2 IndustryBased Learning at winburne - Swinburne Commons · 2 IndustryBased Learning at winburne ... Deutscher led to a job, which gave him a head start in his career. “I could

Industry-Based Learning at Swinburne2

“ . . . something of an experiment . . . ”

Great schemes often start small. Fifty years ago, Swinburne was a pioneer in the introduction of what was then called a “sandwich course” for 14 students in production engineering. They worked in industry by day and continued their studies at night.

A report delivered on diploma night in 1963 noted that “their progress in the course, that is for us something of an experiment, is being watched with interest”.

Early results of the experiment – testing if industry based learning could become an integral part of a student’s academic course – were encouraging.

In July 1963, the then head of production engineering, R. S. Davie, reported: “The course has had a good start and, with consolidation, should prove the value of this type of training.”

A month later, a report to council noted that the course “is progressing satisfactorily”. And there was a hint of what was to come: “More than sufficient students are offering for the second course in 1964.”

Industry-Based Learning at Swinburne

From these small, understated beginnings, big things grew. Half a century on, the experiment has become an institution, and Swinburne is now a world leader in co-operative education with industry.

Today more than 300 Swinburne undergraduates from more than 30 degree programs across all faculties take up industry based learning (IBL) placements each year. Most years, more than 150 businesses take part in the program, which has developed a momentum of its own.

These days, as the personal stories in this booklet show, many of the businesses that take on IBL students are run by Swinburne alumni who know the benefits of the program first hand – from their own student days.

The stories span the history of IBL – from a veteran of that first experiment back in 1963, to a contemporary student still in her IBL placement. Each story is different, but there are common themes.

Celebrating 50 Years 1963–2013

Celebrating 50 Years 3

They tell how IBL gave them a head start in their careers – practical experience that complemented and enhanced their academic qualifications. It gave them confidence, skills, and the ability to hit the ground running when they graduated. Some were hired by the companies where they’d spent their placement.

It made them more employable.

As engineering graduate Denise Rejda puts it: “IBL was an opportunity to experience and be part of the real world of work. The IBL program shows you the value of what you learn at university.”

What also stands out in these stories is that IBL is a true co-operative effort, with benefits to students and industry.

For employers, they gain access to enthusiastic and skilled undergraduates. They can evaluate potential employees who bring fresh energy, ideas and perspective to the organisation.

Proof of employer satisfaction is the fact almost all organisations which host Swinburne students are interested in hosting more; and more than half have offered students jobs at the end of their placement.

Fifty years after its inception, IBL is an enduring application of an interesting experiment by farsighted pioneers.

For students, it confirms Swinburne is the place for engaged learning with industry. For employers, it’s proof of our commitment to engage with the industries and communities we serve.

This engagement is central to Swinburne’s plan to be the nation’s leading university in science, innovation and technology by 2020.

Cover design: Nick McGovern, current Swinburne University of Technology Faculty of Design Industry Placement student.

The IBL program provides a valuable injection of energy and fresh thinking from the students. The program assists us in providing prospective graduates and potential future employees a hands on taste of working in a large corporate prior to finishing their studies.Ian McGregor, National Australia Bank


1963Brian Kimpton

Melbourne businessman Brian Kimpton is a veteran of the industry based learning program. And his experience of the program 50 years ago is part of an enduring pattern repeated by other students.

One of the original industry based learning students from the class of 1963, his placement gave him a head start in a successful career.

Brian was studying for a Diploma of Production Engineering, which was a new course for Swinburne Technical College – as it was known at the time – and was also new to Australia in the early 1960s.

As part of his studies Brian undertook his IBL placement in 1963 at Walter Arnold Deutscher Pty Ltd in Moorabbin. At the time the company was rapidly expanding and had started producing a large range of plastic fasteners and components for the automotive industry. It also commenced production of Teks® self-drilling screws.

For Brian this was an invaluable opportunity to hone what he had learnt in the classroom and develop new skills.

“The experience gave me a first-hand understanding of the discipline of production engineering and provided a focus to my learning experience,” Brian says.

Learning with an industry focus

“It gave me direct experience in an industrial environment while I was continuing my study. This also provided me with greater understanding of the theory as I progressed through the course.

