We’ve come across this interesting example of students at Edith Cowan University getting hands-ons experience by working with local businesses.  

 

The university has partnered with the City of Wanneroo, Western Australia to offer local entrepreneurs the chance to get free support and advice from Edith Cowan University students.

 

The programme is called the Business i Lab. Students get the chance to apply their specialist knowledge, and it's free for the clients! The scheme covers all industries and is particularly focused on fostering innovative ideas. 

 

Benefits for students and businesses include building prodcutive relationships, no-cost assistance to the businesses, and growing networks in the region.   

 

Wanneroo has a population of approximately 160,000 people and spans an area of 685 square kilometres which  includes bushland, wetlands, urban and rural areas as well as 32 kilometres of beautiful coastline. It's also touted as Western Auatralia's fastest growing city! 

 

The Business i Lab program has received support from Wanneroo's local government and was recognised as an excellent example of industry partnership in the Business and Higher Education Round Table (B-HERT) publication, Partnerships @ Work.

 

Some of the local businesses students have worked with include: the Yanchep National Park, Crave Interiors, Austgroup Insurers, WA Insurance Brokers, PoolWerx, Elite Screen Printing, Bosch Timber Flooring, Alert Dog Training and Angelhands Inc., a not-for-profit organisation that supports victims of violent crimes. 

 

Students can work on a variety of assignments including business plans, marketing strategy and funding, depending on the business needs. At the end of the project, they receive a certificate for their good work. 

 

If you are looking to gain some work experience in Western Australia but would like to keep it local, then this might be just right for you!

 

Read more stories on students, programmes and alumni at Edith Cowan University here