Michael Has Energy for Uni and Work

Tuesday 21 March 2006

While many of his friends spent the summer break relaxing, Michael Parker from the University of Newcastle was gaining valuable work experience as an undergraduate chemical engineer.

The 20 year old has just completed a second ten-week placement with Eraring Energy as part of the University of Newcastle Industry Scholarships Scheme (UNISS).

UNISS is a five year program that allows students to combine degree studies with industry experience. It provides students with financial support throughout their degree and an accelerated start to their careers.

Michael says at first the idea of working and studying appeared a little daunting.

"However, the way that the UNISS program is structured means that you are not working and studying at the same time."

"Working full time is very different from studying full time; in fact working full time at the end of the year is a great way to channel your studying stress into productive applications."

"It has been a great experience to observe and apply the theory I have learnt through the year at Eraring Energy."

"My most recent placement involved tracking down excess water usage in the fire services system and checking the accuracy of the monthly accounting system for water usage."

"To go back to university after working with engineers helps you to understand the concepts you are studying even more as you have seen the concepts being applied on your placement."

Now back at uni, Michael says he really appreciates the confidence the company has had in him and is already looking forward to going back for a third placement at the end of this year.

Bob Nelson, Executive Director of UNISS at the University of Newcastle, says students are placed with their sponsor for a total of 78 weeks over a five-year period, including a ten-week placement in each of their first three years and a 12-month placement in year four.

"UNISS is all about producing the best possible quality graduates for industry and their industry placement is a vitally important aspect of this," says Bob. "UNISS scholars are sent out to industry with a clear aim of contributing to their sponsor organisation."

There are currently 49 sponsors and 101 students involved in the UNISS program.

For interviews with Michael Parker or Bob Nelson, Executive Director of UNISS at the University of Newcastle, contact Kate Reid on (02) 4921 5351.