Industry-Based Learning
Frequently Asked Questions
Information provided here is general in nature. For more specific information, please refer to Contacts to find out what each Schools/Division offers. You can also visit the Ask George website for any questions about Industry-Based Learning
Is it paid and at what rate?
An important feature of IBL is the fact that it is paid at a rate appropriate to the level of duties being undertaken in the placement. Subject to the applicable Victorian Common Rule award, IBL salaries are approximately 70% of a graduate wage. There are variations to this in individual disciplines and industry sections.
Is it full-time?
Placements are usually offered as full-time positions.
Can International Students participate in IBL?
The optional year of Industry-based Learning in Australia is not available to international students without permanent resident status. However IBL is possible for international students in a student 's home country or other country subject to approval of the appropriate IBL coordinator.
How long is the placement?
Placements are usually offered for either 6 or 12 months.
Can I be placed overseas?
Students are encouraged to undertake overseas placements where these are available. The number of available placements is likely to increase as more links with overseas University partners are developed.
Further opportunities for overseas experiences are available through Education Abroard and the Australian Youth Ambassadors for Development scheme (www.ausaid.gov.au/outham). See your Cooperative Education Manager if your are interested in this scheme as part of your IBL experience.
Where are placements offered in Australia?
Placements are offered by employers in the Melbourne Central Business District, metropolitan and country areas of Victoria. Places may be offered interstate.
What types of organisations participate?
IBL is offered in a wide variety of organisations including the Government and Non-Government sectors, small to large companies and local and international companies.
Who determines what my duties are while on placement?
The host organization usually provides a position description or duty statement outlining the nature of work to be undertaken while in the position. Positions are related to an area of study or discipline.
Who determines whether a prospective placement is appropriate and meets IBL requirements?
The IBL Coordinator for each course will confirm whether a job offered by an employer is appropriate.
Can I expect a formal employment contract?
In many cases, IBL employers prepare contracts that are signed by the participating student and employer. In other cases, letters of employment offers are consistent with those normally issued to new employees in the organisation.
Who usually finds the IBL placement?
Most are found by the Course IBL coordinators.
Can I find my own position?
Yes. Where students have ideas about or contacts for specific organisations that may be deemed appropriate as host employers, students are required to discuss this with their IBL coordinators before contacting any organisations.
Do all eligible students who want an IBL placement get one?
There are generally no guarantees of placements for all eligible students, but every effort is made to place them.
When can I participate in IBL?
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. Study undertaken in the final year is usually enhanced by the IBL experience.
What help can I get with resumes and interview skills?
A number of resources are available to students.
The Careers & Employment Unit has developed four interactive programs to help with:
(1) Interview skills
(2) Identifying career related values
(3) Identifying career related skills
(4) Networking
Each program is free and should only take about 20 minutes to complete. They can be accessed by visiting the Careers & Employment website
These programs have been designed to encourage students to enhance their career planning and job hunting skills using a creative and fun approach.
You are also able to seek assistance from Swinburne's Careers & Employment
How to Guides for IBL Students
Cover Letter: How to write an interesting cover letter
Resume Writing: How to prepare a relevant resume
How to prepare for the IBL Interview: How to present and prepare for that interview
Assessment & Testing Centres: How some employers assess potential employees
Employer Expectations (PDF document)
Other Resources: How to get there and company information
IBL Contacts: Swinburne staff members who are available to help you
Can I do IBL after I finish my studies?
No
Can I continue to study part-time while on placement?
In some courses, approval may be obtained to study one (or more) subjects whilst on placement.
What support can I expect from the University while on placement?
Students on placement are allocated a Swinburne Supervisor by the University. They will visit the students at their workplace and support them as necessary. IBL coordinators are also available to discuss referred matters should this be required.
Can any Swinburne student participate in IBL?
In most courses, entry into the IBL program has certain eligibility requirements determined by the School or Division. These are usually based on academic results. At present students on temporary residence visas are unable to undertake IBL placements in Australia, due to current policies of the Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs. International students may be able to undertake placements in their home country, or elsewhere overseas.
What happens when I finish IBL?
Upon completion of a placement, students are normally expected to return to complete their academic studies. Sometimes, where students are offered further employment, (full or part-time) by their IBL host employer, study may be completed part-time. This is negotiated between the student and employer and is quite separate from the IBL placement. How part-time study is arranged, is determined by University policy and provisions relating to part-time study.
Is IBL a subject?
Yes, IBL has a subject code within the University which gives it subject status, although in most cases it will not constitute one of the subjects compulsorily required to complete a course. An IBL subject is passed/failed based upon assessment and recorded in a student's statement of results. Generally IBL is not a compulsory requirement for the completion of the course.
Am I required by the University to undertake any assessable work whilst on an IBL placement?
Yes. Satisfactory completion of IBL is subject to assessable tasks being completed.
What University charges apply while on placement?
Students seeking more information on the new fees policy for IBL should visit the Fees section of the Student Affairs website.
What official recognition does the University give to IBL?
A student who satisfactorily completes the IBL requirements will get acknowledgment on their testamur when they graduate. IBL results are also noted on students' statement of result at the end of the IBL year acknowledging the satisfactory completion of IBL for that course.
What is IAESTE?
The International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience (IAESTE) provides full-time students with relevant technical experience overseas. Placements are for about 12 weeks but may be for up to one year. Over 70 countries are available for placement from Argentina to Yugoslavia.
Applications close mid December. See the IAESTE website for more details.
More Information
The Cooperative Education Manager
Faculty of Life and Social Sciences
Telephone (+61 3) 9214 8753,
Fax (+61 3) 9819 0574,
email: LSSIBL@swin.edu.au
Office: Room AS326 Hawthorn Campus