Internship guidelines

Once you apply to host an intern the process begins. The Industry Partnerships and WIL team circulates your notice to students, targeting programs that best fit your criteria and dates.

Students then apply directly to you so that you can select the most suitable candidate for the role in your organisation. 

You may choose to interview students or use some other selection process appropriate to your organisation.

Note that students can receive many internship options. Offering a student payment or other development opportunities can help students preference work with your organisation.

A placement ideally leads directly to employment with your organisation, opening up a career path for students and broadening your professional network.

One or more members of your organisation should act as a supervisor to the student undertaking a WIL activity.  Supervision by someone who is experienced in a relevant field will deliver a rewarding learning experience.

Supervisors should be able to share their expertise on a day-to-day basis. Choose a supervisor who has the time, resources, energy and expertise to ensure the experience is mutually beneficial. 

This supervisor’s role includes:

• orientation session, advising the student of your organisation’s OH&S requirements and discussing your workplace policies
• informing other employees about the student, and the reason and purpose of the activity
• providing constructive, ongoing performance feedback to the student throughout the activity
• contacting the student’s course co-ordinator if any issues involving the student arise
• participating in student evaluations and feedback, as required.

The WIL course coordinator provides students with:

• the purpose and aims of the WIL activity
• roles, tasks and expectations for meeting stated learning outcomes
• workplace rights and responsibilities
• assessment requirements.

Your organisation, the student and RMIT will sign the WIL Agreement. This document ensures that all roles, responsibilities and learning outcomes are agreed upon.

The student will provide you with the Agreement to sign before starting the placement. Start dates, work schedules and location arrangements are recorded in the Agreement.

Please familiarise yourself with the terms in the Agreement, including your requirement to provide a safe work environment.

The student can begin their placement once the Agreement is signed by your organisation then approved and recorded by RMIT.

When students complete the total hours of internship specified by their program, the Agreement will end. You may then negotiate future arrangements directly with the student usually as an employment arrangement.

All arrangements must be in accordance with the Fair Work Ombudsman National Employment Standards. Please visit the Fair Work website for more information.

RMIT has extensive insurance policies to cover students undertaking WIL activities for the duration of the Agreement.  The minimum level of insurance provided by RMIT for all types of Higher Education and Vocational Education WIL activities is student personal accident; public and products liability; and professional indemnity.

Your organisation must hold and maintain appropriate public liability insurance.

If students are being engaged under a paid employment arrangement beyond the internship, your organisation will need to provide work cover and all employment insurances including Employer Liability and Worker’s Compensation insurance.