Division of Information Technology, Engineering and the Environment
School of Advanced Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering
School of Advanced Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering
What are the objectives of industrial experience?
The School of Advanced Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering's (AME) undergraduate programs are accredited by Engineers Australia and it is a professional requirement that all undergraduate students complete 12 weeks (60 working days) of industrial experience in a relevant industry prior to graduation.
You can complete this experience in one period of 12 weeks (ie over the summer vacation), or in multiple periods of several weeks. Aside from completing program requirements, more importantly industry experience means you will put the knowledge and skills you have learnt during your study into practice, and graduate from the program with practical experience which is highly desirable to employers.
Industry experience also provides additional benefits such as networking opportunities and the chance to build professional contacts, assisting with decision-making about career pathways, and the possibility of being offered a job prior to graduation.
Do I have to gain industrial experience if I don't want to?
ALL students in the School of AME's Bachelor of Engineering and Bachelor of Technology programs are required to undertake a minimum of twelve weeks industrial experience prior to graduation.
What if I already have engineering experience?
If you have prior experience of at least two years, in an engineering environment which is deemed to be at an appropriate level by the Industry Experience Coordinator, you will be granted recognition for the industrial experience component of your program. You must ensure that you follow the process outlined in the Student Guidelines for Industry Experience in order to receive recognition of your prior experience.
When do I need to undertake my industrial experience during my degree?
Industrial experience is usually undertaken in your third year of study, during November to February, but can be varied depending on circumstances.
Who organises my industrial experience placement?
You are expected to source, apply for and negotiate your own placement. This process will provide you with confidence, strategies and skills that will be useful when you apply for graduate jobs in the future.
The company listing on the School website provides contact details for local companies who have previously taken on students for industry experience, and will assist you with ideas about the type of company you might like to gain experience with.
You should apply in writing directly to the listed contact person, or Director of Human Resources, and provide reasons why you want industry experience and how working in their company will benefit you.
What type of companies should I approach?
Engineering is a broad field with a huge variety of different specialisations, disciplines and areas. The actual work you do during your industry experience placement will vary considerably between companies. You may be required to work as a draughtsperson, machine operator, technical assistant, labourer, tradesperson assistant, process worker, or undertake project work. The company will need to provide you with an Industry Supervisor, who will give direction and advice for the practical tasks you undertake during your placement. You must ensure that you follow the process outlined in the Student Guidelines for Industry Experience and have the proposed company and tasks assessed by the Industry Experience Coordinator PRIOR to commencing your placement. If you are undertaking experience in more than one company you need to get each placement approved. If you do not have your placement approved prior to commencing it may not fulfil the 12 weeks industrial experience requirement of your degree.
Pay rates are negotiable between you and the employer. You are not required to gain paid work for your 12 weeks of industry experience, but usually some sort of wage is appropriate and may be governed by an award agreement.
What are the conditions for industrial experience?
You will be taken on as a member of the workforce so it will be necessary for you to undertake some form of induction or training in Occupational Health, Safety, Welfare and Injury Management (OHSW&IM). You will be subject to the firm's discipline just like other members of the workforce for aspects like time-keeping, hours of work, and negotiation of tasks.
Am I covered by UniSA's insurance while I am undertaking industrial experience?
If you are paid for your industrial experience, you will be covered by the relevant company's insurance. Please contact the Senior Academic Support Officer If you or your employer have any questions.
If you obtain UNPAID work experience, the FS23 Placement Details form must be completed in order to cover you under UniSA's insurance. This form must be filled in by you and signed by your employer. You will then need to provide the form to the Academic Support Officer, who will sign the form and provide you with two copies (one for yourself and one for the employer). Information about insurance cover is available in the Industrial Experience Guide.
What are the academic requirements for my industrial experience?
You are required to keep a Diary throughout your period of industry experience. You can then use the diary as a basis for the Report that you are required to submit. You should discuss possible topics for inclusion in the detailed report with your Industry Supervisor. In addition, you should include a flowchart, diagram or explanation of the organisational structure of the firm. Remember that you have the final decision on the content of the report. However, a chronological report of the diary content is not sufficient.
The report should be a minimum of 1,000 words, and a maximum of 3,000 words. The report should address most of the following:
At the end of your industry placement, ask your employer to complete and sign the Certificate of Practical Experience form. You should also submit the report to your Industry Supervisor before you submit it to the University, so that any confidential company information can be removed. The report and form are then to be submitted to the Academic Support Officer, who will submit to the Industry Experience Coordinator for review and sign off. When you have received confirmation that your report is accepted, you must bind the relevant documents as an Appendix of your Final Year Project Thesis. See the Student Guidelines for Industrial Experience for further details.
Who do I contact if I have any questions?
You can discuss any questions, issues or concerns about industry experience with Gueck Tea, Senior Academic Support Officer, via email gueck.tea@unisa.edu.au or phone 08 8302 6420.
