Student Recruitment
Various companies are in regular contact with the School with the aim of recruiting good graduate students. Recruitment can start in the very early stages of university studies through Industrial Training projects, which are a compulsory part of all degree programs. Some companies conduct information sessions in the School in order to recruit the best graduates into their traineeship programs or directly into an industry position.
Industrial Training
About the Program
Engineering experience during vacation work — as required for the course MECH4001 Communications for Professional Engineers — is a valuable part in the training of a professional engineer. It is also a requirement for recognition by professional societies such as Engineers Australia.
Each student must complete a minimum of 60 days industrial work before graduation. Normally this would be done in the vacations between years 2 and 3 and years 3 and 4.
A report detailing the experience gained during Industrial Training periods is submitted for assessment after completion of at least 60 days of industrial work. The report may be on a combination of all the workplaces or on just one, provided that the report covers the major part of the total time of the industrial training.
The employer must approve the report prior to submission and formally endorse on the title page that the report is an accurate record of the student's employment. If more than one company is involved the report may be divided into sections representing each company and endorsed accordingly. Reports are submitted together with sufficient number of Industrial Training Record Forms. If the student completed industrial training with one employer only one form will be required, otherwise the student will submit as many forms as there were different employments. The total number of days indicated on all submitted forms has to be 60 or more. All forms have to be signed and stamped by the employer.
The report is graded for School purposes and to provide feedback to the author. However, although Industrial Training is a requirement for completion of the course (MECH4001) it does not contribute to the final result. Reports are graded on Presentation, Content and Quality, and Originality and Initiative.
Benefits for Companies
Industrial Training provides mutual benefits for both companies and students.
The most important benefit for a company is that it can use Industrial Training as the first phase in recruiting graduate engineers. Students who have a positive experience with a company will be more likely to apply for a job there once they graduate, while the employers have an opportunity to follow the development and assess the professional qualities of a number of candidates who have worked in the company before offering a permanent position to the most suitable candidate.
If a company regularly advertises positions for Industrial Training it makes students and prospective employees aware of its existence and the products and services it provides. Having a visible profile among the young engineering population is another clear benefit from participating in a program like this.
Students are eligible for Industrial Training only after the completion of year 2, meaning they possess a level of knowledge that many companies may find useful, especially during the season of summer holidays which is when most students undertake Industrial Training.
Finally, by taking part in this program you help the School to educate high quality engineers, which brings a long-term benefit to society as a whole.
How to Recruit Students
The most comprehensive list of services that can assist you in recruiting candidates, not only for Industrial Training, but also for graduate positions, is provided by UNSW Careers and Employment. Please visit their web site for detailed information.
You can also contact the School's Industrial Training Coordinator, Dr Maruf Hasan. See Staff Database for contact details.