Partnership program brings business closer to uni

Gaye Morrison

13 December 2006: New scholarships aimed at tackling the IT skills shortage were announced as part of a new partnership program, linking the University's Division of Business, Law and Information Sciences with the business community.

Run in conjunction with the Australian Computer Society Foundation the five new work integrated learning scholarships will help students find work placements within industry and offer financial incentives to ensure they are not out of pocket.

The event last month will strengthen the University's relationship with the business community Photos: Gaye Morrison

The wider BLIS Partners program has been designed to encourage the two-way flow of information between business and the University.  

This communication will allow the University of Canberra business, law and information sciences curriculum to remain relevant and informed for students and will also assist businesses by providing well-trained staff in order to meet market demands, the Division's Pro Vice-Chancellor Deborah Ralston said.

"At the University of Canberra we know that in today's competitive labour market, managers are constantly being challenged by the need to recruit well-trained staff and upskill existing staff in order to meet market demands," Professor Ralston said.

"I believe that partnerships between business and universities are essential for developing strong and excellent courses providing the highest quality graduates to serve the business and public sector community."

The partnerships program will allow partners to access students for projects and internships, cadetships programs, part-time student employment and graduate recruitment."

Businesses and the public sector will also be able to access staff training with professional development programs, take part in collaborative research projects and have access to consulting activities.