“I was fortunate to win a cadetship with Walter Arnold Deutscher, which meant I was paid wages while training in their factory and half wages while studying.”

Brian says his IBL placement at Walter Arnold Deutscher led to a job, which gave him a head start in his career.

“I could start my working phase in a company I was familiar with and was able to contribute to during my training. It provided me with a greater understanding of the future for production engineering and involved me in a network of likeminded colleagues for future interaction and support.”

Brian, who is the now the director at Supply Clusters Victoria, a long term buying group, has been able to return the favour by offering IBL placements and employment to students and graduates.

“Understanding their training background I knew I was selecting knowledgeable people who had a full comprehension of production engineering principles, and I am still in touch with some of them today.”


It gave me direct experience in an industrial environment while I was continuing my study.


1978Warren Brown

The late seventies was a booming time for the advertising industry – and when Warren Brown worked at his first agency as an industry based learning student in 1978, he knew he was destined to be an adman.

“I learnt that I had a natural flair for the business and the experience toughened me up and made me better at the job”, Warren says. “If you were to survive, you needed to stand up for yourself and have the hide of a rhino.”

Shortly after completing his Bachelor of Graphic Design, Warren moved to the UK and pursued a career in advertising. He quickly met success, taking home the award for British television’s Commercial of the Year for his first TV campaign.

When he returned to Australia in the early nineties, after having worked at a number of leading creative agencies, he became the creative founder of the world class agency, BMF Advertising, in 1996.

Warren says his year-long IBL experience gave him an opportunity to understand the advertising industry and made an impact on his work ethic.

The hide of a rhino

“You’re only as good as your last idea and you’ll only succeed if you’re prepared to work hard. Don’t allow yourself to be ripped off or bullied,” he says.

And work hard he did. In 2009, BMF was awarded Australian Agency of the Decade and has won hundreds of awards, including Agency of the Year several times. The agency is ranked in the top five of the world’s most effective independent creative agencies.

Warren has been the creative force behind some of Australia’s most iconic and best-loved advertising. He is also well respected throughout the international advertising industry, and has been the member of advertising judging panels across the globe.

After 30 years in the industry, Warren has become a stalwart in advertising and from his humble beginnings has managed to not only thicken his skin but enjoy his success through “the joy of seeing my work being produced”.


The experience toughened me up and made me better at the job.


1988Ross Mair

A sojourn in England as part of an industry based learning placement opened international doors for Ross Mair.

Ross was undertaking a Bachelor of Applied Science (Applied Chemistry) at Swinburne University of Technology in 1988 when he decided to take part in the IBL program.

His placement took him to the University of Surrey, in Guildford, England, and the headquarters of Pilkington PLC – a manufacturer of glass for the building and automotive industries.

Ross says the placement gave him an opportunity to travel and the chance to put his skills into practice.

“It gave me a chance to see other parts of the world and experience life in another country as someone living and working there, rather than passing through as a tourist,” he says.

Ross says the IBL program was a major factor in choosing to study at Swinburne and to later obtain a PhD in Physical Chemistry.

“Both the university research stint and private sector experience were probably factors in me choosing to continue onto a doctoral degree rather than graduating and looking for employment locally.

A chance to see the world

“It certainly led to me pursuing my PhD at Swinburne rather than other universities in Melbourne.

“The experience in the UK made me aware of the vast opportunities outside Australia at that time, and gave me the experience and confidence to seek a scientific career overseas.”

Ross is now the Head of MR Physics – Centre for Brain Sciences, at Harvard University in the United States.

He is also an instructor in radiology at Harvard Medical School, and assistant in Biomedical Engineering at Massachusetts General Hospital.

Prior to this he was staff scientist (physicist) at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory for nearly 10 years. In collaboration with Dr Ron Walsworth and his group, Ross helped lead a pioneering program in NMR and MRI applications of hyperpolarised noble gases in biomedical and materials science.

In 1989 Ross was awarded the Eric Bode Prize at Swinburne. He was the recipient of the Swinburne Postgraduate Scholarship in 1990–91, and he also won the Australian Postgraduate Research Award.


It gave me a chance to see other parts of the world and experience life in another country.


