CareerTrackers is being awarded the Employer Excellence in Equity Diversity and Inclusion Award for boosting the employability of First Nations students studying with the University of Newcastle and for their work developing cultural competence in organisations.

Since 2012, CareerTrackers have supported 170 of our students to complete 514 internships in summer and winter study breaks. Their culturally sensitive approach supports students to, where possible, return home with an internship on-country. CareerTrackers collaborates with Careers and Employability and the Wollotuka Institute to secure career-ready placement opportunities, aiming to convert some students to full-time employment after graduation. Students who take part are provided with year-round mentoring, professional development, networking and community engagement opportunities.

University of Newcastle students seize every opportunity provided by CareerTrackers with enthusiasm. They are talented, motivated, and achieving remarkable things. We look forward to seeing their future endeavours.

We truly value the connections CareerTrackers has made with both staff and students—these relationships are central and the highlight of our partnership

~ Maeve Mitchell (North Region Lead, CareerTrackers)

Cordel has been awarded the New Partner in Employability Award for hosting students from multiple levels of study and supporting University initiatives since 2022. Students have developed work ready, employability skills thanks to Cordel’s real-world and multi-national projects in the modernisation of rail infrastructure.

In addition, Cordel has supported Newy Tech Futures since its inception three years ago, with their staff also attending the University’s annual STEM expos to share their expertise with students on starting a career in infrastructure development. Through their internship program, Cordel has provided pathways for graduating students to full-time employment. Over 60% of the Newcastle-based team are former students from the University. The organisation continues to provide casual roles, involving industry-relevant experience for current students.

This year, Cordel has hosted two honours students and a PhD candidate for workplace learning experiences and have provided fresh perspectives and advice on contending with complex problems in their research. Cordel also contributes to University curriculum, demonstrating a commitment to skill development within and beyond the classroom.

Cordel has found great success in providing long and successful careers to students graduating from the University of Newcastle. By bringing students into our ecosystem early, we aimed to support the next generation of tech talent in understanding the skills required in industry.

Partnering with students allows us to demonstrate that there are exciting and innovative career opportunities right here in the Hunter.

~ Paul Mullins, General Manager Product and Delivery, Cordel

ADW Johnson have supported the employability of our students for over 30 years, providing career-ready placement opportunities for Engineering students and engaging with University initiatives. In recent years, several graduates have been provided full-time employment after their career-ready placement, with many students opting to extend their engagement with this organisation which is a testament to the quality of the practical learning opportunities offered by their team.

Aside from hands-on experience, ADW Johnson has been a regular supporter of the University of Newcastle Women in Engineering Society. They’ve also been connecting and networking with students at the University’s industry events and expos. This practical support for students makes ADW Johnson a worthy entrant to the Hall of Fame.

With approximately 50 University of Newcastle alumni working at ADW Johnson we have always had a great working relationship with the University. Connecting with students at industry events has enabled ADW Johnson to foster engineering talent through our undergraduate employment program, ensuring graduateengineers join our organisation and are work ready from day one of their career.

The quality and professionalism of the students highlights the excellent work the University do in ensuring the next generation of Engineers are confident, capable and knowledgeable.

~ Nathan Delaney, Engineering Group Manager, ADW Johnson

All Together Therapy is a small Allied Health practice based in Port Macquarie. Their near-decade long partnership with the University is being recognised by induction to the Hall of Fame. They’ve hosted 20 students over the last eight years, enabling the development of clinical practice skills across Speech Pathology, Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy. The practice is being recognised for providing students with real world skills in paediatrics and best practice interventions across each of these Allied Health disciplines.

By offering a program for students to develop their skills and gain hands-on experience, All Together Therapy has played an important role in shaping the next generation of healthcare professionals. Under the supervision of experienced therapists, students have contributed to projects and helped children develop their confidence and skills in a range of areas.

We are grateful to be able to nurture the next generation of therapists to explore the wonderful world of Paediatrics in conjunction with the University of Newcastle. Ensuring these students go on to become empowered therapists who understand the importance of a multidisciplinary team.

~ Pip Cullen, CEO, All Together Therapy

Ampcontrol is being inducted into the Hall of Fame for their focus on developing new talent in a wide range of study areas. Since 2019, Ampcontrol has supported over 113 students in placement opportunities across Engineering, Business, Marketing, Information Technology and Accounting disciplines.

Demonstrating strong commitment to the next generation of professionals the Ampcontrol Capability Development Team has allocated full-time employees focused on mentoring, coaching, and supporting students as they transition into early career roles within the organisation. Their commitment to supporting the University’s promotion of the value of career-ready placement is exemplary and demonstrated through their willingness to participate in panel discussions to broad prospective-host audiences.

