Griffith focuses on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander internships

Deputy Vice Chancellor (Engagement) Professor Martin Betts has launched Griffith University’s 10-year partnership with CareerTrackers Indigenous Internship Program at the GUMURRII Centre at Nathan campus.

CareerTrackers is a national non-profit organisation that provides a structured internship program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander university students.

“Griffith is proud to have one of the largest undergraduate cohorts of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in the country, and a focus for all of our students is to help them enhance their employability upon graduation,’’ Professor Betts said.

“Fifty-five internships with CareerTrackers have been completed to date by Griffith students, with seven students recently receiving academic awards for their efforts.

“I am also pleased to say that four of our alumni now work for CareerTrackers.”

Professor Betts acknowledged the organisations and partners at the launch supporting CareerTrackers’ students including Lend Lease, CBA, Gadens Law Firm, Supreme Court QLD, Indigenous Business Australia and Reds Rugby Union.

“As I have learned on the journey to draft our new Reconciliation Action Plan, the work towards better outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is everyone’s business,” Professor Betts said.

CareerTrackers CEO Michael Combs said it meant a lot to have Griffith University as one of its ten-year university partners.

“The Griffith students who have come through this program have been phenomenal, and this is about growing those students, providing opportunities not just for the students today but for their younger siblings and cousins who come through the program.”

Director of the GUMURRII Student Support Unit Mr Shane Barnes said that the working partnership between GUMURRI and CareerTrackers continued to flourish with great outcomes and individual achievements.

“CareerTrackers plays a critical role in transforming vocational prospects of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student body.

“For many students, they are first members of their family to undertake tertiary study. And for this reason they are held in very high regard by their families. This aptly demonstrates that partnerships build success.”