1994Kirsten Johnston

Bachelor of Design (Hons) graduate Kirsten Johnston found the industry placement program to be such a beneficial part of her course at Swinburne that she now takes on an industry placement student every year – at her London-based agency.

Almost 20 years ago – 1994 to be precise – Kirsten undertook a six month industry placement at Publicity Press, a publishing house situated in Port Melbourne, which prints magazines including Australian Triathlete and The Period Home Renovator Buyer’s Guide.

“My industry placement program at Publicity Press gave me invaluable experience around how a working studio functions, from the initial brief to delivering finished product to clients,” Kirsten said.

At the completion of her time at Publicity Press, Kirsten embarked on a six month student exchange in Sweden, at Konstfack, the country’s largest university college of arts, crafts and design.

“It was the best year of my design course, it was such an adventure. Travelling during my placement year allowed me to see how my skills as a designer could be transferred to any country or culture,” she says. “During my time in Sweden my eyes were opened up to the Swedish design methods and approaches to fine art, textile design, painting, glass blowing and industrial design.”

Hitting the ground running

Since then Kirsten has worked internationally, including in Hong Kong. In 2000, she moved to London, where she worked as a design director for one of the UK’s largest design agencies.

Now living and running her communication design and branding agency in London, which she started in 2003, Kirsten and her team have worked for clients including Tetley, Hammerson and UBC Media Group.

“My industry placement gave me the chance to hit the ground running, as soon I graduated,” she says. “This is why I commit to taking on a Swinburne student at the beginning of every year.”

As well as gaining industry experience, students who undertake their industry placement in London have the added benefit of living in and experiencing a different city.

“London is a city with a rich history and culture. It’s a real hub for design, inspiration and varied design spaces. It’s the perfect place for a budding student to develop their love and passion for design,” Kirsten says. “During the student’s year-long placement, they undertake an apprenticeship style training program. I give them the opportunity to work on live projects, with the rest of the agency team. It’s a great learning curve for them; having to face common industry challenges, such as timeframes and deadlines.”


It was the best year of my design course, it was such an adventure.


1997Denise Rejda

Female mechanical engineers are few and far between – and when Denise Rejda undertook her yearlong industry based learning at GM Holden in 1997, she was the first female to work in her designated group.

Working within the body structures group, Denise gained a better understanding of the industry, which helped her decide what career direction to take.

“Through IBL, I learnt more about the expectations of an engineer in the work force, and also gained a greater understanding of the opportunities available,” she says.

“During my IBL I enjoyed working with people and consequently I pursued a more project management engineering career path, leading into management positions, rather than the design and technical stream career path.”

After completing a Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) at Swinburne and working for a few years in the industry, Denise decided to get her MBA to be better positioned to meet her goal of working in management.

The real world of work

She is now a New Energy Development Manager at Mercus and credits her IBL experience with giving her an advantage in the professional market.

“After graduating and looking for a job, I had real life experiences to draw from to show my understanding, ability and skills when going through interview processes,” she says.

“Employers are much more comfortable if you have already had some experience in the work force. It shows you have an understanding of the work force and what is required.”

Denise has also been taking on current IBL students for the past two years and is always looking for more. She is also now part of the Faculty Industry Advisory Committee, giving back to the program she believes so strongly in.

Last year she was inducted into the World Council and Assembly on Co-operative Education Hall of Fame in recognition of her role in work-integrated learning programs and her outstanding career in the engineering industry.

“IBL was an opportunity to experience and be part of the real world of work. The IBL program shows you the value of what you learn at university.”


IBL was an opportunity to experience and be part of the real world of work.


2002Matt Agar

Matt Agar is driven by innovation and change, and thrives on new challenges.

Technical services manager and a founding member of Melbourne-based creative digital agency August Pty Ltd, Matt puts part of his success down to invaluable skills he picked up while undertaking industry based learning as part of his studies at Swinburne University of Technology.

Matt, who completed a Bachelor of Multimedia (Multimedia Software Development), undertook an IBL placement in 2002/03 at the not-for-profit community organisation InfoXchange Australia.

“I don’t think I would have been as well prepared for working life had I not undertaken the year of work experience through the IBL program,” he says.