The Ampcontrol comprehensive graduate program allows new employees to rotate through different business units over two years, offering diverse experiences and a targeted approach to their professional development. Their partnership with the University is extensive, longstanding, and wide-ranging, from placement to employment.

Ampcontrol is immensely proud of its strong relationship with the University of Newcastle through many programs, including its joint venture and accredited research service provider ResTech based on the Callaghan Campus.

Ampcontrol has provided students with meaningful placement and employment opportunities to work with industry on real-world challenges and become life-ready graduates who are community-minded, resilient, and ready for work.

~ Mikhaila Halford, Workforce Solutions Manager,  Ampcontrol

For over 20 years, the APP Group has been supporting the employability of current students and graduates of the University of Newcastle. Beyond their commitment to our Career-ready Placement program, APP Group have employed over 30 students through their graduate development program. Their connection with the development and talent identification functions of workplace learning is exemplary. The Graduate Program at APP is specifically designed to support the growth of graduates, allowing them to learn at their own pace and gain exposure to real-world projects. APP also provides optional learning opportunities including communication and public speaking courses throughout their program.

Further evidence of the APP Group’s dedication to engaging with our University can be found in their sponsorship of student awards with the College of Engineering, Science and the Environment and willingness to engage with award recipients.

The University is privileged to have industry partners with the commitment of APP Group, and we are pleased to induct them into our Hall of Fame.

The APP Group is extremely proud of its history of collaboration with the University of Newcastle. For over 20 years we have been working together in fostering the development of Construction Management and Engineering students into young professionals as they enter the Construction and Property industry.

~ Peter Allen, General Manager (Northern NSW), The APP Group

BAE Systems Australia are being inducted into the Hall of Fame for their commitment to developing students’ real-world skills in a range of Engineering disciplines.

The organisation has provided highly sought after career-ready placement opportunities to our students for the past seven years. During that time, more than 15 undergraduate students have gained invaluable on-the-job experience in Aerospace Systems, Mechanical and Mechatronics, Electrical and Electronics, Software and Computer Systems Engineering.

Many students who participate in the organisation’s internships transition into graduate programs within the company or externally which is testament to their positive work culture. Students have given positive feedback on their time with BAE Systems, and they value expert advice that staff generously provide.

The contribution of BAE Systems Australia has inspired a new generation of job-ready engineers and equipped them with the employability skills they need to excel in the industry. Their commitment to developing students is deserving of inclusion in the Hall of Fame.

Our University partnerships provide students with a solid foundation for a future in the defence industry. Coupled with structured learning and real-world experiences and challenges, this provides students with an opportunity to support extraordinary projects as we continue to build sovereign capability.

Our vision is to supply the business areas with an exceptional pool of talent who have the mindset and skillset required to challenge established ways of working and to contribute new ideas to the way we work.

~ Brenna Ryan, Graduate and Intern Partner, BAE Systems Australia

Bobs Farm Public School is being recognised for their longstanding placement program with entry to the Hall of Fame. Since 2002, the school has hosted 50 students at their rural campus in multi-stage classrooms. Their long-time partnership with the University has allowed teachers in training to gain practical opportunities with a small school cohort.

Staff, parents, students and the learning community of Bobs Farm Public School are committed to innovation and inclusion. They pride themselves in designing and implementing innovative learning programs where children are engaged in purposeful learning in a caring, nurturing environment. The opportunity provided for Education students to engage with the parent and broader community in the unique environment of a small school is invaluable. The commitment of Bobs Farm Public School staff to providing mentoring and learning in this broader sense is outstanding.

Our local University of Newcastle are very efficient and obliging to work with and always have quality candidates who engage in all that a small school has to offer.

As our Principal has a postgraduate degree and staff who have undergraduate qualifications from the University of Newcastle, we can vouch on the quality of the University.

~ Megan Elliott, Principal, Bobs Farm Public School

The Central Coast Local Health District (CCLHD) Student Program Team is being inducted into the Hall of Fame for their partnership with the College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, and work to support students through NSW Health’s compliance process. For many years, the Student Program Team has worked with thousands of students to prepare and facilitate clinical placements across the Central Coast District.

This year alone, over 1500 students have secured placement opportunities with the District thanks to the Student Program Team. To help students navigate applying for placement, the team has presented verification sessions for students during and outside of office hours in addition to clear, structured communication with all hosted students. They’ve worked closely with the College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing’s Professional Experience Unit to make placements as seamless as possible, and have been a vital part of the Clinical Placement and Education Agreement Management Committee.

Partnering with the University of Newcastle to host student placements has been an incredibly rewarding experience for CCLHD. This collaboration allows us to actively contribute to the development of future health professionals, giving students invaluable, real-life experience in healthcare.

By mentoring students on the Central Coast, we support their growth while strengthening our local health workforce—a commitment that aligns with the NSW Health Future Health Strategic Framework. This partnership not only enriches our team but also ensures a vibrant pipeline of skilled, compassionate healthcare providers dedicated to our community.

