Our 1000+ industry partners will drive employment in the technology and engineering industries for years to come.Their ongoing feedback reveals that they are looking for students who have relevant work experience and relevant skills that demonstrate they can adapt to a workplace to deliver on projects.
At UTS, you'll complete two 6-month internships as part of the Diploma in Professional Engineering Practice. The first one as early as second year and the second in fourth year. You'll also have the option of interning overseas thanks to our membership with the International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience (IEASTE). Paid professional traineeships are available in over 80 countries.
What is the diploma in professional engineering practice?
All students enrolled in the Diploma in Professional Engineering Practice take part in a 48-week structured Practice Program, consisting of two 6-month internships during their engineering course.
The diploma is a compulsory component for all domestic students enrolled in a single professional engineering course.
The internship enables students to link learning in the workplace to learning at university. It also ensures that graduates are in high demand with employers. Internships also provide employers with an opportunity to trial and recruit prospective graduate employees.
Other universities require students to complete three months experience, isn't that enough?
Developing complex engineering expertise can take a long time, typically 3-4 years post-graduation. The longer your internship, the greater exposure you'll have to the realities of the engineering world and the measures taken to tackle complex projects.
You'll complete two internships, one as early as second year and the other in fourth year, a total of 12 months, which will give you a distinct advantage at a job interview [if you haven't already stitched up employment in your second internship].
What support do I have securing an internship?
You're not on your own when looking for internships.
Dedicated staff are available to assist you with resume writing, interview skills and job finding strategies at UTS Careers. We maintain links with more than 1000 organisations offering both scholarships and internships, the latter being advertised on our in-house jobs portal, CareerHub. We also offer opportunities to find mentors, meet contacts, and build networks that will prove invaluable in your career.
How many hours should I commit to my internship?
An internship is similar to a full-time job.
You’ll be expected to commit to the contracted hours of employment during this time. Don’t worry, there are no other classes during this time so you can solely focus on your work placement.
Do I get paid for an internship?
Most students do get paid during their internship, however, this is at the discretion of the employer. In 2018, the average weekly salary for UTS Engineering students on their first placement was approximately $680, and $796 while on their second placement.
I already have work experience, do I need to complete an internship?
Yes. As part of the Diploma in Professional Engineering Practice, you must complete an internship.
If your current role meets the requirements of the Diploma in Professional Engineering Practice then you can register the internship via CareerHub to be reviewed by the Work Integrated Learning team (internships) Coordinator. CareerHub is our very own job board dedicated to jobs for students.
What employers will I work with?
UTS partners with a range of companies across industry, who employ engineering students. They advertise available internships via CareerHub. Students can also seek internships with other employers who are not current partners. These jobs can be found via SEEK or other national job boards.
I am an international student, can I still do an internship?
Yes! You can undertake an internship or work experience in Australia, in your home country, or in a completely different country.
Search available opportunities, including offshore, through CareerHub, the dedicated UTS job board. The Work Integrated Learning team (internships) can also provide additional information and support in relation to your work experience. Don't forget, your internship will need to be approved by the Work Integrated Learning team (internships) if it is independently found (i.e jobs not listed on CareerHub).
What other options are there to get exposure in industry?
There are many ways to get experience in industry outside of your internship. It's all part of your uni experience - you choose what you'd like to be involved in!
I chose UTS because they had a really good internship program, and I wanted to get that practical experience. All engineers do have to do a 60-day placement, but with UTS, it’s embedded in two six-month blocks. I knew that would be valuable.
Md Intisarul Hoque, Electrical Engineering
The internship program at UTS was a deciding factor. You come out of your degree with a year of work experience – I think that’s really important when your employers are looking for people and they know you’ve worked in the industry already.
