Horticulture Industry Internship

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

170 hrs

Permission of Coordinator: a suitable work placement must be arranged (with the assistance of the subject coordinator) prior to the start of semester.

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

This subject involves completion of a minimum 80 hours work placement integrating academic learning, employability skills and attributes and the development of specific skills and knowledge with an organisation relevant to the Urban Horticultural Industry. The placement is supplemented by a series of lectures/workshops held during the semester which are focused on business and human resource management issues, plus career enhancement tutorial sessions. The placement will draw on specific discipline skills associated with the course of enrolment.

Students are responsible for identifying a suitable work placement prior to the start of semester and each will be assisted by the Subject Coordinator. Students will need to commence their approaches to organisations at least 6 weeks before the placement. Students are encouraged to begin or even complete the placement during the Summer vacation non –teaching period prior to the start of the semester. Placements must be approved by the Subject Coordinator prior to commencement and students are required to meet and consult with the Subject Coordinator well in advance of the placement period. Once the placement and dates have been confirmed, students are required to complete an online application, risk assessment and deed poll. The Subject Coordinator will facilitate, with the University, the completion of a Host Organisation Agreement letter.

On completion of the subject, students will have completed and reported on a course-related project in a workplace. They will also have enhanced employability skills including communication, interpersonal, analytical and problem-solving skills, organisation and time-management, and an understanding of career planning and professional development

On completion of this subject, students should be able to:

• Identify and articulate their knowledge and skills and apply them to relevant organisational contexts and work-settings; as well as linking them to specific professions and career pathways
• Produce original work in an appropriate format which demonstrates analytical, research and problem-solving skills
• Review and reflect on the process and output of a work project/placement to articulate their academic and career development learning from the experience
• Understand the value of industry and professional networks and their importance to self-reliance, lifelong learning and career progression

• A 1500 word career case study based on an information interview with an employee in the placement’s workplace, due approximately week 9 of teaching (25%)
• A 2500 word Reflective Journal Assignment based on the placement experience, due end Semester (50%)
• An individual presentation of 10-15 minutes on a work-related or discipline-specific topic to be presented in post-placement classes, presented during weeks 9-12 of teaching (25%)
• 80 hours of satisfactory work placement (hurdle)
• Attendance at a minimum of four of six of the workshops/lectures (hurdle)

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

• Demonstrated flexibility, adaptability, time management and organisational skills as a result of participation in the workplace
• Ability to communicate effectively in a professional workplace and to work with and interact with a wide range of people inside and outside the host organisations, including working in teams
• Understanding of organisational culture and ethics, work practices, and the diversity of workplaces
• Demonstrated analytical, problem-solving research, and report-writing skills
• Ability to manage and plan work
• Capacity for initiative and enterprise
• Capacity for lifelong learning, self-reliance and professional development