Smart State funding for USQ internship programs
University of Southern Queensland (USQ) students are set to benefit from new internship programs to be funded by the Queensland Government's Smart State initiative.
The Smart State funding is part of the Queensland Government's vision to ensure that there continues to be a skilled and flexible workforce in Queensland both now and in the future.
Under the new internships programs, industry training opportunities in science, engineering and technology will be further developed for undergraduate students, after a group at the University received $116,664 from the Queensland government to implement the initiative.
'Earlier this year, the Queensland government put out a call for applications for Smart State funding for a range of initiatives including the University Internships Program,' USQ team member and Acting Dean of Sciences, Associate Professor Grant Daggard said.
'This initiative was focussed in the areas of Science, Technology and Engineering and we networked with people in these areas across USQ and identified a considerable level of interest from staff willing to participate in the formation of a team to pursue this opportunity.
'In particular there was significant interest from both the Faculty of Sciences and the Faculty of Engineering and Surveying and the result is a combined initiative of both Faculties which builds on a strong interest in the area of work-based learning at USQ.
The internship programs to be developed will be tailored to cover particular academic program requirements and be designed to facilitate work integrated learning and as a result provide significant benefits to students, industry and the University.
'This is a win-win situation for everyone involved, providing opportunities for both our students and a range of industry partners,' Associate Professor Daggard said.
'It is important for our students because it gives them access to industry level experience, and at the same time allows for a range of industries to become familiar with both our students and programs whilst also allowing USQ to meet existing and emerging industry training demands.'
'It is important for USQ to continue to actively pursue the development of programs such as this which allow us to enhance our already strong links with a range of industries and at the same time support State Government priorities.' he said.
'Through initiatives like this we are maximising our potential and the potential experiences for our students.'
The funding has been allocated to USQ over three years and will initially focus on enhancing existing industry linked programs and on developing new initiatives which should then be available for students from 2009.
Media Contact: Josh Ada, USQ Media, +61 7 4631 1628