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EastCoast backs USC’s bid to enhance internships program
EastCoast Human Resource Group has thrown its support behind the University of the Sunshine Coast’s bid to build greater links between its students and local businesses.
EastCoast business development manager Simon Vigar said his company was keen to promote USC’s Work Integrated Learning (WIL) program which, among other things, arranges work placements and internships for students.
Mr Vigar, who recently graduated from USC with a combined degree in Business Marketing and Business Management, said EastCoast would provide background checks and skills testing to match employers with students.
“This will give employers an opportunity to ‘trial run’ students before they graduate,” he said.
“The local business community has been very good to us over the years and it
is wonderful to have this opportunity to give something back.”
USC Internships Officer Anne Bowden agreed that the University’s relationship with EastCoast would be a win-win situation.
“Being able to tap into their client base and build the numbers of industry partners for our students will certainly be a good thing,” she said.
“WIL is a two-way street because it’s good for industry – it opens them up to new ideas – and it’s good for students because they learn how to become employees and become entrepreneurs.”
Ms Bowden said the University also was associated with other employment agencies, like CADET and STEPS.
“The University of the Sunshine Coast’s careerconnection team also provides assistance to the local industry and community by promoting casual or graduate jobs free of charge and arranging contact between employers and students,” she said.
“The University is committed to making Work Integrated Learning more robust within the whole curriculum.”
The WIL program recently received a commendation from the Australian Universities Quality Agency (AUQA) for enhancing the employment prospects of USC students by providing them with internships, and for developing closer ties between the University, employers and the community.
For more details about WIL, contact Anne Bowden at <wil@usc.edu.au>.