Industry placements

We recognise the importance of providing opportunities for tertiary students to complement their studies with practical work experience. Our Industry Placement program provides students with the opportunity to gain that experience. Placements may only be undertaken where a requirement exists as part of a university or TAFE College course curriculum.

  • Learn more about the Industry Placement Program including the types of projects and the contribution you can make to the department’s work.

    Learn more about the Industry Placement Program including the types of projects and the contribution you can make to the department’s work.

    What are the benefits?

    The benefits for students include:

    • broadening experience, developing professional networks with prospective hiring managers, and gaining a competitive edge
    • gaining practical experience in your chosen field
    • providing an opportunity to work with experienced and knowledgeable staff
    • creating an opportunity to increase knowledge of the public sector and the work of the department.

    What are the eligibility requirements?

    1. Students must be enrolled with an Australian tertiary education provider.
    2. The student’s tertiary education provider must have appropriate Public Liability insurance.
    3. Students must be enrolled in a subject which requires them to undertake an industry placement.
    4. Students must be:
      • an Australian citizen or
      • reside in Australia and have permission or a right to be granted permission, under Commonwealth law, to remain in Australia indefinitely or
      • be a New Zealand citizen who is currently residing in Australia or
      • have a visa with work right status for the duration of the placement.

    Overseas students who do not have Australian work rights, are welcome to seek volunteer opportunities as applicable.

    If you are not a current university student but have graduated within the last 2–3 years, you may be eligible to apply for graduate programs or entry level graduate employment through the Queensland Government Graduate Portal. Further information on eligibility is available on the Queensland Government graduate website.

    What are the areas of discipline?

    We offer projects across all divisions and a variety of disciplines, including:

    • conservation management
    • engineering
    • environmental science and environmental management
    • environmental tourism and sustainable tourism
    • law, business, and policy development
    • information technology and computer science
    • science or applied science
    • urban and regional planning and spatial science
    • historical heritage conservation
    • terrestrial and maritime archaeology
    • wildlife management
    • human resource, media and communications.

    Where will placements be located?

    This will depend on the specific placement projects on offer. The department has offices throughout Queensland including Cairns, Rockhampton and Longreach.

    What can I expect during an industry placement?

    Placements are aimed at providing practical work experience in a specific discipline. Projects are based on business and operational needs and will be different each year. During the placement, students will work on a specific placement project to achieve or contribute to, the project’s deliverables.

    In some instances, you may be required to undertake some field work and travel and stay overnight in different locations (this may include staying in shared accommodation).

    The department will provide training so you can complete their work safely.

    What hours will I be required to work?

    Placement days and hours will be determined following discussions between you and the project supervisor about work required by the department and the requirements of the university. Workdays will usually be 7.25 hours.

    Do I need to provide any equipment?

    When projects are advertised, they will list resources the department will provide, such as a workstation and computer, and personal protective equipment (PPE); they will also identify if you are required to supply your own pieces of equipment. Any expenses, such as providing own pieces of equipment or paying for travel or accommodation undertaken as part of the project, can be discussed, and negotiated during the application stage.

    Do I get paid for an industry placement?

    Industry placements are unpaid, however, in some circumstances (i.e. hard-to-fill disciplines and locations) we may offer a paid placement.

    Do I need to have insurance?

    Yes. Your tertiary education provider is required to have appropriate Public Liability insurance. You will also be covered under the department’s WorkCover insurance.

    How do I register my interest in the program?

    Complete the expression of interest registration form. Once registered, you will receive an email when placement projects become available.

    How do I apply for a placement?

    Once you are registered, you will be notified when the placement projects are advertised. You can then apply for projects in your discipline. Projects are generally advertised on this page, and through tertiary education providers. To apply for advertised projects, you will be required to provide:

    1. A current resume
    2. A brief statement (maximum 1 page) demonstrating their interest in the placement and evidence that they have the necessary skills and experience
    3. A copy of the students’ academic record
    4. A letter of endorsement from the students tertiary institution, including verification of enrolment in an industry placement course, and public liability insurance.

    To express interest in a placement for Semester 2 and 3, 2024 please register your interest in the Program to be notified when these projects become available.

    What should I expect after applying?

    Once an application is received, it will be sent to the department’s project supervisor for consideration. An informal interview, such as a phone conversation or face-to-face chat, may be undertaken. Applicants will be advised by the project supervisor whether they have been successful.

    Please note that we may not be able offer a placement for each student who applies.

    Where do I go for further information?

    Email CareerPathways@des.qld.gov.au

    Industry placement success stories

    • Tanara Hinschen – Bachelor of Animal Ecology
      Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, Value Based Management Framework.
    • Queenie Fensham – Bachelor of Environmental Management
      Environmental Policy Planning, Climate Change.