Q&A

How can I find out more?

The DIIP Student brochure has information regarding the program including current programs and eligibility requirements.

The 2022/2023 Year in Review is a review from our last internship cycle including testimonials from previous interns and hosts.

Click here to view a Q&A with an intern and host from 2019/2020.

 

Are you eligible to apply?

To be eligible for an internship you need to:

  • Be an Australian citizen
  • Be a studying an eligible degree (with a strong academic record) currently enrolled full-time at an Australian university)
  • Be able to commit to the full 12-week internship (placements take place between November and April each year)
  • Be able to obtain necessary workplace clearances prior to commencement of the internship
  • Be able to comply with Covid-19 vaccination requirements as per State legislation and/or employer requirements
  • Have not previously undertaken a DIIP (or DEIP) internship

 

What is an eligible degree?

At most universities in Australia, you are eligible to apply if you are in the 3rd or 4th year of an undergraduate engineering or relevant Technology degree.

Where the university only offers engineering as a postgraduate degree, you are eligible to apply if you are in the final or penultimate year of your degree.

 

What support is offered?

QTAC ensures that interns and SMEs are carefully matched, taking care of the recruitment and selection process and assuring a mutually beneficial internship experience.

Two visits will be made to your workplace during the 12-week internship to assess your progress in the project, together with informal emails and phone calls.

Ongoing assistance, advice and support is available from QTAC, alongside pastoral care for interns.

 

How will you be supported in the workplace?

QTAC assesses employers for details on the engineering project performance expectations, plus their organisational structure and policies for workplace health and safety, bullying and harassment and emergency management procedures.

When students commence, their employer will provide an induction of the workplace together with emergency management plans and training to use specific equipment.

Workers’ compensation insurance is provided by the employer.

You should discuss any workplace and other on-site activities with your employer, to ensure your safety at all times during the period of the internship. You can also discuss any concerns you have with QTAC.

 

Want some tips for success?

Applications need to be submitted by the due date.

Ensure you attach all the required documentation to your application.

Consider an interstate internship, particularly if you have family or friends who can assist with accommodation needs.

When you have been advised of your success, make contact with your employer before your first day, introduce yourself, find out about the engineering project, clarify your start time, the dress code – ask lots of questions so that your 12-week internship is a success.

 

What documentation do I need to include with my application?

You will need to upload the following documents with your application:

  • Curriculum Vitae (we have created a template for you to use – download it here), please submit a Word version
  • Statement of Capability and Interest that addresses your suitability for your preferred internship opportunities, this is not a separate document but is part of the application portal  (we have created a template of questions to assist for this one as well – download it here),
  • Letter of Recommendation (from a current/past lecturer or tutor) to support your application. The reference needs to include full contact details of the referee and address the following criteria:
    • Your ability to work effectively in a team environment
    • Your written and verbal communication skills
    • Your mature and responsible attitude
    • Your willingness to develop professionally in your Engineering or Technology discipline
  • Academic Transcript (unofficial) that includes a list of all the subjects you have completed to date, and the results achieved; and a list of the subjects you are currently studying as part of your  degree.
  • Proof of Australian citizenship (Birth Certificate, Passport or Citizenship Certificate).

 

What if I don’t have a Tutor or Lecturer that I know well enough to ask for a Letter of Recommendation?

Due to Covid 19 restraints, many students have been attending online lectures and have not been able to build relationships with their lecturers and tutors.  In this instance we will accept a Letter of Recommendation from an employer or past teacher who knows you well enough to provide a suitable Letter of Recommendation.