~ Carmen Robertson, Student Program Manager, Central Coast Local Health District

The Nutrition and Dietetics Department serving John Hunter and Belmont Hospitals is being recognised for excellent student feedback regarding placement experience with induction to the Hall of Fame. Last year, 95% of surveyed students rated their clinical placement experience positively. Given the large number of students hosted by this organisation, this is an outstanding achievement.

Staff deliver their expertise in multiple academic courses and some assist in the assessment of students, in addition they are considered mentors of the broader dietetics’ clinical education community. In recent years, the department has hosted over half of the Medical Nutrition Therapy placement cohort, exceeding the contribution of any other organisation for this program.

This industry leadership shown by the Department and the generosity of its staff has made a significant positive impact on the student experience in the Nutrition and Dietetics program.

The Nutrition and Dietetic Department at John Hunter and Belmont Hospitals have a longstanding partnership with the University. We derive immense fulfillment from sharing our knowledge and experiences, helping students build the skills and confidence that will serve them throughout their careers in dietetics.

Witnessing the growth, development and success of students actively motivates us to remain engaged in shaping the next generation of dietitians.

~ Jessica Young, Service Manager,  John Hunter & Belmont Hospitals, and Rankin Park Centre Nutrition and Dietetics Department

Service Manager at John Hunter Hospital’s Social Work Department, Fran Hodgson is being recognised for her provision of high-quality career-ready placement experiences. Under Fran’s leadership of over 20 years, the Social Work Department has provided of valuable opportunity for students to gain real-world experience in a busy clinical setting. Each year, the Department takes up to 14 students, allowing them to apply classroom learning to patient care. As a leader of the Department, Fran’s accomplishments extend to the broader Social Work community, as many alumni in Newcastle remember their placement with this Department as being instrumental in their career choices.

As a Department Service Manager and leader in her discipline, Fran has shown an unwavering commitment to the Social Work profession and building the employability of students. She has been involved in shaping University curriculum and providing insight into culturally sensitive healthcare practices and has been a foundational member of the University’s Social Work External Advisory Group.

Fran’s leadership and this partnership from classroom to placement makes the Social Work department at John Hunter Hospital a worthy addition to the Hall of Fame.

Students who have experienced a field placement at John Hunter Hospital are the backbone of our new staff recruitment strategy. University of Newcastle students are especially able to demonstrate flexibility in approach and resilience in practice

Our new graduates value the support and variety of clinical work that is open to them and are often head hunted by other parts of the organisation for more senior clinician roles after only a few years of working at John Hunter Hospital.

~ Fran Hodgson, Manager Social Work, John Hunter Hospital

Since 2019, Mayfield West Demonstration School has partnered with the University to provide supervised teaching opportunities for over a thousand Education students. This outstanding commitment to career-ready placement is being recognised by induction to the Hall of Fame. The school hosts “Superpracs”, which involves every teaching staff member hosting Education students in their classrooms during the placement period.

Students have consistently provided excellent feedback about their experiences at the school. Most recently staff have provided innovative Physical Development, Health and Physical Education practicum, working closely with the School of Education to accommodate the re-design of placement courses.

The school has significantly contributed to the University’s Early Childhood and Primary Education programs, allowing for increased self-efficacy among students.

Mayfield West Demonstration School has established strong links with the University of Newcastle to support and implement programs for pre-service teachers. Our school population comes from diverse backgrounds which provides a richness of experiences across the school for Education students.

98% of staff at Mayfield West Demonstration School are alumni of the University of Newcastle and many current staff completed their practicums here at the school.

~ Matt Bradley, Principal,  Mayfield West Demonstration School

Nine NBN’s collaboration with the University spans decades, having employed countless graduates from the University, including seven alumni who are now in senior roles. Over the last four years, Nine NBN has hosted and employed nine students as archivists, media exchange technicians, camera operators and journalists.

This involvement extends beyond internships in the newsroom. Nine NBN has collaborated with the University’s GLAMx lab to digitise archival tape and film collections, with students making these collections available and accessible online. NBN News reporters have worked with Media and Communication students since 2023 to produce the Local Lens podcast, following some of the biggest stories covered by the network.

This engagement with the University and its students places the organisation well for induction to the Hall of Fame.

Nine NBN has a proud and long-standing association with the University of Newcastle employing a countless number of graduates over the decades. Speaking specifically to my four year tenure, we have interned and employed six students in varied roles including Archivists, Media Exchange Technicians, Camera Operators and Journalists, some of whom have spread their wings beyond regional television.

