News

February 28, 2011

IRU and ACCI partnership launch case studies encouraging business to engage with universities

Today ACCI and IRU, launched a suite of case studies and information pack to increase opportunities for business to work with university students. The case studies inform and encourage business to engage with universities, providing industry relevant experience for students.

Senator Chris Evans, Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills, Jobs and Workplace Relations released the IRU-ACCI case studies and information pack today at Parliament House.

“These two organisations are undertaking a national project to boost graduate employability and encourage universities and employers to work together to offer more student work experience placements”, Senator Evans said.

“This partnership will help students better understand workforce requirements and provide employers with graduates who are more work-ready”.

Working together, ACCI and IRU have developed the suite of seven case studies from a range of businesses across Australia:

  • Worley Parsons, in conjunction with Murdoch University and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Western Australia
  • VDM Consulting, EcOz, in conjunction with Charles Darwin University and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Northern Territory
  • Yorkey’s Knob Boating Club, in conjunction with James Cook University and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland
  • DHI, in conjunction with Griffith University and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland
  • Allandale Winery, in conjunction with the University of Newcastle, Hunter Business Chamber and the NSW Business Chamber.
  • Greater Shepparton City Council, in conjunction La Trobe University with Victorian Employers’ Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
  • Comunet, in conjunction with Flinders University Business SA

“The business leaders represented by ACCI, joined together with the IRU universities in this project because we all value a university education that is enhanced by practical experience that contributes to workplace productivity and positive outcomes for both students and industry, said Professor O’Connor.

“It improves the responsiveness of universities to the diverse and shifting needs of industry and the professions.”

Mary Hicks, Director of Employment, Education and training with ACCI said “Work integrated learning is the way of the future for smart employers. WIL students provide a valuable source of work ready graduates for employers. As a result of WIL placements, students have well developed employability skills and practical workplace experience, both of which are valued by employers. The case studies provide a compelling argument for employers to consider providing WIL opportunities to students. ACCI congratulates IRU on its forward thinking in this arena.”

“This innovative work showcases the commitment of employers in providing valuable WIL experiences for students, ensuring that graduates are well prepared for the rigours of the modern workplace.”

For more information and to access the case studies please visit http://www.iru.edu.au/our- activities/projects.aspx or www.acci.asn.au.

The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), is Australia’s largest and most representative business and industry organisation. www.acci.asn.au

Innovative Research Universities (IRU) is a network of seven comprehensive high quality universities covering all mainland States and the Northern Territory. www.iru.edu.au