The Professional Year in Engineering

The only Australian government-legislated work-readiness program developed to enhance the employability skills of recent engineering graduates.

What do past graduates of the program have to say?

" The program benefits are definitely invaluable in terms of enhancing your expertise, career experience and ability to work in such a diverse workplace and a multicultural work environment ” –past Professional Year Graduate

" I want to emphasize that this program provides you with 3 month placement which can possibly turn into your first awesome job in Australia. It happened to me and I would suggest all international graduates to do this program ” - Damandeep Gujral, past Professional Year graduate.

What is the Professional Year in Engineering?

The Professional Year in Engineering is the only Australian government-legislated work-readiness program developed to enhance the employability skills of recent engineering graduates; in turn helping to address the widening engineering skills shortage in Australia.

Delivered in a blended learning model over a 44-week period, participants are familiarised with the norms of the Australian workplace including OHSE and diversity, effective verbal and written communication skills, working in a team and project management fundamentals.

Participants are then introduced to the Australian workplace culture via a 12 week work placement* within an Australian engineering team, enabling participants to put into practice the theory learned in both university and the program itself, and providing the opportunity to gather evidence for assessment of their Certificate IV in Project Management.

Who is the program for?

Primarily, the Professional Year centres on international engineering graduates seeking employment in their chosen engineering discipline with the intention of migrating to Australia.

Since its inception, however, the program has also attracted other engineering graduate groups including Australian residents and citizens wanting to experience the benefits of the program and work placement.

Not a recent graduate?

Even if you’re not a recent graduate there are still other EEA programs developed to assist you transition as well. See our Transition Program and Experience Engineering in Australia programs.

Eligibility

The Professional Year is open to holders of various visa types, including Skilled-Recognised Graduate (Temporary) visa (subclass 476) and Skilled-Graduate (Temporary) visa (subclass 485), however other visa-holder types, as well as residents and citizens, are also able to undertake the program (though the program is not CRICOS, and is full fee-paying.; HECS and fee-help do not apply).

Contacting a migration agent or the Department of Immigration and Citizenship regarding your eligibility before applying is strongly advised.

Structure

Offered in all states and territories, the Professional Year is a structured, 44-week, part-time work preparedness program focusing on the professional skills needed to obtain employment in the Australian work place.

Delivered in a blended learning model, including scheduled face-to face classes to facilitate better networking and communication skills, the program is further supported by the delivery of a Certificate IV in Project Management** completely on-line with your portfolio of evidence gathered throughout your work placement.

Application Process

All applications must be approved by Engineering Education Australia on behalf of Engineers Australia, the peak body for the engineering profession in Australia. Applications must be accompanied by certified copies of all required supporting documents.

Ready to apply?

Upcoming Intakes

Professional Year class intakes occur regularly in most states and fill very quickly. In most instances you will be undertaking your class work with other eligible PYear professions such as ICT and accounting.

More questions?

Click below to visit our frequently asked questions page

 
Or contact the Professional Year Team at professionalyear@eeaust.com.au or +61 3 9274 9603

(*work placements are unpaid and you may be required to relocate for the term of your placement, depending on your engineering discipline)
(**Certificate IV is available from July 1st 2013 only)