“InfoXchange Australia was going through a period of growth at the time, which enabled me to gain experience across a much broader range of real life experiences, which would not have been available to me through university study alone. IBL gave me a greater insight into how I could apply the knowledge I was learning in class to the real world, making me better prepared for the second half of my university degree.”

An essential skill that Matt developed during his IBL year was how to communicate with clients.

Experience, insights and skills

“One of the biggest things for me was the improvements to my communication skills, both with the people I worked with and with clients we were dealing with,” Matt says. “The opportunity to practice those skills was invaluable.”

At his current workplace, August Pty Ltd, Matt is part of a fast-growing team of multidisciplinary professionals involved in producing online marketing strategy, design, web development, system and application design and development, and communications for Australian businesses.

“There’s so much innovation and change in the industry and I think that’s what drives me the most. There’s always something new out there waiting to be discovered.”

Prior to founding August Pty Ltd in 2005, Matt honed his skills working on web-based projects with leading UK digital agency Technophobia.

His career highlights include 2009 Anthill Magazine Cool Company Award and Highly Commended Project for Origin Energy – Brand Central, and a Highly Commended in the MacFarlance Prize in 2007. He was a finalist in the 2010 AIMIA Awards, 2009 AIMIA Awards dual finalist, finalist in the 2008 and 2009 B&T Digital Services Company of the Year Award and finalist in 2008 MacFarlance Prize.


I don’t think I would have been as well prepared for working life had I not undertaken the year of work experience through the IBL program.


2002Zoë Warne

Leading digital media specialist Zoë Warne did a full year of industry based learning in 2003. Two years later, she became a co-founder and creative services director of a digital agency. This year she took on her own IBL student.

Zoë spent six months of her first placement at software company Paperfree Solutions, and then gained a second IBL as a marketing assistant with an online entertainment start-up through networking.

“A consultant working for Paperfree Solutions found me an opportunity in one of Australia’s first tech start-up communities as part of the Australian Distributed Incubator (ADI),” she says.

“At the time, ADI were not in the IBL program so I managed to get them involved so that I was able to complete my IBL there and hopefully open up opportunities for other students in future.

“Working so closely with the teams, especially the business owners, at both of the companies was an invaluable experience. They were generous with their time and knowledge, and most importantly super patient while I learned the ropes.”

From student to leader in her field

After completing her Bachelor of Multimedia Technology, Zoë worked part-time in the industry before co-founding the award winning digital agency August Pty Ltd in 2005. Matt Agar, another former Swinburne IBL student, is also part of the August team.

Featured frequently in media lists of successful young entrepreneurs, Zoë is now one of Australia’s pre-eminent digital media specialists and businesswomen. She is a regular co-host and digital commentator on ABC Radio 774 Melbourne and national ABC programs.

“IBL increased my confidence through gaining real-world, hands on experience. I have no doubt that completing my IBL played a big part in the decision to set up my own digital agency.

“It helped me hit the ground running when I basically became my own start-up – I knew exactly what I was getting myself into.”

Zoë found her overall university experience more rounded with IBL, as it combined practical, theoretical and work place experience. Her company is now a big part of the IBL community, taking on board a Swinburne IBL student this year.


I have no doubt that completing my IBL played a big part in the decision to set up my own digital agency.


2003Greg Galloway

Fenwick Software CEO Greg Galloway has seen the benefits of the industry based learning program both as a student and as an employer.

Greg’s IBL placement with Fenwick a decade ago has led to a successful career in IT consulting.

He undertook a six-month placement with Fenwick in 2003, a second IBL placement with Berri Ltd in 2004, and was offered a senior consultant’s position with Fenwick when he graduated.

Working in two different organisations gave Greg an understanding of what day-to-day work entailed within different parts of the IT industry, and helped him understand what type of graduate role he wanted to pursue.

“My IBL placements allowed me to see the difference between working in an IT consulting environment and an internal IT department for a larger company,” Greg said.

“The experience gave me insight into which area of the industry I wanted to pursue a career in – something I could only find by completing work placements in various sectors.

Ready-made graduates

“It also gave me a skill set I could apply as soon as I left university, which made me more employable and put me a year ahead of graduates from other courses.”

