Creating Meaningful Placements in Co-Op

Welcome to the Creating Meaningful Placements program

This online program is dedicated to providing invaluable support and resources tailored specifically to those guiding students through transformative placement experiences.

Federation University understand the pivotal role industry stakeholders play in shaping the future workforce. Whether you're a mentor, supervisor, or organisational leader, our program is designed to equip you with the tools and insights needed to optimise placement experiences for students and create meaning for each of the parties involved.

Join our dynamic community and gain access to a wealth of expertise curated by industry leaders, academic supervisors, and supporters. From preparing for a successful placement to strategies for coaching and mentorship, our program offers practical guidance to ensure every placement is a meaningful and impactful experience.

Embark on a journey of collaboration, innovation, and professional development with Creating Meaningful Placements. Together, let's empower the next generation of talent and shape the future of industries through purposeful placement experiences.

Click play to watch the video below to hear a program introduction from Leigh Kennedy - Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Engagement at Federation University.

How the program works

Throughout the Creating Meaningful Placements program, you will have access to a diverse library of video resources for information and resources designed to empower you and provide guidance through the various stages of student placements.

Enjoy just-in-time access, dip in and out as needed, and choose your own learning path—whether following sequentially or selecting videos selectively—to fit your schedule and preferences.

You will see a range of people throughout the program who have either supervised student placements, supported student placements, or been students on placements. Each of their perspectives will provide you with a holistic overview of ways to embrace and make the most out the placement.

"There are naturally people in the workplace who are really lifted by the honour of being able to coach and mentor other people, and students coming into the workplace really gives those people an opportunity to shine and actually embrace what it is that they love to do in the workplace." Sara Rhodes-Ward (Regional Director, Gippsland - Regional Development Victoria)

Phase 1: Pre-placement Preparation

Explore our collection of resources designed to support you in preparing for a placement, offering invaluable guidance to optimise the placement experience.

Explore Phase 1: Pre-placement

Phase 2: Beginning Placement

Discover our collection of resources designed to assist you in navigating the early stages of placement, offering advice to improve and maximise placement.

Explore Phase 2: Beginning Placement

Phase 3: Creating Meaning within Placements

Continue to explore our collection of resources designed to assist you in navigating the stages of managing a placement, offering advice to improve or troubleshoot during placement.

Explore Phase 3: Creating Meaning

Phase 4: Beyond Placements

Our final collection of resources are designed to assist you in exploring wider issues around co-op and placement, and the ongoing partnership between industry, university and government.

Explore Phase 4: Beyond Placements

Meet your mentors

	Pearl Associate Partner & Site Executive, Client Innovation Centre Ballarat - IBM Consulting Pearl has been engaged with co-operative methods of student placements between Federation University and IBM for a number of years and cultivated countless meaningful placements.
	Sara Regional Director, Gippsland - Regional Development Victoria Sara has supported numerous student placements and seen the cultural impact of creating meaningful placements.
	Elena Project Manager, Regional Industry Innovation - Food & Fibre Gippsland Former Federation University Student Elena was a former Federation University student in the Bachelor of Science, Food Science and undertook a co-operative placement with Food & Fibre Gippsland where she is now an industry supervisor to students on placement.
	Daniel Director, Regional Strategy & Engagement Western Region - Federation University Daniel has experience in coaching and supporting people in co-operative models of industry, government and academic environments.
	Cheree Manager, Partnership Development - Federation University Cheree has been supporting industry and supervising students through co-operative style placements across various roles and industries for a number of years.
	Debbie Discipline Leader, Business - Federation University Debbie has been an academic supervisor for countless students on placements throughout her extensive tenure at Federation University.
	Belinda Co-op Coordinator - Federation University Belinda is experienced in student support and has been involved in student placements success for a number of years at Federation University.
	Mikaela Associate Director, Partnerships & Growth - Federation University Mikaela has been supporting industry through co-operative model transition through deeply embedded partner relationships and knowledge of regional and government requirements.
	Chad Federation University Student Chad's successful participation in a meaningful co-operative style placement led to full-time employment at his host organisation.
	Do you have experiences to share? Reach out to our co-op team now to look at being part of our Creating Meaningful Placements program. Email co-op team here