Students studying Community Services Degrees are working 1,000 hours of unpaid placements

 

Imagine putting in nearly a third of a year's worth of full-time work and not getting paid for it. That's the reality for students or workers undertaking Community Services Degrees who are required to complete 1,000 hours of unpaid placements. 

We believe it's time for a change. Sign our petition calling for the end of unpaid work placements. 

Join us in calling on the Federal Government to: 

  • Fund organisations to pay students fairly.
  • Create employment pathways between organisations and students. 
  • Ensure that education providers and placement agencies pay students or workers undertaking compulsory placements no less than the minimum industry rate. 

The ASU is committed to fighting for fair pay and conditions, and this issue is no exception. Just like apprentices in other fields, social work students or workers who are upskilling deserve to be paid for their work. 

We're delivering this petition to Minister of Education, Jason Clare, and Minister of Social Services, Amanda Rishworth. Your signature could make all the difference. 

Please take a moment to sign the petition and help us bring about this much-needed change. Because students or workers seeking to upskill shouldn’t have to decide between finishing their degree or being able to afford enough food for the week. 

By your side, 

The Services Union

P.S. Your voice amplifies this call for change. Can you help spread the word by sharing the petition with your colleagues? Thank you for standing with us on this crucial issue. 


ASU: All work should be paid. It is time students are paid for compulsory Community Services Degree placements.