Co-op placements

Students will complete a minimum of 60 days’ paid placement relevant to their course—contributing directly to course credits—either full time, part time over an extended period or in blocks embedded into their subjects.

Here’s how it works

• Your organisation agrees to participate in Federation Co-op.
• We give you access the resources you’ll need to help placement students.
• We help you create and advertise placement positions.
• You receive applications then interview and recruit student/s just as you would regular employees.
• We help you set learning objectives at the start of the placement.
• We check in regularly during placement and provide ongoing support.
• You complete a simple student assessment at the end of the placement.
• You give us feedback about the Co-op placement process.

Let’s talk about money

Yes, your organisation does have to pay placement students. The salary must be at least the minimum wage for your industry/sector (consistent with requirements under the Fair Work Act 2009), and you’ll need to list it on the position advertisement.

We’ll do the groundwork

Students must complete a subject called Professional Identity before they can start their placement. This introductory unit covers:

• self-awareness
• self-efficacy
• professionalism
• understanding workplace culture and practices
• effective communication
• problem solving
• career planning
• teamwork
• networking
• time management.

We’ll also include discipline-specific aspects (including industry expectations and professional practice) tailored to the student’s field of study.

Ready to get involved?

Email us at co-op@federation.edu.au