The Stepping Into™ program offers practical paid work experience for successful students or recent graduates with disability who may face significant obstacles in gaining employment. Obstacles include such things as academic transcripts that don’t reflect the students’ real potential, or having limited opportunity to participate in part time work while studying. The participating employers are pioneers within their field and are taking a leadership role in providing opportunities to students with disability to access internship opportunities.
Am I eligible?
- To be eligible, you must have a disability and be registered with disability services at your university, or be able to provide a note from a medical professional.
If you are not sure what types of disability are included, please visit our What Is Disability? Any information about your disability will be removed prior to sending your application to the participating employers.
- You must be enrolled in the second last or final year of a relevant tertiary degree at a recognised tertiary institution, or have graduated from a relevant degree within 36 months (three years) of the application date.
- Applicants mustn’t be on a leave of absence from their studies.
- You must have full work rights in Australia (citizenship or a relevant student visa. Each host organisation will have their own citizenship requirements)
- You will need to be committed and prepared to participate fully in the program.
- Preference will be given to those applicants who haven’t applied for or participated in the Stepping Into Program previously.
If you have questions about whether you are eligible for the Stepping Into program, please contact the Programs team at applications@AusDN.org.au or 02 8270 9200
How does the Stepping Into Program work?
Internship opportunities are advertised in March for the winter semester break and August for the summer semester break.
Stepping Into Internships run for a minimum 152 hours (four weeks, if working full time).
After you apply, you’ll be required to meet with AND to talk about your skills, abilities and interests. You can also discuss any workplace adjustments, and get advice on how to share disability-related information with employers so they can support you to perform at your best.
If you are shortlisted for the next stage, you’ll be invited to an interview with the host employer.
Successful applicants will have the opportunity to complete a paid work experience program with one of our participating employers, and receive support and guidance from AND throughout the internship.
Employers that you are shortlisted to are responsible for selecting and notifying candidates for interview and offering candidates a position in their program.
Tips on filling out the application form
All sections of this application form must be completed. Please attach the following information (applications without the following documents attached will not be considered):
- CV
- Academic transcript (official or unofficial accepted)
Please also include relevant disability information. Examples include:
- your Disability Access Plan from Disability Services at your university
- a letter of diagnosis from your doctor
- a letter from an allied health professional (these include but are not limited to audiologists, chiropractors, dietitians, occupational therapists, osteopaths, psychologists etc.)
It is important that the responses you provide in this application clearly articulate your skills and abilities. Below are some tips and guidelines for answering the sections of this application form in order to help you provide sufficient information in your application
General tips
- Ensure you complete all fields. Leaving any section blank is an incomplete application.
- Check for spelling, grammar and language. Get someone to proof-read before submitting.
- If you use industry related terms or acronyms, ensure you elaborate, and ask yourself, would the recruiter understand this?
Other interests, activities and achievements
In this section, you should mention any involvement in extracurricular activities such as sporting clubs, university activities, achievements and prizes, either in your employment history, at university or the community.
The employer wants to get an understanding of who you are outside of your studies.
Career objectives
In this section, you should be clear about what your career goals are, what career interests you hope to pursue. Explain why you chose your course of study and how your studies are relevant to your career objectives.
The employer is interested in knowing why you have applied for the internship and your interest in being considered for an internship in their organisation.
Other work related skills and abilities
For this section, include any work-related skills and abilities you have and for each, provide an example of how you have demonstrated such skill either through your employment history, university or in the community.
The skills could include technical skills (for example, specific computer programs/software you have competencies in) or soft skills (such as customer service, communications skills and ability to work in a team).
The employer is interested in how your skills and abilities will match the internship offered and your ability to work effectively in their organisation.
