CareerTrackers connects First Nations university students with Australia’s biggest employers to deliver paid, multi-year internships. We’re all about equipping the next generation of professionals for industry and community leadership and bright futures.
Students build professional experience, confidence and networks while completing their degree. Employers develop talented future leaders. Universities strengthen pathways from study to meaningful careers. Together, we create lasting impact for First Nations communities and Australia.
CareerTrackers began in 2009 with 18 students and 9 employment partners. Here’s what long-term partnership has built since.
$85.7M
Earned by interns
In real wages, while they studiedIn wages, while studying
$28.1M
In scholarships
On top of their wages
1,671
Alumni graduated
A national network of professionals
9,589
Placements supported
Paid internships, since 2009
114
Employer partners
Up from 9 in our first year
Figures from the CareerTrackers 15 Years Report and current program data.
Our students build experience across leading organisations in business, government and not-for-profit sectors. Each internship placement is designed around the student’s aspirations, field of study and long-term career goals.
CareerTrackers is for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander university students who want to build experience, confidence and a strong professional network while completing their degree.
You identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.
You’re at university, studying at least three subjects a semester and making steady progress toward finishing.
CareerTrackers supports students across all years of study and a wide range of disciplines. Internship availability can vary by course, location and employer demand. The program is free for students. Every internship is paid, and our team supports you from registration through to graduation.
CareerTrackers alumni are building careers across business, government, law, engineering, technology, health, science and community leadership. They return as mentors, managers, advocates and employers, creating opportunities for the next generation.
“CareerTrackers gave me tremendous opportunities, but it always emphasised that nothing was handed to you — you had to earn it and work hard for it. You had to bring your best, representing the program, your community and yourself, pushing to be a good representative.”
“One of the things that we learned whilst going through CareerTrackers internships was that we needed to give back to community. And I think just being a First Nations person, that is intrinsic to what we all do for each other.”
“The skills and insights I gained during my early internship laid the foundation for my career trajectory, instilling a deep understanding of innovation and leadership.”
“I am incredibly passionate about systemic and institutional reform for First Nations Australians. I want to use my education and experience to make a real change in the community.”
“Thank you CareerTrackers for making and shaping the professional life that I now lead. Thank you for the work that you do … in the lives of young black fellas — to show them that corporate halls are spaces that they belong in and can dominate.”
CareerTrackers works with universities across Australia to help First Nations students complete their degrees, gain professional experience and move into meaningful careers. Internships are planned around study commitments, and students receive consistent support throughout the program.
CareerTrackers brings students, employers and universities together around a common goal: more First Nations professionals leading across Australian industry and community.
For employers
Engage First Nations students early, offer paid experience that runs longer than a summer and build a pipeline that grows into your leadership. Join 100+ organisations we support with candidate preparation, manager guidance and year-round partnership.
Become an employment partnerFor universities
Connect your Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to paid work experience and a national professional community, aligned to your Indigenous education strategy and work-integrated learning priorities. CareerTrackers students graduate at 90%, 55% higher than the national average.
Become a university partnerThe things students and employers ask us most.
Yes. Every CareerTrackers internship is paid by the employer.
The program is for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students who are enrolled at an Australian university and making progress towards completing their degree. Opportunity availability can depend on study area, location and employer demand.
Internships take place during the summer university break, commonly over winter and can include part-time during semester. Timing and duration vary by employer, role and university calendar.
Ideally, yes. Depending on availability, internships are multi-year by design. This allows you to build real depth in one workplace and graduate with several years of industry experience behind you.
That said, this is the time to determine if your area of study is right for you. Students have often transitioned into new degrees or completed internships with different employment partners throughout their study.
No. The program is free for students, and every internship is paid.
You will have a CareerTrackers advisor, preparation before interviews, professional and leadership development, support during your placement and access to a national First Nations community.
Register online. Our team will confirm eligibility, learn about your goals and help you prepare. When a suitable opportunity is available, we will discuss the role and recruitment process with you.
RegisterStart a conversation with our partnerships team. We will understand your workforce goals, help design meaningful opportunities, prepare candidates, support managers and review each placement with you.
Employment partners
