Dr Kate Ferguson-Patrick, Dr Katie Waters, Dr Suzanne Macqueen and Dr Yuzhe Zhang have been awarded the Staff Career-ready Placement Award for their collaborative research advancing equity in Work Integrated Learning (WIL).

Their publication, “University student anticipation and experience of challenges and support during compulsory Work Integrated Learning components”, explores the challenges students face during compulsory placements and offers practical recommendations to improve access and outcomes.

Drawing on data from 162 students across eight disciplines, the research highlights how barriers such as financial hardship, travel demands, and lost income can negatively impact student wellbeing and engagement. It advocates for flexible placement models, targeted financial support and improved communication between universities and placement providers.

Their work has informed institutional policy reviews and contributing to national reform agendas. By foregrounding student voice and promoting inclusive practices, the team has provided a valuable evidence base to guide future improvements in placement equity and accessibility.

Career-ready Placements must be flexible and well-supported to ensure all students, especially those from equity groups, can access and thrive in authentic work experiences.

~ Dr Kate Ferguson-Patrick, Dr Katie Waters, Dr Suzanne Macqueen & Dr Yuzhe Zhang (College of Human and Social Futures)

Dr Kelly Squires has received the Staff Career-ready Placement Award in recognition of her leadership in enhancing placement experiences for Nutrition and Dietetics students. As Professional Experience Convenor, Kelly has expanded placement opportunities, strengthened supervisor engagement, and introduced innovative learning models.

Her contributions include integrating simulation activities into placements and co-designed models aligned with workforce needs. Kelly also developed an authentic assessment combining selection criteria with a simulated job interview to build student confidence and support their transition into professional roles.

Kelly’s implementation of centralised online resources and monthly education sessions has improved efficiency and engagement with over 190 supervisors across 55 placement sites. Her leadership has resulted in more than 20 new placement opportunities in underrepresented areas and strengthened industry relationships.

Together, these initiatives have created a more inclusive, responsive and professionally aligned placement program.

In a profession with many pathways after graduation, career-ready placements provide dietetic students with the chance to experience the diversity of workplace settings and discover what could become their dream role. Responding to the evolving demands of our workforce has been challenging, but through strong industry partnerships, our placement program has continued to expand with new sites ensuring students experience the breadth of the dietetics profession before they graduate.

~ Dr Kelly Squires (Professional Experience Convenor - Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing)

Shellie Smith has received the Staff Career-ready Placement Award in recognition of her leadership in embedding Indigenous knowledges and cultural safety into architectural education. As an Associate Lecturer, Shellie prepares students in the Architecture and Designing with Country programs for culturally respectful practice.

Her teaching combines Indigenous methodologies with western pedagogy, enabling students to build strong conceptual foundations before engaging in live projects and fieldwork. Through site visits, guest lectures, and real-world project work, students gain firsthand exposure to contemporary challenges such as designing on unceded Country, navigating cultural heritage policies, and applying Indigenous methodologies within planning and design processes. These experiences foster professional skills in communication, reflexivity, collaboration, and ethical decision-making.

Shellie’s leadership ensures graduates enter professional and community settings with cultural integrity and the confidence to engage respectfully with Country. Her work equips students to contribute meaningfully to the built environment through culturally safe and informed practice.

The highlight for me is seeing students realise that culturally safe practice isn’t an “add-on” – it’s core business. I love watching them grow from being a bit nervous about “getting it wrong” to being brave enough to listen deeply, ask better questions, and stand alongside communities as respectful partners. Seeing that shift in how they understand their role as future practitioners is incredibly rewarding.

~ Shellie Smith (Associate Lecturer - Architecture, School of Engineering, Science and Environment)

Jackie Mottram has been awarded the Staff Career-ready Placement Award in recognition of her leadership in student and graduate development through the StandOut Program. As the Head of the Commercial & Communications team within Digital Technology Solutions, Jackie has cultivated a workplace that supports emerging talent and fosters early career pathways.

Since its launch in 2017, the StandOut Program has provided over 140 students with employment or placement opportunities, with 50 transitioning into ongoing roles either within the University or with strategic industry partners. The program offers hands-on experience in areas such as communications, DevOps, and project management. As of 2025, students and recent graduates make up nearly 30% of the University’s Digital Technology Solutions workforce.

Jackie’s inclusive and future-focused approach has welcomed students from diverse disciplines. She has also led initiatives like #DigitalLevelUp and the IT Incubator to expand access to professional development. Her leadership continues to equip students with the skills, experience and confidence needed to succeed in the workforce.

Career-ready Placements empower students to bridge theory and practice, building confidence and employability. The most rewarding part has been seeing students thrive in real-world environments and contribute meaningfully to our projects. Within Digital Technology Solutions, this is a collective effort - many colleagues work together to design roles, mentor students, and create supportive experiences. My contribution has focused on aligning placements with industry needs while ensuring students feel valued and engaged. Together, we’re shaping opportunities that prepare graduates for success and strengthen the University’s connection to future talent.

~ Jackie Mottram (Head of Commercial & Communications, Digital Technology Solutions)

Nick Stevens, Tayla Furey, and Kellyn Patterson from the Integrated Innovation Network (I2N), alongside Susan Hood from Global Partnerships, have received the Staff Career-ready Placement Award for their work on BUSN3500: International Startup Placement.

The team secured nearly $400,000 in New Colombo Plan funding to support 32 students undertaking startup placements at the Hong Kong Science and Technology Park (HKSTP). Students worked in multidisciplinary teams on projects with Hong Kong-based startups in areas such as AI vocal training, physiotherapy gamification, weather forecasting, and recycling technology.

To prepare for the experience, students participated in cultural and language workshops delivered in partnership with the University’s Confucius Institute. The program offered immersive learning, global industry exposure, and professional development in one of Asia’s leading innovation ecosystems.

Through this initiative, the team has strengthened international partnerships and positioned the University as a member of the Global University Innovation Network, while enhancing student employability through high-impact global placements. The program continues to generate strong outcomes, with students progressing their startups, winning awards, and engaging in further international innovation opportunities.

Career-ready placements like this are lifechanging for our students. The international learning, the fast-paced startup context and the student community that is built on such a tour, genuinely changes students. I wish we could offer it for all.

~ Nick Stevens (Manager Pre-Startup Programs, I2N)