School of Natural and Built Environments

CIVIL ENGINEERING

Industrial Experience N Guide

 INDEX

PAGE DESCRIPTION

3&4 General guidelines for industry experience (includes a list of suggested companies
to approach)

5 Sample Application letter

6 Guide to Writing Industrial Experience Reports

7 Certificate of Practical Experience

** Ask your Employer to complete this form when your industry experience is
completed and sign certificate, then submit the certificate with your written
report **

8&9 Sexual Harassment general information

10 Career Services and ePortfolio general information

INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE GUIDE UPDATED NOV-06 PAGE 2 OF 17

 GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR INDUSTRIAL EXPERIENCE

What are the objectives of industrial experience?

To observe, as closely and widely as can be arranged, the role of an engineer
To gain real experience in the workplace before proceeding to long term employment, or further
studies in which such prior experience is highly desirable
To analyse the issues around communication in industry
To assist in preparing you for eventual employment as an engineer, and enhance skills and attributes
that are desirable to employers
To assist in progressing and maturing your thoughts about the purpose of your formal studies
To gain accreditation with Engineers Australia by fulfilling the requirement of having at least 12 weeks
industry experience before graduation

Do I have to gain industrial experience?

It is a mandatory requirement of Engineers Australia that students are exposed to professional engineering
practice throughout their program. The civil engineering program already incorporates significant exposure to
this, but in addition, students are required to complete a minimum period of 12 weeks of industrial experience
in a relevant industry prior to graduation. Assessment in the course Industrial Experience N will remain
incomplete until the student submits a written report and receives a pass.

Can I get exemption/credit for Industrial Experience?

If you have already worked in an engineering related position for a significant time period (e.g. you have
worked as a civil draftsperson and are now completing your degree) you may be granted credit for Industrial
Experience N. If you believe this applies to you, please apply to the Program Director with a copy of your
relevant CV or employment reference.

When do I need to undertake my Industrial Experience?

Industrial experience is usually undertaken in your third year of study, during November to February, but can
be undertaken at any time. The minimum 12-week requirement may be satisfied as follows
One period of 12 weeks continuous experience in a civil engineering related position, or
Two periods totaling 12 weeks in a civil engineering related position, or
One period of 8 weeks in a civil engineering related position and one period of 6 weeks or part-time
equivalent in other employment which may not be engineering related (e.g. labouring, customer
service, etc).

What are the conditions for Industry Experience?

You will be taken on as a member of the workforce so it may be necessary for you to undertake OHSW
training etc. You will be subject to the firms discipline just like other members of the workforce for aspects
like time-keeping, hours of work, and application to the job.

Will I be paid?
Pay rates are negotiable between you and the employer. Usually some sort of training wage is appropriate
and may be governed by an award agreement. If you are a student member of APESMA they may be able to
advise on what pay rates you should expect.

INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE GUIDE PAGE 3 OF 17

Am I covered by UniSAs insurance while I am undertaking industrial experience?
If you are paid for your industrial experience, you will be covered by the relevant companys insurance. If you
obtain UNPAID work experience the FS23 Placement Details form must be completed in order to cover you
under the University of South Australias insurance. Forms and insurance information can be found at
http://w3.unisa.edu.au/fin/commercial_support/faqs/faq_student_insurance.asp

Who organises my industrial experience placement?

You are expected to apply for and negotiate your own placement. Some of the companies that have
supported industrial experience placements in the past are:

Abi Group Kellog, Brown and Root Pty Ltd

Arup Leed Engineering
Bardavcol McMahon Services Australia
Baulderstone Hornibrook Mycon
BHP Billiton Parsons Brinkerhoff
Built Environs SA Water
Aurecon SEM Civil
Department of Planning, Transport and Tonkin Consulting
Infrastructure Wallbridge and Gilbert
FMG York Civil
GHD Local Councils
Greenhill Engineers
HDS

This is not an exclusive listing of companies. Have a look at the Engineering Careers section in the
Advertiser and the Australian or check the internet. If you are a student member of Engineers
Australia, access their Vacation Employment Handbook on-line. Many companies contact the
University when they have a position vacant, so keep an eye on your emails for advertisements from
Career Services. If you do have any difficulties, please contact the Program Support Officer for some
assistance.

You should apply in writing directly to the Director of Human Resources (or relevant contact person
that you may have met at an Industry event hosted by UniSA). Provide reasons why you want
industry experience and how working in their company will benefit you. Please contact Careers
Services if you would like some assistance with your application letter or curriculum vitae.
http://w3.unisa.edu.au/careers/

Who do I contact if I have any questions?
Reports are to be submitted to the Senior Academic Services Officer. To allow for entry of results in
time for March graduation, reports must be submitted by the end of January, however we strongly
advise that you write your report as soon as you complete your Industry Experience and submit it
when you return to University. If you have any questions please contact the Senior Academic
Services Officer in the first instance. Contact details are listed on Learning Resources on the course
homepage under Contacts

INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE GUIDE PAGE 5 OF 17

 SAMPLE APPLICATION LETTER/EMAIL


Note: This letter is an example only; please modify it to suit your own needs
Quality of applications is more important than quantity
Find out about the organisation and demonstrate your knowledge in the letter
Follow up with a phone call and/or email, be polite but be persistent and above all be
enthusiastic.


