Occupational Traineeships

Occupational Traineeships are typically taken up by overseas undergraduates and/or recent graduates looking for 3-6 months work experience in an IMB research laboratory, to take part in structured workplace-based training, to enhance their skills in their current occupation, area of tertiary study, or field of expertise.

IMB regularly sponsors Occupational Trainees from Europe, North America and many other countries. See Testimonials.

The Occupational Trainee program is tightly regulated by the Australian Government Deparment of Immigration and Border Protection.

To be accepted as an Occupational Trainee at IMB all applicants must be:

• Endorsed by an IMB Lab Head.
  
• Eligible to apply for a Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 408) or a Working Holiday Visa.
• Apply for and be awarded a Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 408).
  

How do I get endorsed by IMB?

 A likely application sequence, from first contact to IMB endorsement, is outlined as follows (this sequence may vary from person to person).

• • You review IMB Lab Heads and the IMB Research Training Brochure.
• You contact an IMB Lab Head, to convince them to support your application.
• The IMB Lab Head reviews your request, possibly requesting further details via an IMB EOI, and/or a face-to-face (Skype) meeting.
• The IMB Lab Head declines to support your application (the application process ends here), OR
  
• The IMB Lab Head agrees to support your application.
• You and the IMB Lab Head agree on a suitable research project.
• The IMB Lab Head forwards your details to the IMB PG Office (via an online nomination through Pebbles Senior).
• The IMB PG Office contacts you, to complete all necessary paperwork.

Am I Eligible?

To be eligible for a Temporary Activity visa the applicant must;

• Have a genuine intention to stay temporarily in Australia.
• Have adequate financial support for themselves and accompanying family members while in Australia.
• Have adequate arrangements for health insurance while in Australia.
• Meet health and character requirements (including complying with UN Autonomous Sanctions).
• Be at least 18 years of age (except in limited circumstances).

How do I apply for a visa?

The endorsement/nomination/application process is quite involved and can take several months, so it is imperative that applicants be seriously committed to being an Occupational Trainee BEFORE they start the process. The IMB Postgraduate Office will work closely with applicants endorsed by IMB Lab Heads, to ensure that their application proceeds smoothly.

NOTE - Occupational Trainees do not enrol at UQ, so do not need to pay education fees, however this also means that they do not receive a formal UQ certification of achievement (ie Degree, Diploma...). Occupational Trainees are responsible for all costs associated with applying for and taking up a placement (ie visa, travel, accommodation, health insurance and other living expenses).