Frequently Asked Questions
from Employers about Industry-Based Learning
Remember that IBL can play a valuable role in your personal and professional growth.
Information provided here is general in nature. For more specific information, please refer to Contacts to find out what each School/Division offers.
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. For more information about particular awards/industries/occupations common rule awards, visit: http://www.e-airc.gov.au/crvic/
Payment to the student is usually via the host organisation. A Scholarship p program is also available - click here for more information about the IBL Scholarships Program
Is it full-time?
Placements are usually offered as full-time positions. How long is the placement?
Placements are usually offered for either 6 or 12 months. In some courses a total of 12 months is required for recognition? When are students available to commence placement?
Generally students are available to commence IBL placement December to March and July to August. Employers are advised to contact the IBL Coordinator if placements are required outside these time frames. Can students be placed overseas?
Students are encouraged to undertake overseas placements where these are available. The number of available placements are likely to increase as more links with overseas University partners are developed.
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 the duties are while on placement?
The host organisation 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 a formal employment contract be expected?
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. 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 students 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. Can students 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 students 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 students 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. Are students 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 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 happens if difficulties arise during a placement and/or the placement is not working out to our satisfaction?
In these situations employers should contact the relevant IBL coordinator to have a discussion about the matter. A University staff member will organise an onsite meeting with all stakeholders if necessary and appropriate, and mutually satisfactory actions will be discussed. Students may cease their employemnt if that path is agreed upon.
|