We also initiated a new podcast series called "Local Lens" now in its second season, featuring students collaborating with our journalists on historic and current matters across Newcastle and surrounds. Further, last year we partnered with the University to celebrate graduates, Open Days and recently produced and televised the "NBN News presents - 50 years of Open Foundation" documentary.

~ Jenny Webber,  General Manager, Nine NBN

In recognition of their tailored practical opportunities, See Hear Speak Psychology is being inducted into the Hall of Fame. The practice has been an active supporter of students at all stages of study and committed to the School of Psychological Sciences’ placement program since its re-conception in 2022.

The practice offers a highly sought-after career-ready placement, and students have provided positive feedback about developing real world skills in child and family psychology. In addition to providing placements for undergraduate students, this organisation has supported Clinical Masters, Clinical PhD and Master of Professional Psychology students.

This commitment to skill development has enhanced the quality and impact of the School of Psychology's programs and the employability of its students.

Working with the University Psychology Placement team is a special relationship for See Hear Speak Psychology that has grown over the years with students we support. We are thankful for the University commitment to seeing students ready to make a real-world difference on placement. We believe we are privileged to help shape tomorrow’s leaders in psychology and healthcare.

It has been a wonderful to witness the growth in confidence, passion and care students can develop in placements, that for many have turned into opportunities for employment at our practice.

~ Dr Andrew Wilkinson,  Director and Clinical Psychologist,  See Hear Speak Psychology

Over the last two years, Tenambit Medical Centre have hosted six placement students and enabled them to attend consultations. Students undertaking placement with this practice consistently provide overwhelmingly positive reviews regarding the quality of their learning and overall experience. This has led many of Tenambit Medical Centre’s placement students to reconsider their career pathways and plan towards specialising in General Practice.

Tenambit Medical Centre has also provided placement opportunities for students from first to fourth year of the University’s Pharmacy programs. They allow students to take control of their education while under supervision and within their scope of practice. The capability of Tenambit Medical Centre to inspire students to pursue careers in their field places them as an important addition to the Hall of Fame.

One of the greatest benefits of having University of Newcastle students placed in our practice is the wealth of knowledge that they bring to the team. They challenge our thinking and processes, and it is always wonderful to gain extra knowledge and skills from students. As much as we teach the students, they also teach us.

~ Sarah Anstey, Practice Manager,  Tenambit Medical Centre

The contributions of Terry White Chemmart Junction Fair have shaped the careers of many local Pharmacy students, and their efforts are well-deserving of induction to the Hall of Fame. For ten years, they have provided our pharmacy students with placement opportunities and demonstrated an unwavering commitment to their education and development. They have consistently hosted multiple third- and fourth-year students at a time, with a focus on treating students as integral team members.

In addition to dispensing, Terry White Chemmart, Junction Fair offers a wide range of clinical services, providing students with invaluable hands-on experience in a supportive and nurturing environment. Most recently, they have expanded their offering to include half-day visits for second-year students and annual site orientation visits for first-year students.

Several students have participated in internships with The Pharmacy and have subsequently joined their staff team. This is a strong demonstration of the excellent work culture and professional mentoring offered through their engagement with the University.

I have always valued collaboration to improve student knowledge, skills and growth. Partnering with the Pharmacy department showcases the great network the University has created with local business.

Taking students allows me to continue my passion of education and extend it to the workplace to demonstrate the importance of community Pharmacy to our local area. I enjoy fostering the future of our industry.

~ David Went,  Proprietor,  Terry White Chemmart Junction Fair

Vision Property and Finance have been a partner with the Newcastle Business School’s career-ready placement course since its inception in 2016. This small enterprise has provided practical learning opportunities for 16 students studying marketing and finance. Vision’s longstanding partnership is being recognised by induction to the Industry Hall of Fame.

Vision Property and Finance were one of five organisations that partnered with the Business School when student placements first began eight years ago. Vision continues to work with the University to host students, and their staff have engaged with the Business School to explore potential curriculum opportunities for financial advisor qualifications.

Vision’s commitment to developing student employability and its long-term partnership since the introduction of the Newcastle Business School placement program makes the organisation an important addition to the Hall of Fame.

It has been very rewarding to see the students grow over the course of our internships. I’ve stayed in contact with some of them for many years. Hosting placement students forces you to have a good look at your own business.

As part of this you can review how you do things, and it can improve your business in ways you might not expect.

~ Hamish Ferguson, Newcastle Director, Vision Property and Finance

Westlakes Community Health Service have hosted 57 Occupational Therapy placements over the last 12 years. This small organisation has made a significant contribution to the development of students within the School of Health Science, by providing experiences that enable the application of academic learning in a real-life setting. Their commitment has seen them working with students from second through to fourth year.

Westlakes Community Health Service provide a wide range of services from community nursing to aged care assessments. The team is being recognised for their longstanding partnership with the University and their strong intake of students with induction into the Hall of Fame.