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.