About the program
Generation STEM Links provides high-quality internships to help tertiary students gain workplace skills, transition into STEM jobs after graduation, and build a pool of STEM-capable professionals for the future of NSW STEM industries.
The Links program pairs NSW tertiary students in their final years of undergraduate study with industry for flexible internships. Students are employed by the business, engaged in hands-on projects, and have the opportunity for future employment.
Industry partners can access junior talent who can support their business on short-term and/or long-term projects and potentially become their future star employees. Participating businesses will also receive $2,500 per student from CSIRO after successful completion of the internship to cover time and expenses.
The program is delivered by CSIRO Generation STEM, a 10-year initiative aimed at diversifying the STEM pipeline in NSW.
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[Image changes to show Maggie Klianev talking to the camera, and then the image changes to show students and a mentor working on a bank of computers, and text appears: Maggie Klianev, Generation STEM Links Project Officer]
Maggie Klianev: Generation STEM Links is a programme that’s designed to support tertiary education students both in university and TAFE by connecting them with local industry to work on STEM projects.
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The programme involves a 200 hour internship that students can complete over the course of a six month period.
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There is also ongoing support for recruitment and there is also a $2,500 subsidy that is provided to the businesses upon successful completion of the internship.
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I think the greatest part of the programme is that we are providing support for the business and the student to really make sure that we are getting the most impact for both parties.
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And the best thing about that is that we have actually had more than 80% of our student interns have actually gone on to ongoing employment within the industry partner where they were matched with.
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By matching the students’ skill sets with the industry partner needs we’re able to really create impactful relationships.
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What Generation STEM Links stands for is really about creating a stronger and more diverse STEM pipeline across New South Wales.
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Apply for the program
Program eligibility
Students: Must be NSW-based VET or university students in their second-to-last or final year of undergraduate study. They should not currently have an alternative paid placement opportunity and must be studying a STEM qualification. Applicants must be Australian citizens or residents.
Industry: Eligible businesses must be NSW-based registered organisations operating for more than three years and have relevant insurance, including work cover and public liability insurance.
They must provide a safe work environment in line with standard industry EHS standards and have a minimum of five employees, with at least one possessing relevant STEM skills to provide guidance and mentorship to the student intern.
Additionally, they are required to employ the student intern as either a casual or part-time staff member.
Program outcomes
Students can gain at least 200 hours of practical, hands-on experience while receiving a minimum of $25 per hour, plus superannuation and any penalty rates. This opportunity allows you to become work-ready by building your STEM skills and professional connections. Notably, over 80% of participants have received job offers within the business upon finishing, showcasing the program's effectiveness.
Meanwhile, industry partners can build a pipeline of high potential, local talent, raise their brand awareness and access financial support for each completed internship. Research has shown the main barrier to employers taking up student work placements is a lack of time and resources.There is also a drain of STEM-qualified talent, with 46% of STEM graduates moving into non-STEM jobs and 16% leaving for overseas opportunities. Generation STEM Links aims to support students and businesses to alleviate these challenges.
Generation STEM evaluation report
Available Placements
Placements occur throughout the year across NSW. To apply for a placement, please complete the Student Application form. If applying for a specific placement, remember to include the placement code e.g. CODE0001.