62 Blank Street
BLANKTOWN SA 5555


(Todays Date)


Director of Human Resources
ABC Engineering Co Ltd
22 Smith Street
INDUSTRIAL PARK WA 9999


Dear Sir / Madam


Re: Application for Vacation Employment

I am currently undertaking the Bachelor of Engineering (Civil Engineering) degree program at the
University of South Australia (Mawson Lakes Campus). It is a mandatory requirement of Engineers
Australia that students are exposed to professional engineering practice throughout their program.
This program already incorporates significant exposure to this, but in addition, students are required
to complete a minimum period of 12 weeks of industrial experience in a relevant industry prior to
graduation.

I am interested in participating in a period of industrial experience with your company. I would
particularly enjoy employment as [ ], however I would be happy to work in any civil engineering
related activity and I appreciate your consideration of my application. [Include details to show that
you know something about the plant/organisation]

I have attached my Curriculum Vitae, which includes my transcript of results at UniSA. [briefly outline
your existing employment details].

[Finish off with something like:
I look forward to working at your plant/organisation....
I know I can make a valuable contribution.....
I am confident that I can become a valuable member of your staff.....
Please give me the opportunity to demonstrate my capabilities.....
I can be contacted on email. Phone.]

INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE GUIDE PAGE 7 OF 17

 Yours faithfully,


JOHN SMITH

A GUIDE TO WRITING INDUSTRIAL EXPERIENCE REPORTS

(Reference: Report Writing Style Guide for Engineering. A. Winckel, B. Hart, University of South
Australia)
https://lo.unisa.edu.au/pluginfile.php/496104/mod_resource/content/1/Engineering%20report
%20style%20writing%20guide.pdf

FORMAT
The report must be the student's own work, and in general approximately 1,500 words would be
considered sufficient.

The following information is to be recorded on the cover page of the report
1. Number of report
2. Name of student
3. Name of Employer
4. Type of work
5. Period worked
6. Date submitted

Since you are reflecting on your experience it is OK to use a personal style ie. you can use I.
Reports should be illustrated with sketches, diagrams, photographs or other suitable material. Such
illustrations are to be given numbers and captions, and are to be referred to in the body of the report.
Reports shall be set out with numbered main headings and sub-headings.
Reports must include a table of contents: all pages must be numbered.

CONTENT OF THE REPORT
The following outline may be used as a guide to the content of the report:
An introduction giving the name and location of the firm and the range of work
undertaken.
A short description of the firm or division and its organisational structure and operation. Comments
may be made on any or all of the following, as appropriate :
o organisational structure
o financial structure
o human resources management and administrative procedures
o costing procedures
o facilities
o record systems
o methods of time-keeping and supervision
o any other items of interest

A description of the work performed by the student. This is one of the most important sections as it
should convey the range and depth of work that was experienced. Samples of the work may be
included, however confidentiality may need to be considered.
Observations on equipment and processes of particular interest.
An assessment of the knowledge and experience gained.
Full references to relevant literature should be given.

INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE GUIDE PAGE 9 OF 17

 Because of their unique situation, students are often in a position to make suggestions and/or
criticisms. However, they should realise that generally they are inexperienced and as such they
should take care to exercise care and objectivity.
Students should also take care not to disclose any confidential information. If there is any doubt as
to the confidentiality of information included in a report, it would be prudent to obtain the opinion of
your employer before submitting the report.

RE-SUBMISSION
A student may be requested to re-submit a report if it is not well-structured or it is poorly written.
Students are reminded that reports may be viewed by prospective employers, and should take due
care in the preparation of these reports.

INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE GUIDE PAGE 11 OF 17

 CERTIFICATE OF PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE

THIS SECTION TO BE COMPLETED BY THE STUDENT

Is this your first Student ID
report?
Given Names Family
Name
Full Name of
Program
No of days
employed

THIS SECTION TO BE COMPLETED BY THE EMPLOYER

To:
Kirsty Smeaton
Senior Academic Services Officer
School of Natural and Built Environments
University of South Australia, MAWSON LAKES CAMPUS

I hereby certify that Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms .....................................................................................................

Address .................................................................................................................................................
Was employed by me from .......... to .................... totalling a period of ..........................................
The duties were as follows ....................................................................................................................
The student was engaged in those duties for an average of .......... hours per day.
I understand that the student is required to submit to the School a report on the work undertaken
whilst in my employment.

Signed ...................................................................................................................................................
Business Name .....................................................................................................................................
Address .................................................................................................................................................

.

 OFFICE USE ONLY
Recommendation from School Staff

I recommend that the Students report outlined above is satisfactory and constitutes a pass result.


Signature .................................................................................. Date ..............................................

ACTION:
No further action is required. A pass grade will be entered onto the students academic transcript
A second report is required to complete the minimum 12 week period of industrial experience
This report is currently deemed unsatisfactory Amendments are to be resubmitted for further appraisal



SEXUAL HARASSMENT ON WORK PLACEMENT

Information for Students

Sexual harassment is any verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that you consider offensive.
It is behaviour that is unsolicited, unwelcome and unreciprocated.

