Generation STEM Links Insights 2024 Evaluation report highlights The Role of Industry Partners in 2024 Generation STEM Links is a paid internship program that pairs NSW tertiary students in their final years of undergraduate study with industry organisations. The program is delivered by CSIRO, combining an education focus with an industry and enterprise focus. Evaluation findings highlight insights from three successful industry partnerships in the Generation STEM Links program and include operational data; intern and supervisor interview data and a literature review. While not representative of the entire program, these case studies offer valuable lessons on how industry can support students navigating today’s STEM workforce. Key roles of industry partners Case studies highlighted that these industry partners played a critical role in: Providing paid, short‑term employment experiences for students Bridging classroom learning with real‑world application Facilitating professional networks for students that supported career opportunities Increasing diversity in the STEM workforce Broadening career awareness and possibilities Generation STEM is managed by CSIRO and made possible by the NSW Government’s $25 million endowment to the Science and Industry Endowment Fund (SIEF). Participant voices ‘This programme and this placement have made me feel a lot more confident in my skills and my abilities and the direction that I want to go in. So, before this internship I had zero experience I just had time working at university and that was it, so I was a little bit uncertain but after participating in this internship, I’ve seen that a lot of my skills are transferable.’ – Tertiary student intern ‘[Our student] is very adaptable, so it’s been great that we can give her different things, there’s a lot of knowledge there, so for her to leave and us to get someone else in – let’s keep that knowledge.’ – Industry supervisor Program design Participants identified several design features that enhanced their placement experience: Minimum wage guarantee Reduced financial barriers and valued student contributions Flexible placements Tailored to industry needs and student strengths Capability-based and selection A capability and skills match was prioritised over academic transcripts Transparent, independent shortlisting Built trust and reduced bias in the recruitment process Support and debriefing Ensured wellbeing and addressed any placement challenges Why it matters The partnership case studies demonstrated how the Generation STEM Links program can: Broaden and strengthen STEM pathways for tertiary students with meaningful work experience Create inclusive pathways into STEM careers Strengthen tertiary graduate connections with STEM industry that translated to workforce benefits Read the full 2024 insights report (PDF) Find out more at csiro.au/generationSTEM Email genstemlinks@csiro.au Contact us 1300 363 400 | csiro.au/contact csiro.au