Our work experience program aims to give students the opportunity to:

• gain insight and experience into CSIRO’s everyday work, which involves solving the big questions facing our country and planet
• enquire about the type of work being undertaken at CSIRO
• find out the types jobs that are available in the science industry
• gain relevant work experience and/or skills
• explore their interests
• align school studies with career aspirations.

How do I apply?

We are currently looking for students for our 2013 Work Experience Program.

The application process is a simple online form, where we require you to provide us with some basic information about yourself, your school and your mathematics and/or science studies.

To apply, fill in the 2013 Application form for work experience at CSIRO.

Applications close 31 March 2013. All applicants will be notified via email whether they have been successful by the end of May 2013.

For more information please visit our frequently asked questions section.

Conditions of participation

You have to be a student in Years 10, 11 or 12 and enrolled in an Australian secondary school.

Travel to and from the worksite is the responsibility of the student.

Work experience requires you to attend for 'work' at specific times and comply with instructions from your 'supervisor' Host.

Follow CSIRO Code of Conduct, Values and Occupational Health Safety and Environment Policies.

Placements can be ended by CSIRO at anytime because of: misbehaviour, poor attendance, not following instructions, risk to staff, if resources to manage the placement become unavailable.

Frequently asked questions

When can I apply for a work experience placement?

Online applications for work experience in 2013 will open from 1 March - 31 March 2013.

How do I apply?

To apply, fill in the 2013 Application form for work experience at CSIRO.

How will I know if I have been successful in securing a work experience placement?

Online applicants will be notified via the email address nominated on their application form by late May 2013 about the outcome of their application.

Will I have to compete for a place?

Where there are more applications than placements, CSIRO will determine which applicants are successful.

I'm not in Year 10, 11 or 12 can I still apply?

CSIRO's Work Experience program is only open to students currently enrolled in years 10, 11 and 12 and completing studies at an Australian high school.

How long are placements?

Placements usually last for five days, between Monday to Friday.

When do placements occur?

Placements will usually occur during May through to December 2013, excluding your state’s school holidays.

What paperwork do I need to provide CSIRO with?

During applications: All we require is for you to fill out our online 2013 Application form for work experience at CSIRO.

If your application is successful, we will then require you to submit a Work Experience Agreement form, which your school will provide you with. This form needs to be signed by yourself, your school, your parent/guardian and our Work Experience Host.

Can I apply for work experience placements that are in a different state to the one which I live in?

You are more than welcome to apply for positions in another state. However, we will need to have written permission from your parent/guardian. If your application for a placement in another state is successful, you will require parent/guardian supervision for the duration of your placement. CSIRO does not cover the costs of any expenses incurred as a result of an interstate placement.

Other educational opportunities

For other educational opportunities please visit our Education Centres page.

CSIRO Science Education Centres offer hands-on science programs for students and teachers.

School groups can visit our facilities or book our travelling programs to visit your school.

Opportunities for Indigenous students

CSIRO encourages applications from Indigenous students and if you wish we can introduce you to one or more of our Indigenous staff members.

We have Indigenous staff in metropolitan and regional sites in every state and territory.

They work in various areas of research and administration including:

• Communication
• Earth Science and Resource Engineering
• Ecosystem Sciences
• Education
• Energy Technology
• Global Engagement
• Information and communication technologies
• Land and Water
• Materials Science and Engineering
• Plant Industry

The positions they hold include Research Scientists and Engineers, Research Projects, Technical and Administrative Officers.

To register as an Indigenous Work Experience student, contact either:

• Mr Jim Walker: jim.walker@csiro.au
• Ms Sharon Jones: sharon.jones@csiro.au.

Read more about Indigenous careers with CSIRO.