New partnership expands opportunities for Indigenous students

Indigenous students at The University of Queensland (UQ) are set to benefit from expanded career opportunities and stronger pathways into employment through a new partnership with CareerTrackers.

The partnership was formally marked at a recent Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing event, bringing together representatives from The University of Queensland and CareerTrackers to celebrate a shared commitment to supporting Indigenous student success.

This collaboration marks an important step in deepening CareerTrackers’ presence in Queensland and strengthening support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students as they transition from university into meaningful careers.

Photo: Brigette Sancho Executive Director – University & Engagement, CareerTrackers

Through CareerTrackers’ multi-year internship program, students will have access to paid, discipline-aligned work experience, alongside ongoing mentoring and professional development. The program is designed not only to build career readiness, but also to support cultural identity, confidence and long-term success beyond graduation.

Since 2014, 113 UQ students have participated in CareerTrackers, completing a total of 347 paid internships. The new agreement will expand these opportunities and embed a more structured, supported pathway for future students.

CareerTrackers CEO & Managing Director, Adam Davids, said the partnership represents a shared commitment to student success and long-term impact.

Photo: Adam Davids CEO & Managing Director, CareerTrackers

“This partnership is about more than just internships,” Mr Davids said. “By working with UQ, we are committed to enriching the student experience, promoting academic achievement, and bestowing our belief in their capacity to be future leaders and role models in their industries and communities.”

The partnership has been developed in collaboration with UQ’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Unit (ATSIS Unit), reinforcing a shared focus on supporting students throughout their entire journey from education through to employment.

Photo: Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Engagement) Professor Bronwyn Fredericks

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Engagement) Professor Bronwyn Fredericks highlighted the importance of this whole-of-journey approach.

“At UQ, and within the ATSIS Unit, we remain committed to supporting our students across their entire journey, from education through to meaningful employment,” Professor Fredericks said.

“This partnership aligns strongly with UQ’s commitment to Indigenous success and to strengthening connections between universities, industry and community, turning opportunity into real outcomes and supporting the next generation of leaders who will shape our nation.”

The CareerTrackers program at UQ is open to students who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander across a wide range of disciplines, including engineering, law, architecture and business.

By combining academic study with paid industry experience, the partnership will help ensure students graduate with both a degree and a strong foundation for their future careers.

During the launch, a panel discussion featured Leena French, Ruby Traucnieks, Isaac Gebadi and Adam Davids, who reflected on the importance of strong university-to-career pathways for Indigenous students.

The discussion highlighted the value of early access to professional experience, the role of mentoring and support networks and the importance of creating culturally safe environments that enable students to thrive throughout their studies and into their careers.

Images supplied by UQ’s Marketing Communications Team