Matthew Hogan
13 May 2015: The University of Canberra signed an agreement this week with CareerTrackers to provide further career opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
University of Canberra dean of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Leadership and Strategy, Professor Peter Radoll, said the agreement builds on an already strong relationship the University has with CareerTrackers — a national non-profit organisation that creates internship opportunities for Indigenous university students.
"The University of Canberra acknowledges the benefits of practical, hands-on learning and this arrangement will allow us to continue to provide a range of valuable internship opportunities for students for the next 10 years," he said.
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University of Canberra Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Frances Shannon and CareerTrackers founder and CEO Michael Combs signed a partnership agreement this week (Photo: Kim Pham).
"The University is committed to developing better access to university education for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and to promote higher levels of participation in tertiary education. By partnering with CareerTrackers, students will have access to additional professional development training opportunities to help them succeed in their chosen profession," Professor Radoll said.
CareerTrackers CEO Michael Combs said he is pleased a long term relationship has been confirmed with the University.
"University of Canberra students will have the opportunity to work for some of Australia's largest corporations including Qantas, insurance group IAG and Lend Lease.
"This partnership creates opportunities for students to complement their studies with practical experience. Ultimately we aim to see more Indigenous students complete university and enter the workforce with the skills and confidence they need to become industry and community leaders," Mr Combs said.
There are currently 228 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students enrolled at the University of Canberra, the number has doubled since 2009 when there were 114 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students enrolled.
