Frequently Asked Questions

IBL is hosted by a variety of organisations including small to large companies, government and not-for-profit sectors and local and international companies. 'Tips on Sourcing IBL Placements' are provided by the IBL Office.

IBL is usually taken in the year prior to the final year of study. As a Faculty of Life and Social Sciences student, you remain eligible for IBL until you have less than 4 units remaining to complete your course. You cannot participate in IBL if you have already finished your studies. Generally you will have access to the IBL Preplacement Unit (from which you can apply for placements) in the semester prior to being eligible for IBL.

Yes. Students that are interested in a placement within a specific organisation may find their own position as long as the organisation is considered appropriate by the Faculty. Students are asked to discuss their placement ideas with the Faculty Cooperative Education Manager before contacting any organisation.

The Industry Partner, as outlined in the Position Description. Placements are related to an area of study or discipline and operate similar to regular jobs.

IBL units of study (HSW050/055) are assessed as pass/fail. Assessment requirements are outlined in the IBL Handbook and in the Unit Outline. Assessment comprises reports and completion of the placement, and is aimed at helping you develop a portfolio which can be used to promote your employability upon graduation.

There are no guarantees of placements for all eligible students. Industry partners interview and select successful applicants. Additional factors which may impact upon IBL placement availability include economic climate, organisation budgets and competitive processes

The optional year of Industry-Based Learning in Australia is not available to International Students without permanent resident status. However IBL may be possible for International Students in a student's home country or other country subject to approval by the appropriate IBL Manager.

Students enrolling in an IBL unit will incur a Student Contribution Fee: $3,000 for a 12 month placement or $1,500 for a 6 month placement. Students eligible for HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP will be able to defer this fee through the HELP scheme. Remember that IBL also enables you to earn a significant payment.

The Careers in the Curriculum unit provides you with advice about producing professional job applications and strategies for job seeking. If you have not completed this unit, you are able to seek assistance from Swinburne's Careers & Employment Unit on how to write an effective cover letter and resume as well as how to present and prepare for an interview. You are able to make use of the daily resume checking service.

The difference is related to how an industry partner elects to engage an IBL student. From a practical point of view, you are treated similar to an employee in both instances. Under IBL Scholarship mode, funds are provided by the industry partner to the University which then administers the scholarship payments to the student. Direct Hire students are on a salary, equivalent to the relevant Modern Award Rate or Minimum Award Rate as applicable and are paid directly to the student through the organisation's payroll.

Approval may be obtained to study one unit whilst on placement. Refer to the Faculty Overload Policy.

Upon completion of a placement, students are normally expected to return to university to complete their academic studies, either on a full-time or part-time basis. If offered an employment opportunity, arrangements are negotiated between the student and the organisation and any post-IBL employment contracts or agreements are quite separate from the IBL placement.

The cost to IBL industry partners is the payment made to students, plus relevant on costs if engaged via direct hire. IBL students employed direct by industry partners are paid subject to the relevant modern award or minimum wage. For more information about particular awards/industries/occupations common rule awards, visit: http://www.e-airc.gov.au/crvic. Industry partners Students engaged via IBL Scholarship mode receive tax free scholarship stipends in accordance with Tax Ruling CR2006/3. Industry partners are not charged for IBL program administration costs.

Funding for the IBL Scholarship is provided by the Industry Partner to the University who then administers the scholarship stipend to the student. You should check for taxation implications. Direct Hire students are on a salary, which is administered by your organisation.

Placements are usually offered for either a 6 or 12 month period. The choice is yours. Placements within this Faculty are full-time.

Generally students are available to commence IBL placements either in the period from December to March or July to August, following exams. This enables students to complete the academic requirements for their course.

IBL is offered by a variety of local organisations including small to large companies, government and not-for-profit sectors as well as national and international organisations.

The Industry Partner provides a position description outlining the nature of work to be undertaken while in the position. Positions are related to the students' area of study or discipline.

IBL is usually taken in the year prior to the final year of study. This ensures that IBL students have the skills appropriate to the tasks being set and that they have a chance to apply knowledge and skills learned at University to practical situations.

As an industry partner, you are required to appoint an Industry Supervisor or mentor for the student during placement and ensure that the student gains relevant experience and operates in a safe environment.

Over a 52 week placement, students are required to attend the placement for 48 weeks. The remaining four weeks can be negotiated with the Industry Partner and are to be taken as leave. In addition, students are entitled to ten days personal leave. Any additional absences may result in a temporary suspension of the placement. Industry Partners are required to notify the IBL Manager only if a student is absent for longer than ten days or three consecutive days without a medical certificate

Insurance issues relating to student placements are a joint obligation between industry partners and Swinburne. Swinburne's 'Personal Accident Insurance - Student' policy covers students who are on IBL placement.

Upon completion of a placement, students are normally expected to return to university to complete their academic studies, either full-time or part-time. If students are offered further employment, study may be completed part-time. This is negotiated between the student and employer and is quite separate from the IBL placement.