Introduction

This form is for university and TAFE students with disability to apply for internship opportunities with regional Victorian businesses through the Connect50 program.

Connect50 is an internship scheme that matches talented university and TAFE students with disability with paid, practical work experience in businesses across Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong and Latrobe Valley. The participating organisations will be supported by the Australian Network on Disability (AND) to provide accessible and inclusive working and learning environments.

This is your opportunity to gain vital work experience, grow self-confidence and enhance your pathway to employment, while you study.

You must complete an initial application. After you apply, you’ll meet with AND to talk about your skills, abilities and interests. You can also discuss any workplace adjustments and get advice on how to share disability-related information with employers, so they can support you to perform at your best. If you’re shortlisted for the next stage, you’ll be invited to an interview with the host employer. This is your time to shine. If selected, you’ll have the opportunity to complete a paid work experience program.

To be eligible for Connect50, you must have a disability and be enrolled in your final or penultimate year of a degree at a recognised TAFE or university. You must be able to commit to the entire program, be an Australian Citizen and/or have full working rights in Australia, and fulfil the eligibility requirements of the host organisation.

Before we send your application to participating employers, we will remove any information about your disability.

It is the responsibility of the host organisations to select and notify candidates for interview and offer candidates a position in their program.

All sections of this application form must be completed. Please attach the following information (applications without the following documents attached will not be considered):

• CV
• Academic transcript (official or unofficial accepted)
• Relevant disability information (such as your Disability Access Plan from Disability Services at your TAFE or University)

Tips for completing this application form

It’s important that the responses you provide in this application clearly articulate your skills and abilities. Here are some tips and guidelines to help ensure you provide enough information.
 
General tips

• Ensure you complete all fields. Leaving any section blank is an incomplete application.
• Check for spelling, grammar and language. Get someone to proof-read before submitting.
• If you use industry-related terms or acronyms, ensure you elaborate, and ask yourself, would the recruiter understand this?

Other interests, activities and achievements

• In this section, you should mention any involvement in extracurricular activities, such as sporting clubs, university activities, achievements and prizes, either in your employment history, at university or in the community.
• The employer wants to get an understanding of who you are outside of your studies.

Career objectives

• In this section, you should be clear about what your career goals are and what career interests you hope to pursue. Explain why you chose your course of study and how your studies are relevant to your career objectives.
• The employer is interested in knowing why you are interested in their internship and their organisation.

Other work-related skills and abilities

• In this section, include any work-related skills and abilities you have and provide examples of how you’ve demonstrated such skills, either through your employment history, university or in the community.
• The skills could include technical skills (for example, specific computer programs/software you have competencies in) or soft skills (such as customer service, communications skills and ability to work in a team).
• The employer is interested in how your skills and abilities will match the internship offered and your ability to work effectively in their organisation.

Personal achievement

• This section is an opportunity for you to share an achievement you’re most proud of, either from your personal or professional life. In this section, provide information about how you’ve worked through a situation effectively to achieve a positive outcome. HINT: consider using the STAR approach (Situation, Task, Action, Result) when writing this section.
• Think about what you write and whether it’s appropriate for an employer to know. This section will be seen by employers. If you don’t want to reveal things about your personal life or your disability, then do not include it in this section. Only information beyond this question will not be disclosed to employers.