The ACS Foundation runs student developmental programs that are in response to the technology industry needs. By listening to governments, industry associations, technology companies, education institutions and sponsors in general, we formulate and run programs for the long-term benefit of Australia's technology sector and profession. We help student to make the transition from their studies into the technology industry. We pride ourselves on our flexibility and the quality of our candidates.

The Foundation History

In the last 21 years, the ACS Foundation has:

• Raised over $75 million in contributions towards Australia’s technology future.
• Awarded over 7,500 scholarships to help students start their careers.
• Partnered with over 250 sponsors and companies to build industry capability.
• Created student pathways from school to TAFE / university and into jobs.
• Integrated work and life experience within academic and university studies.
• Enhanced the future of the ICT Profession
• Established scholarships, research grants and innovation building

Graduate Jobs for new IT professionals

Employment arrangements for entry-level technology jobs for a limited time. These are designed as fixed term employment contracts designed for both you and the host organisation to explore whether you want to enter a permanent employment arrangement. These are great if you want to keep your long-term options open while still commencing a graduate career.  Opportunities are open year round.

https://www.foundationjobs.com.au/graduates

The Women of STEM scholarship will be offered to young women aged 18-20 who are studying a degree in a STEM related field. The purpose of this scholarship is to grow and support the number of females who are choosing to pursue a career in technology. The scholarships will support applicants with financial aid to be used for general living expenses, course expenses, textbooks, extracurricular or any additional education. The recipient must be actively enrolled and studying during the duration of the scholarship.

https://www.foundationjobs.com.au/womenofstem

Internships for university students

As determined by our donors, we administer scholarships to university students.  Scholarships are financial grants take the form of both academic and demographic grants and 'work integrated learning' (WIL) placements. Students must apply and be assessed against the criteria that is determined for each scholarship. These arrangements are great when you need a placement to meet your degrees' academic requirements and also want to gain a head start for a graduate job. Opportunities are open year round, but the majority of roles commence during student breaks.

https://www.foundationjobs.com.au/internships

Shaun - Web Developer

Harry - Solutions Architect

Alex - Entrepreneur 

Kate - Graphic Designer

New Student quotes/experience from this year.

"My experience with ACS foundation has been so amazing. They are really prompt in replying and putting you on the right track. ACS foundation helped me get a job at a position I was interested in. They have been really professional and accountable. Would highly recommend ACS to all the job seekers. Thank you ACS foundation!!"

- Devneet Virdi 

Rated the recruitment experience as 10/10 - Chaz Lambrechtsen, IT Intern at Holmann Webb 

The Big Day In

The Big Day In for primary and high school students: Where articulate and passionate industry speakers meet with tech-focused school students to forge exciting pre-career connections.

So far we have helped over 50,000 students explore where a career in technology can taken them. The very first BiG Day In event was held at UTS in Sydney for 220 students (approximately 160 UTS students and 60 high school students) in 2012. The Big Day In is an event designed for students by students – it was designed by two interns at the ACS Foundation who had a brief to develop an event that they and their peers would like to attend.

www.thebigdayin.com.au

ICT Career Wheel

The ACS Foundation created the ICT (Information Communications Technology) Careers Wheel for Students as a resource to assist Australian students to identify study and employment options in the technology sector. 

By grouping fields of study, skills and job roles, the map and wheel outline common pathways from study to work.

www.careerwheel.com.au

Do I need to be enrolled with an Australian University to apply for a WIL (Work Integrated Learning) Scholarship?

Yes. You should be enrolled with an Australian University in either a technical or business-related degree program. You should have completed at least one full semester with a minimum of a credit average on your academic transcript.

Can I apply for a WIL Scholarship if I have graduated?

If you are intending to enrol in a post-graduate study program with an Australian university, then you can apply for a WIL scholarship. Please be aware, that you cannot be awarded a WIL scholarship unless you are in an enrolled education program with an Australian university.

What happens at the end of the WIL scholarship?

Most host organisations have robust graduate programs. Their graduate programs are designed to select students from their WIL placements. A 2011 ACS Foundation survey found that 79% of WIL placement students received graduate employment offers from their host organisation.

Should I wait until I graduate to look for work?

As soon as you start tertiary studies, you should consider that you career has already started. Employees are increasingly hiring their graduates from those who have completed internships with them. To give yourself the best chance at the best jobs, you should ensure you complete an internship or scholarship while you are at university.

What is the difference between an internship and a WIL scholarship?

An internship is a general term for a work-based experience while a student is studying at university. An internship placement is often completed during a university's vacation period. A WIL scholarship is like an internship, but it often runs in parallel with the university semester. A WIL scholarship may span both the university vacation and run concurrently with a university semester.

Do I need to defer my studies to accept a WIL scholarship?

It depends on the scholarship you are applying for. Some WIL scholarship placements are longer than others. It is your choice if you want to take a full study load, part-time study load or defer your studies for the semester in which you complete your WIL scholarship.

What can I expect through the application process?

An ACS Foundation team member will assess your application within a week of receiving it. The application will take 1-2 weeks to be assessed by ACS Foundation and will then be sent to the host organisation. If you are successful, ACS Foundation will organise an interview between yourself and the company representative. The ACS Foundation will organise contracts and manage your payments throughout your placement or employment.