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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.

[Music plays and a split circle appears and photos of different CSIRO activities flash through in either side of the circle and then the circle morphs into the CSIRO logo]

[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.

[Image changes to show a split screen, and images move through of students working in a workshop on the left, and text appears on the right: Generation STEM Links, 200 hour internship]

The programme involves a 200 hour internship that students can complete over the course of a six month period.

[Images continue to move through to show students looking at circuit boards, a mentor and student walking past circuit boards on a table, an electric vehicle charging station, and a supercomputer, and text appears on the right: Ongoing recruitment support, $2,500 subsidy for business]

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.

[Images move through of two males next to the supercomputer, Maggie talking, a male and female looking at a model building on a computer screen, and the building being placed in a model city]

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.

[Images move through to show two males talking and looking at a computer, people in a brainstorming session, sticky notes being added to a board, and a mentor talking to students]

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.

[Images move through to show the group of students, and then the mentor pointing to a visual on a screen, and then two female presenters talking to a group seated at a table]

By matching the students’ skill sets with the industry partner needs we’re able to really create impactful relationships.

[Image changes to show Maggie talking to the camera]

What Generation STEM Links stands for is really about creating a stronger and more diverse STEM pipeline across New South Wales.

[Music plays, and the image changes to show the SIEF and NSW Government logos, and text appears: Generation STEM is managed by CSIRO and made possible through the NSW Government’s $25 million endowment to the Science and Industry Endowment Fund (SIEF)]

[New text appears: www.csiro.au/generationstem]

[Image changes to show the CSIRO logo on a white screen, and text appears: CSIRO, Australia’s National Science Agency]

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The opportunity

Students: From manufacturing, agtech, to web design and engineering, the internship program allows students to tailor their placement depending on their study schedules and gain industry-specific skills. Student interns will be paid a minimum of $25 per hour.

Aside from creating professional connections, you will gain new skills and put your knowledge into action. The program will also allow you to get a taste of potential career pathways, which could ultimately land you a future job or dream STEM career.

Industry: The internship structure is flexible, running for a minimum of 200 hours (5-6 weeks full-time) to a maximum of 25 weeks part-time. You'll meet students who demonstrate a keen interest in STEM. Industry partners will receive $2,500 per student from CSIRO after the completion of the internship to cover their time and expenses.

We manage the recruitment process from start to finish, including the screening of applications and candidates, saving you time. You'll have the opportunity to connect with local STEM education providers and play a role in raising the calibre of upcoming talent for your industry. Best of all, the student will support your business on short-term projects and potentially become your future star employee.

 

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.

Contact us for assistance

How to apply

Students are required to submit an online application and attach their current CV to be considered for placement opportunities. Applications can be for general opportunities or a specific placement. View available placements on this page to find out more.

Industry partners can submit an online application anytime with a proposed placement to participate in the program. An application may only be accepted if the eligibility criteria are met.

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

Program stories

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