![[Faculty Staff Only]](/images/lock3a.gif){kind=small}
Practical Experience
Applying theory to real-world engineering, all engineering students are required to complete a minimum of 12 weeks approved work experience as part of their university qualification.
Practical experience is an aspect of the Bachelor of Engineering program that enables students to appreciate the nature of the work environment and experience different aspects of the industry including working conditions, union agreements, engineers and management.
Students will learn about company structure and operation, appreciate the responsibilities of engineers at various levels and be exposed to a greater diversity and scale of plant equipment other than that provided at the University.
As set out in the University Calendar, all students must have completed 12 weeks of approved practical experience before they can graduate. Claims for recognition of practical experience must be lodged with the Faculty Office no later than two weeks before the last day to confirm your auto application for conferral, which is set by the Graduations Office.
For dates and important deadlines, please check the Graduations Office website.
- Choosing Your Placement
As a student, it is your responsibility to apply for and obtain practical experience placements. Engineers Australia produces an annual booklet containing suggestions relating to practical experience. This booklet is available free to student members of Engineers Australia. Please contact Engineers Australia in order to become a member and request a copy of the handbook
Several categories of practical experience have been identified and it is important that you gain as much as you can from each area. Please note: to obtain acceptance, your placement must be equivalent to a 37.5 hour working week. The work must be full-time and extend over a minimum continuous period of three weeks. Up to six weeks of general practical experience may be included in the 12 week period.
- What is Engineering Practical Experience?
This work must be undertaken in an engineering environment, under the supervision of an engineer, and may comprise activities such as:
- Project management and planning
- Analysis
- Design, drafting
- Construction
- Manufacturing
- Installation
- Operation
- Maintenance
- Testing or repair of engineering works, facilities, equipment or software
If you require any clarification regarding these definitions, please contact the practical experience coordinator from your School. Please refer to the practical experience application form for coordinator contact details.
- What is General Practical Experience?
The following areas of work are not appropriate for engineering experience, but may be used for general practical experience:
- Shop assistant with a supervisory role
- Process worker on an assembly line
- Installation of garden watering systems
- Non-engineering computer software development
- Tradesperson assistance (e.g. plumber, electrician, mechanic)
- Youth camp leader
- Data processing
If you require any clarification regarding these definitions, please contact the practical experience coordinator from your School. Please refer to the practical experience application form for coordinator contact details.
- Unsuitable Practical Experience
The following areas of work are generally not appropriate for either engineering or general practical experience:
- Shop assistant (non-supervisory)
- Bar, hotel or restaurant work
- Fruit picking or general gardening
- Part-time work
- Shelf stacker in a supermarket
- Delivery person/courier
- Painting and decorating
If you require any clarification regarding these definitions, please contact the practical experience coordinator from your School. Please refer to the practical experience application form for coordinator contact details.
- Suggested Practical Experience Program
Students apply for and obtain practical experience for themselves. You should attempt to gain more than the minimum requirement if possible. A suggested program involves the following:
In your first period of employment, when you are still relatively unskilled in engineering at the end of first year, look for general process or labouring work, with the aim of acquainting yourself with basic labour relations. At the end of second year, familiarisation with general trade or construction activities, e.g. as a tradesperson's assistant, would be appropriate. Prior to entering final year, you should attempt to obtain work corresponding to a technician or engineering assistant level, for example, assembly, testing of equipment, manufacturing, maintenance or simple design work.
If you require any clarification regarding a practical experience program, please contact the practical experience coordinator from your School. Please refer to the practical experience application form for coordinator contact details.
- Important Forms
Featured Profile
"During both of my work experiences I have been able to work on exciting projects and was even able to live in Perth for three months during one of my work experience placements."
