Program Structure
The Professional Year program in Computing/ICT is a structured professional development program combining formal learning and workplace experience. The Program runs for a minimum of 44 weeks to a maximum of 52 weeks (or 12 months) and is a job-readiness course. The Program represents a new pathway from university to employment in Australia, teaching the necessary professional skills needed for a successful career in the Australian workplace.
The course consists of four modules covering Business Communication skills, Australian Workplace skills, a Professional Element (IT Governance, Ethics and Strategic Business Frameworks), and a Professional Internship (work experience) component. These modules are designed to foster a greater awareness of workplace language and culture, and empower graduates by enhancing skills that enable them to fully engage with the role they undertake.
Completion of this program will provide the Professional Year graduate with 5 bonus points under the Skilled Occupation List, as specified by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship.
The course structure includes:
Opening Boot Camp (Delivered by the ACS)
An introduction to the program, Professional Year partner, the ACS and industry; the session outlines in detail the course modules, expectations and outcomes, including the opportunity to hear from leading ICT professionals. This event normally runs for 3 hours.
Business and Communications (Delivered by PY Partner)
Completed over a period of 130 hours, an emphasis on report writing, lead and participate in meetings, negotiation skills, preparing and giving presentations, and appropriate use of language to successfully interact with colleagues, management and clients.
Australian Workplace Culture (Delivered by PY Partner)
Completed over a period of 130 hours, this module focuses on common work practices and values operating in the Australian workplace. Managing and responding to employer expectations, workplace diversity, career planning including resume writing and interview skills, facilitation skills, awareness of cultural values, and personal skills training.
Internship (Provided by PY Partner)
One of the most significant aspects of the Professional Year program, an internship placement will be for a minimum period of 220 hours and is normally 12 weeks and can be part-time or full-time. This provides practical ICT workplace experience in an Australian based organisation.
Pre PE Workshop (Delivered by the ACS online)
This online workshop assists students understand the learning, delivery methods and content of the online ACS Professional Environments subject. Students log into our learning website and work in a group environment with an experienced tutor for approximately 2 hours.
Professional Environments (Delivered online by the ACS)
Professionalism in ICT is designed to demonstrate what it means to be a professional in a chosen field. This online module will provide the opportunity to develop and maintain an e-portfolio, which can be built on following completion of the Professional Year program. Issues related to Business, Legal and Ethical content in the workplace is also covered. The online module is for 12 weeks and runs parallel to the student internship.
For further information contact the Professional Year Program Co-ordinator on +61(03) 9690 8000 or professionalyear@acs.org.au.