Greg worked as a senior consultant at Fenwick for three and a half years before taking on a role as a Principal NAV Consultant with Panacea Ltd in the UK. Returning to Fenwick as a consultant in August 2009, he was appointed CEO in October 2011.

Fenwick has been involved with Swinburne’s IBL program since 2000, engaging students from the Bachelor of Information Technology as a way to recruit high performing graduates.

Over the past decade the company has provided placements to more than 30 students and employment to 15 Swinburne graduates.

“We take on students from Swinburne in the IBL program as it gives us a great opportunity to hire ready-made graduates who have already had six months experience in our company,” Greg said.

“The program provides an excellent opportunity for students to gain valuable work experience and enables the company to effectively conduct a lengthy interview process with two students each year.”


My IBL placement gave me a skill set I could apply as soon as I left university.


2007Helena Wallis

After completing industry based learning in marketing in 2007, Helena Wallis says the experience she gained helped put her ahead of other graduates when she started the job hunt.

“IBL allowed me to build valuable experiences across a wide range of marketing activities,” she says. “It helped me build professional relationships which assisted in opening other doors of opportunity for me.

“It made me stand out against other graduates and allowed me to demonstrate my marketing knowledge in interviews and draw on experiences other than university group assignments.”

Helena went through a rigorous interview process after applying for her IBL at Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific. In the end, she landed a job that helped shape her career.

“I didn’t really know much about the car industry other than occasionally being dragged along to motor shows by my boyfriend at the time,” she says.

“But in the end, the IBL role substantially set up my career and allowed me to be a sponge and soak up as much corporate knowledge and experience as I could.”

When experience counts

Helena finished her final semester at Swinburne part time, working at a various marketing agencies to get more skills in the industry. After finishing, she looked for a job for quite some time until she saw an opportunity through the same company she undertook her IBL.

“A role at one of the Mercedes-Benz dealerships became available and I applied for that.

“During the interview process it was clear that I did not have all the right experience that other candidates had – however I did have experience working at their head office during my IBL placement,” she says.

Based on the company knowledge she gained from her IBL and recommendations from senior management, Helena’s career took off.

“From there, I flourished, learnt a lot, worked hard and made good mistakes. I built on my knowledge foundation, which has allowed me to move forward to my role at Mercedes-Benz and more recently as marketing manager for Chadstone – The Fashion Capital.”


IBL allowed me to build valuable experiences across a wide range of marketing activities.


2013Kirsty Hull

A year working at car giant General Motors Holden Limited has got off to a flying start for Swinburne Bachelor of Commerce (Marketing) student Kirsty Hull.

Kirsty, one of the current batch of industry based learning participants, has already left an impression on her bosses in the marketing division at GMH’s national distribution centre at Dandenong, in Melbourne’s southeast.

“The highlight of my IBL placement so far has been receiving a Recognition Award from senior management for going above and beyond my role,” Kirsty says.

“I feel that I have learnt so much, on both a personal and professional level, that I could not just learn through university studies.

“In addition to this, the role that I currently hold at GMH has confirmed my desire to be in a marketing position.

“I believe it will provide me with an edge when I start applying for marketing positions as a graduate, because I will have already had a year of practical on-the-job experience.”

Motivation, direction and drive

GMH, which was one of Swinburne’s first industry partners in the IBL program, has been in Australia for more than 156 years and was the first company to fully manufacture a car in Australia in 1948.

GMH’s national distribution centre, where Kirsty works, is responsible for distributing and marketing Holden service parts and accessories for the company’s Australian dealer network and international customers.

“For me, it is a great feeling knowing that I have a job that I get to go to five days a week that I love,” Kirsty said.

“It has already helped to provide me with the motivation and direction for my final year of university, and given me the drive to finish my degree.”


I believe it will provide me with an edge when I start applying for marketing positions as a graduate.

CRICOS Provider code: 00111D.

The material in this brochure was correct at the time of printing (July 2013) but is subject to alteration or amendment without notice by Swinburne.

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2 IndustryBased Learning at winburne - Swinburne Commons · 2 IndustryBased Learning at winburne ... Deutscher led to a job, which gave him a head start in his career. “I could