported by academic supervisors, creating a connection between businesses and university expertise.
For many organisations, placements also create an opportunity to assess potential future employees who already understand the company’s projects and operating environment.
TRaCE scholarship supports regional placements
To make it easier for students to work with regional organisations, the Trailblazer for Recycling and Clean Energy (TRaCE) program is offering a $4,000 scholarship for participating students in relevant fields.
The funding helps cover study costs and encourages students to undertake placements with organisations outside major metropolitan areas, including businesses across the Hunter.
These placements focus on projects connected to clean energy and recycling, areas where many Hunter organisations are already active or exploring new opportunities.
Flexible arrangements for industry hosts
The placement structure is designed to suit the needs of host organisations, with timing and duration able to be tailored to individual projects or operational schedules.
