Professional Year Program Internships

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What Is the Australian Computer Society Professional Year Program?

Developed by the Australian Computer Society (ACS), the Professional Year Program supports international ICT graduates who hold an eligible Australian Bachelor’s or Master’s degree to build the workplace skills and confidence needed for the Australian ICT environment.

Stanley College delivers the ACS Professional Year Program in accordance with ACS requirements, blending structured professional training with a supervised internship, so learning connects directly to real industry practice. Program delivery and internship requirements align with the ACS Professional Year Program standards.

Program Snapshot

Total Duration

Typically 45–52 weeks

Structured Learning

32 weeks of formal training delivered through defined modules.

Work Placement

12‑week internship hosted by an employer partner. The internship is a structured component of the ACS Professional Year Program and is not an employment arrangement. Internships must comply with applicable workplace legislation.

Py Program Accounting It Inclusions Stanley College

Program Inclusions

The program also includes the following eight training modules that equip students with the skills and knowledge for the Australian workplace:

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	WEEKLY HOURS	SUPPORT PROVIDED	TRAINING PLAN
12 Weeks	Minimum of 20 hours per week (recommended 3 days per week)	Ongoing guidance and support will be provided by both the host company and Stanley College throughout the internship	A tailored training plan will be created in collaboration with the student to ensure a structured and beneficial learning experience (A draft training plan template will be provided to students and the host employer upon internship confirmation)

Our Professional Year students are international ICT graduates who have completed an eligible degree at an Australian university. While some may have limited prior industry experience, the internship is designed to give them hands-on exposure to real ICT environments and practical workplace skills.

Students entering the ACS Professional Year Program may hold one of the following qualifications:

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

Host Employer Requirements & Responsibilities

Host employers create opportunities for interns to gain meaningful ICT experience in real workplaces. Through structured supervision and guided tasks, they help build the skills and confidence needed for professional success.

Compliance and Due Diligence

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

Training Plan Support

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

Supervisor Qualification

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

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.

Performance Feedback

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

Support for Host Employers

We provide structured guidance and ongoing communication throughout the internship process, ensuring placements are well-organised and beneficial for both students and host organisations. Each step is designed to support a smooth and rewarding experience.

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.

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.

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 before onboarding, ideally before the interview stage.

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.

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.

Ongoing Termination & Feedback 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)

Can I host more than one student?

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

What if the internship is not working out?

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

Can I hire the intern after the internship?

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

Are students covered by insurance during the internship?

Yes. Interns are covered by insurance arrangements as outlined in the Professional Year Program documentation. A Certificate of Currency can be supplied upon request.

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.

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.

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 before commencement.

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.

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