How Viable is it to Work in Australia under Unpaid Internships

Internship is a popular option for students as it opens up a vista of opportunities to work in the industry. Students gain work experience, learn the nuances of work culture, and get useful reference to carry on with the career in future. Students coming from different parts of Australia or countries around the world, opt for a training period or internship while studying at reputed universities and institutes. They not only want to gain experience but also understand the style of work, approach, and attitude in the industry.

In Australia, there are two types of internships – paid and unpaid. These are offered in various fields, such as engineering, architecture, software coding, finance sector, banking, and accountancy, fashion designing, and various types of administration and communication management. If a student is looking for an unpaid internship, it could last for a maximum period of 6 months. If the applicant is a graduate, the internship can be allotted for 3 months. One just needs to apply with valid documents at the administrative office with a fee of AUD $500.

Eligibility for Unpaid Internship
The applicant interested for unpaid internship should attain 18 years but should not be older than 30 years. A remarkable qualification is a must to ensure a place as an intern. Special visa, such as 416 Special Program visa or a 417 Working Holiday visa is also mandatory for the candidate along with a good command over English language. The intern should ideally clear IELTS test with considerably good scores and capable of reading, writing, and communicating in English.

Unpaid Internship – Is it Worth the Trouble?
Australian law states that unpaid internship should be just like an academic or professional training and not an entry-level job. It should not be a job opening for candidates who could work without any remuneration. However, many employers have been abusing this role for their personal gain. The government has come up with strict rules to ensure interns are not harassed or unduly overworked. And more importantly, they should not be engaged to work in place of the existing workers.

There are many sites which offer unpaid internship to foreign students in Australia. This includes internship in various professional programs. The duration is just between 6 weeks to 6 months, where the candidate has to learn the skills. If learnt well, the intern can get a plump job of AUD $5,000 per month. Australian Internship is one such online hub that provides unpaid internship to about 1,000 students.

The Legal Hassle
Does “The Fair Work Act” legalize unpaid internship? According to the act, unpaid work is still illegal unless it is a part of training or authorized in an educational course. The Office of Industrial Relation has come up with a booklet, “Know Your Workplace Rights”, where it has categorically said that anything related to “unpaid trial work” is simply illegal. So, why do people take it? – Simply because, the unpaid internship provides experience, Australian reference, and prestige. It is a stepping stone for a better future.

Legal Unpaid Internship
One can take legal unpaid internship when the option is offered by legal training hubs, such as a school, university, or Technical and Further Education (TAFE). Voluntary service is also unpaid work. It could include charity work, social service, or work at a non-profit organization. There are often internships offered to international careers. An intern can get sponsorship to study abroad and provide tuitions as well. Public sector organizations offer prestigious unpaid internships.

There are also many international placement agents which offer unpaid internship to the youngsters for a token fee. As acquiring an international internship is not possible singlehandedly, a placement cell offers the right connection to the would-be interns. Care is also taken to ensure the candidate has taken up language lessons, interview practice and assistance, and other internship coordination issues.

You can choose a field of your choice and pick an internship in any of the major cities of Australia, such as Adelaide, Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne, and Perth. Safe, secured, and unique ambience, Australian unpaid internship offers a new entry to people to start their career in various industries thriving in this country.

How to Go About?
Before you tread into unpaid internship in Australia, make sure you have polished your resume that highlights the need for a work-based training in the country. Brush up on your English language skills, pass the necessary test, and pick the subject that suits your skill-set. Remember, internships offered should be approved by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC).

In a nutshell, you can get a valuable internship in Australia – though an unpaid one – from study abroad internship to private sector training programs. Such educational internship often adds a fillip to the intern’s career. All you need is an area of interest and academic brilliance. It could very well be tourism, law, politics, technical courses, or event’s management. Once you are ready with the subject, check out various internships offered in Australia that is well-accepted and legal.