La Trobe University

La Trobe supports overseas-qualified engineers who are struggling to find work in Australia by providing a free online program, in partnership with Greater Shepparton City Council, the Committee for Greater Shepparton and the Goulburn Valley Infrastructure Network.

The Preparation for Professional Employment (P4PE) Program Pilot is a six week course which aims to help overseas-trained engineers secure a job, while also filling a critical skills gap in regional Victoria.

Participants will be trained in several key areas to improve their job prospects, including recruitment practices, Australian workplace culture, quality compliance and assurance, presentation skills, networking and much more.

Chris Stoltz, La Trobe Professor of Practice (Engineering) says:

‘The latest figures from Engineers Australia show that the demand each year for engineering graduates in Australia is about 16,000 – but universities are only producing about 9,000 each year. Yet 47 per cent of migrants actively seeking a job as an engineer are currently underemployed, often working in less skilled industries to get by – which is exactly what this program aims to address.'

Dr Megan Fisher, La Trobe's Pro Vice-Chancellor of Industry Engagement, explained how La Trobe is well- positioned to support this venture:

‘The University has strong connections into industry, including in regional areas like Shepparton, and acutely understands the workforce shortages being experienced by employers. This program will equip overseas-trained engineers with the skills they need, and a new network of potential employers, making it much easier for them to secure and retain a job long-term.'

La Trobe has a proud history of following a singular vision to advance learning and to shape the future of the world, and it has proved to be among the most successful Australian universities at combining excellence and accessibility. The university's passionate teachers deliver learning of a quality that's globally acknowledged.

When it comes to teaching and learning, La Trobe's key values include inclusiveness, equity, diversity and social justice. The university considers access to higher education to be a vital cog in the overall approach to learning and teaching.

The portfolios of Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education) and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Students) in La Trobe include divisions that support teaching and learning. The shared priorities ensure a memorable student experience and increase employment prospects for graduates.

La Trobe is recognised globally for the quality of students' educational experiences. The university firmly believes that in an age of rapid digital advancement, disruption and innovation, education will be more important than ever in empowering students of all backgrounds to become well-rounded, engaged and informed citizens.

International student support

La Trobe University provides students with advice, information and support via ASK La Trobe and International Student Advisors. ASK La Trobe can help students with any issues they may encounter, such as:

• academic, cultural, financial or personal issues

• visa issues

• community activities and volunteering opportunities

• critical incidents

• university procedures

Student Health and Wellbeing at La Trobe offers services that provides psychological, emotional and social support to enhance students' personal and academic growth.

Career support

La Trobe's Career Ready team helps students with career development and employment opportunities, whether they're finding a job, deciding on a career path or anything else. Services offered by Career Ready include:

• one-to-one career counselling appointments

• resume writing and checking

• interview practice

• one-to-one industry mentoring

• engagement events

Accommodation

La Trobe offers a range of comfortable accommodation options, regardless of what campus students are attending. Living on campus is the best way for students to experience what the University has to offer and make friends for life. International students are entitled to a 20 per cent waiver of rental costs when they choose to live on campus.

La Trobe University understands that studying overseas is a big decision, especially when it comes to finances. The university has a range of scholarships and support schemes to give students the support they need. These scholarships – which can range from tuition fee reductions to cash grants – recognise students' achievements and reward their commitment to building a better future.

The university has increased the range and number of scholarships on offer, so scholarships are available for students at all levels of study, from undergraduate and postgraduate coursework to postgraduate research.

The Destination Australia scheme is designed to support and encourage international students to study in regional Australia. Students who are eligible for this award can receive scholarships worth up to AUD 15,000 per annum for up to four years. High-achieving international students who apply for an undergraduate or postgraduate course will be automatically considered for this scholarship.

The La Trobe International Scholarship (LTIS) is designed to reward high-achieving international students. The LTIS is worth between 15 to 25 per cent of the annual fees for the duration of the student's program.

There are a range of other scholarship options available for international students. For more information on scholarships for students from a specific country or region, visit the university website.

International students applying to study at La Trobe University need to fulfil certain academic and English language criteria to be accepted in a program of study.

Academic requirements vary for different courses but broadly, students need to have completed the equivalent of an Australian Year 12, with the required scores for entry into an undergraduate program. Postgraduate programs require students to have completed their bachelor's degree in a relevant subject from a recognised institute, though there may be specific requirements for different courses.

La Trobe has minimum English language requirements for various levels – undergraduate, postgraduate and graduate research study. In most cases, an overall IELTS score of 6.0, with no band less than 6.0, is the minimum requirement. Some courses may need a higher level of English proficiency than just the minimum scores.

While IELTS is considered a primary measure of English proficiency, La Trobe accepts other approved language tests if the student's overall score is equivalent to the required IELTS score. These tests include:

• TOEFL Internet-based test (IBT)
• Pearson Test of English – Academic (PTE)
• Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE)/ Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE).

La Trobe University is committed to providing students with a safe and secure living and learning environment. The university has 24-hour electronic surveillance installed. Images and audio are recorded for the following purposes:

• detection and prevention of crime
• training of personnel
• enhancement of personal safety of the community
• ensuring accuracy of information gathered about an event

Security officers of the Uni-Safe service are available to escort staff and students:

• between buildings on campus
• to car parks
• to student accommodation
• to local transport points

La Trobe has a building and floor warden system, intended to provide order and control in when evacuating in the event of an emergency. Each building has a building warden, a deputy building warden and usually two floor wardens per floor, who will coordinate an evacuation when needed.

Any immediate risk to the health and safety of people on campus will be assessed and handled by the Health and Safety team.