Student Work Experience

Bellingen Shire Council’s work experience program provides unpaid work experience for students who are currently studying at secondary and tertiary levels.  These placements offer a valuable opportunity to:

  • Learn from experienced professionals
  • Develop practical skills and knowledge
  • Gain hands-on experience in a real workplace
  • Explore potential career paths in local government

We aim to provide students with meaningful work experience in their preferred area where possible, however the volume of applications that Council receives means that not all applications can be accommodated.  Each application will be assessed based on:

  • Timing of the placement
  • Current workloads of employees
  • Availability of supervisors in the requested area

 

Program Duration

Our work experience program is offered during Term 2 and Term 4 of the school calendar. No placements are available in December or January.

Who Can Apply?

We offer work experience placements to:

  • High school students (Years 10, 11 or 12)
  • TAFE students
  • University students

 

Application Process

To manage placements effectively, applications must be submitted during the following periods:

  • Apply between February – March for placements in April – June (Term 2)
  • Apply between July – August for placements in September – November (Term 4)

 

Key Application Details

  • Placements are limited and are considered in the order applications are received
  • Applicants will be notified within two (2) weeks of submitting a complete application
  • No placements are available during December and January each year
  • Applications must be submitted at least six (6) weeks before the preferred start date

 

Important Information

  • Work experience is unpaid and for educational purposes only.
  • Students must be covered by liability insurance, usually provided by the school or institution.
  • A Certificate of Currency must be provided to confirm insurance coverage.
  • Placements are subject to availability within Council’s business units.  While we try to accommodate as many students as possible, placement is not guaranteed.

 

Applying for Work Experience

If you are interested in completing work experience with Bellingen Shire Council, please complete an application form.  Applications for work experience must be made at least 6 weeks prior to the preferred start date.

The next application period will open 1 July 2025.

You will need to provide:

  • Certificate of Currency of Insurance (from your school or institution)
  • Student Placement Record (for high school students) or a letter confirming that work experience is a requirement of your course and covered by insurance.
  • Parent/caregiver permission (if under 18)

Applications will not be considered until all required documents are received.

 

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