Sexual harassment does not refer to behaviour that is mutually acceptable to the parties involved.
Your friendships (whether sexual or otherwise) are your private concern.

As a student of the University of South Australia you may be required to undertake work or study in
other educational institutions or work organisations as part of your course (for example, in a school,
hospital, clinic or in industry).

If you believe that you are subjected to sexual harassment while you are undertaking your work
placement it is important that you seek assistance to ensure that the behaviour does not re-occur.
Although various options are available it is most important to remember that you dont need to deal
with the problem alone.

There are a number of people within the University who you can approach for help.

There are a number of ways that the problem can be dealt with. In fact, most complaints can be
successfully dealt with in an informal fashion.

DONT IGNORE IT IT WONT GO AWAY SEEK HELP NOW!

Sexual harassment is unlawful in employment and education under the South Australian Equal
Opportunity Act 1984 and the Commonwealth Sex Discrimination Act 1984. Employers may be held
responsible for their own behaviour and the behaviour of the people they employ. They must act to
prevent sexual harassment from occurring.

What are the effects of sexual harassment?

Sexual harassment often has effects beyond personal intimidation and unpleasantness. If it occurs it
may interfere with your performance in employment or education by creating an intimidating, hostile
or offensive work or study environment.


What is the Universitys policy on sexual harassment?

The University of South Australia considers sexual harassment to be an unacceptable form of

behaviour and supports your rights to be free from such harassment while engaged in activities
undertaken as part of your study. As an employer and an educational institution the University will
take all reasonable steps to eliminate sexual harassment of or by staff, students or other members of
its community. The University also has an expectation that you will act in accordance with its policy
and not engage in sexual harassment either on campus or while on work placement.

What if I experience sexual harassment when I am on work placement?

Although the Universitys own policy on sexual harassment does not directly cover its students
working in other organisations, the University will act as far as is possible to protect you and prevent
further incidents from occurring. In such cases the University will work with the other organisation to
investigate and resolve complaints of sexual harassment.

What should I do if I am sexually harassed while on work placement?

If you believe that you have been subjected to sexual harassment you should discuss the matter
immediately with your University fieldwork coordinator/clinical supervisor, the Student Ombud or an
Equity Contact. Any concern will be dealt with sympathetically and confidentially.

How will my complaint be dealt with?

In extreme cases it may be necessary for your fieldwork coordinator/clinical supervisor to take
immediate action to protect you from further harassment. In other cases, specific details of the
incident should be relayed to the Student Ombud who will consult with you to devise an appropriate
course of action. In the event that the external organisation does not agree to take part in this
process, you may wish to obtain advice from the Commissioner of Equal Opportunity (8207-1977).

Who should I contact for assistance?

Student Ombud: 8302-0175 (or toll free 1800-600-067)

http://w3.unisa.edu.au/ombud/Contact/default.asp

Equity Contacts: http://w3.unisa.edu.au/hrm/contacts/equity.asp

HR Equity Enquiries: 8302-1700.

 CAREER SERVICES

The Career Services website http://w3.unisa.edu.au/careers/ includes a wide range of resources that
will help you prepare for your placement, plan your career and eventually land a great graduate
position. You'll find information about what employers are looking for in students and graduates,
advice on preparing for interviews and suggestions about how to succeed while undertaking your
placement.

Check out these online resources:

Planning your career - http://w3.unisa.edu.au/careers/planning/assessment.asp

Preparing for employment - http://w3.unisa.edu.au/careers/prepare/default.asp

Job applications and interview preparation - http://w3.unisa.edu.au/careers/application/default.asp

Strategies for finding employment - http://w3.unisa.edu.au/careers/find/default.asp

UniSA Career Hub https://www.unisacareerhub.unisa.edu.au/Login.chpx is a centralised student jobs

board with new listings added daily, making it easy for students to search for jobs, work placements,
events and workshops. Whether you are just starting to consider your options or proactively looking
for graduate positions, full time, part time or vacation employment, work experience, voluntary or
community work this is the place to start your search.

UPDATE YOUR ePORTFOLIO

Your industrial experience provides an important opportunity to gather and record evidence of your
employability in the Civil Engineering Field.

A useful place to store this information is your ePortfolio - http://ep.unisa.edu.au/. If you havent yet
got started using your ePortfolio these ePortfolio help resources can show you how -
http://resource.unisa.edu.au/course/view.php?id=2992

Graduate Qualities
1. Graduates will be able to operate effectively with and upon a body of knowledge of sufficient depth to
begin professional practice.
2. Graduates will be prepared for lifelong learning in pursuit of personal development and excellence in
their professional practice.
3. Graduates will be effective problem solvers, capable of applying logical, critical, and creative thinking
to a range of problems.
4. Graduates will be able to work both autonomously and collaboratively as professionals.
5. Graduates will be committed to ethical action and social responsibility as professionals and citizens.
6. Graduates will be able to communicate effectively in professional practice and as members of the
community.
7. Graduates will demonstrate the international perspectives as professionals and citizens.