Piloting business internships

Aurora canvassed staff at all the NTRBs, a number of PBCs and other organisations about their potential business internship requirements. Research undertaken at the business, commerce, and economics faculties of 40 universities Australia-wide, determined the business-related programs with a practical component, and the level of study the practical component applied.

Feedback from university academics demonstrated their support for work-integrated learning and revealed a solid culture of practical work experience amongst potential business interns, who could be appropriately matched to specific projects at prospective host organisations.

Sixteen organisations indicated they would like to host business interns. A pilot program placed three business interns as part of the winter 2010 round at:

• CLCAC
• KLC
• Balkanu Cape York Development Corporation.

Preliminary feedback from supervisors and interns alike has been positive. Aurora anticipates placing more business interns in the future, however at present no funding is available to formally expand the internship program.