Mrs Louise Chesterman1, Ms Kristin Warr Pedersen1, Mrs Leila Daniels1, Mr Timothy Gibbons1
1University Of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
Global education seekers are adventurous, adaptable and not averse to taking on a challenge. International students have many of the key employability characteristics employers are looking for, however the methods and knowledge of how to find employment opportunities is often lacking from the higher education experience of international students in Australia. In 2016, the University of Tasmania established the I-PREP program to provide international students with the supplemental education and experience they need to fully maximise their employability. The I-PREP program consists of three major components: (1) an educational workshop focused on work ready skills, (2) a supported recruitment process, and (3) designated internship opportunities in a range of industries. Following a successful two-year pilot, the I-PREP program attracted funding from the Tasmanian Government to expand the internship offerings and provide the program to vocational international students in the state’s TAFE program. This presentation will highlight the key features of the new partnership and will outline how the redesign and expanded delivery of I-PREP was achieved. This will include a discussion of the results of a qualitative and quantitative evaluation on the impact of I-PREP experience on: (1) students’ awareness of the Australian workplace and expectations of employers; (2) students’ confidence to apply for jobs and succeed in the workplace; and (3) the employment outcomes for students in the program. The presentation will focus on the key lessons the project team has learned and our vision for the sustainability at the end of our state-based funding.
Biography:
Louise Chesterman Careers Adviser/Education Co-ordintor I-PREP program. University of Tasmania. Louise has worked for five years in higher education at the University of Tasmania in the Student Leadership and Careers Team Her role has changed significantly over the years with the development of programs including the I-PREP in 2016. She is involved in other roles within the university including the Vice Chancellor Leadership Program, Career Mentor program and working closely with student led programs such as the Career Peers. Her past positions include teaching and leadership roles in a number of private education secondary schools and Nursing in the Critical Care Unit at the Royal Hobart Hospital and Calvary hospitals. Working with international students closely through consultations and programs has led to a deeper understanding of International student’s career pathways, which has led to her involvement with a team to establish programs to assist their future employability post graduation.