Host Employer Acspyp - Stanley College

As a multi-award-winning independent Institute of Higher Education and Vocational Education with over 15 years of experience, Stanley College is actively seeking partnerships with forward-thinking businesses to host Stanley College Professional Year (PY) interns, delivered on behalf of the Australian Computer Society.

Our Australian Computer Society Professional Year Program (ACS PYP) represents a strategic opportunity for your organisation to connect with emerging talent while contributing to the development of Australia’s future ICT workforce.

By partnering with us, you’ll not only gain access to motivated, technically skilled graduates but also strengthen your organisation’s competitive advantage through fresh perspectives and innovative approaches to technology challenges.

Ready to explore this opportunity? Contact our Student Placement Officers today to discover how this partnership can benefit your organisation and learn about our current pool of talented ICT graduates ready for placement.

What is the Australian Computer Society Professional Year Program (ACS PYP)?

The Australian Computer Society Professional Year Program (ACS PYP) has been developed by the Australian Computer Society (ACS) for international students who have gained an appropriate Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from an Australian University and wish to improve their skills to enter the workplace.

The program is delivered over a 45- to 52-week period, 32 of which are formal training via modules, with 12 weeks being an unpaid internship through a host company.

The 8 training modules are designed to provide the students with the knowledge and practical skills of working in an Australian environment. They are:

Navigating the Australian Workplace
Ensuring workplace health and safety
Managing personal career development
Preparing for the employment market
Managing workplace communication
Participating in successful teamwork
Providing effective client service
Working in Australian business environments

Internship Framework

Total Duration:
12 weeks
Weekly Hours:
Minimum of 20 hours per week (recommended 3 days per week)
Support Provided:
Ongoing guidance and support will be provided by both the host company and Stanley College throughout the internship.

Training Plan: A tailored training plan will be created in collaboration with the student to ensure a structured and beneficial learning experience (draft and empty training plan will be sent to students and the host employer upon internship confirmation).
Student Background: Students may have little to no prior experience in the IT sector, so the internship is designed to offer hands-on learning and foundational exposure to real-world IT environments.

What Are Your Benefits of Hosting Our Students?

Have access to a pool of graduates, appropriately qualified and who have current knowledge and skills of the workplace.
Have access to current industry knowledge, skills and ideas.
Have an opportunity to develop existing employee skills in mentoring and coaching.
Be supporting Australia in developing the next generation of ICT professionals.

The following is an indicative list of qualifications that our students may hold, obtained through an Australian University, that are required to enter the program.

Master of Information Technology
Master of Information Technology (Software Design and Development)
Master of Cyber Security
Master of Management Information Systems
Graduate Certificate in Information Technology
Graduate Certificate in ICT
Master of Information Technology (Business Analysis)
Bachelor of Science (Cyber Security)
Master of Commerce in Information Systems and Technology

What Are Your Requirements and Responsibilities?

To ensure compliance with the Australian Computer Society (ACS) requirements and Stanley College's quality standards, all host organisations must meet the following criteria:

Compliance & Due Diligence

All new host organisations must undergo a site visit by Stanley College prior to internship approval.
An annual site visit will be conducted for ongoing compliance.

Supervisor Qualification

The supervising staff member must hold a background in the ICT sector to provide relevant guidance and support to the intern.

Training Plan Support

Hosts are required to assist the intern in developing a 12-week training plan.
A draft template will be provided by Stanley College upon internship confirmation.

Performance Feedback

Supervisors must be willing to provide structured feedback on the student’s performance throughout the internship.

Task Allocation

Students must be assigned ICT-related tasks relevant to their field of study.
Minor administrative tasks are acceptable but must remain minimal and not be the primary responsibility.

Support Received From Stanley College

We will guide you throughout the internship process. From student placement and onboarding to regular check-ins and guidance, ensure a smooth and rewarding experience for your team.

1. Initial Application & Site Visit

A Host Employer Application Form must be completed and submitted to Stanley College.
Upon receipt, Stanley College will organise a site visit (for new employers) to verify compliance and suitability.

2. Candidate Matching

Based on the roles and responsibilities provided by the employer, Stanley College will send tailored resumes of eligible ICT students.
Employers may conduct interviews either onsite or online, depending on preference.

3. Candidate Selection & Onboarding

Once a candidate is selected:
- The employer and student will agree on workdays (minimum of 20 hours per week, recommended 3 days per week).
- The employer must provide a clear list of tasks and responsibilities for the intern prior to onboarding, ideally before the interview stage.

4. Training Plan

The intern and supervisor will collaboratively develop a 12-week training plan, aligning with internship goals and learning outcomes.
A draft template will be provided by Stanley College to guide this process.

5. Mid-Review (Week 6)

A mid-review will be conducted separately with both the intern and the supervisor.
During the session, interns must:
- Present their training plan.
- Demonstrate any non-sensitive tasks or projects completed so far.
Supervisors are encouraged to provide feedback and address any issues at this stage.

6. Ongoing Feedback & Termination Policy

Open communication and feedback are encouraged throughout the internship.
If a student fails to meet expectations, the employer reserves the right to terminate the internship in consultation with Stanley College.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I host more than one student?

Yes, if your organisation can provide appropriate supervision and project work.

Q: What if the internship isn't working out?

Contact the provider immediately to discuss support or an early termination process.

Q: Can I hire the intern after the internship?

Yes! Many hosts go on to hire their interns, but it is not a requirement.

Q: Are students covered by insurance during the internship?

Yes. Interns are fully covered by Public Liability Insurance (where applicable) provided by the PYP education provider. A copy of the Certificate of Currency can be supplied upon request.

Q: What if we need to end the internship early?

Contact the education provider as soon as possible. Internships can be terminated early in cases of misconduct, lack of fit, or unforeseen circumstances, but this should be handled professionally and with proper communication.

Q: Are we allowed to give the intern a stipend or travel allowance?

While the internship is unpaid by default, hosts may offer non-salary benefits (e.g., travel or meal allowance) as a gesture of goodwill, but this is not required.

Q: Can the internship be remote or hybrid?

Yes. Remote or hybrid internships may be permitted under the ACS Internship Framework; however, such arrangements must be approved in advance by Stanley College. These internships must ensure adequate supervision, regular communication, and the opportunity to gain relevant ICT work experience. The arrangement must also be mutually agreed upon by the host provider and the intern prior to commencement.

Q: What if the intern underperforms or lacks necessary skills?

The internship is a learning experience, and some guidance and support are expected. However, if serious concerns arise, we will assist with coaching the intern or, if needed, finding a replacement.

Register your Interest

Get Involved! How to Become a Host Employer?

Let's work together to shape the future of Australia’s ICT workforce. You may contact:

Karan Thapa

Student Placement Officer

69 Outram Street West Perth, WA 6005
+61 8 6371 9915

Stanley College acknowledges that its campuses are situated on Noongar land. We pay respect to the Wadjuk people, their Elders, past, present, and emerging, who remain the spiritual and cultural custodians of the land.

CRICOS Provider Code: 03047E | RTO Code: 51973 | TEQSA Provider No: PRV14050

Australian Computer Society Professional Year Program (ACSPYP)