Q Which student disciplines are involved?
A The program is open to engineering students taking Mechanical, Chemical, Mechatronics, Mechanical/Aerospace, Electrical and Software Engineering courses.

Q When does the programme run?
A PEPS programs are done during the summer semester of third year and semester one of fourth year.

Q Will students be in industry all that time?
A The program is desgined to be continuous, with students working the usual rostered or daily hours of your company.  However, they will be required to attend a two day preparation course on campus in February.

Q Do we have to pay the students?
A Companies pay students for vacation work at the going rate for the summer semester.  The students are not employed for the PEPS semester, however there is an administration fee for companies.

Q What will it cost?
A Companies pay a fee for each student which covers the student scholarship, the academic supervisor's consultations and administration fees.

Q If I offer a PEPS semester outside of Brisbane, am I responsible for accommodation for the students?
A  All living and travel costs are the responsibility of the students, as is the job of finding accommodation.  However, our PEPS students would appreciate any information and/or assistance helpful to securing suitable, affordable a...

Q Can I offer PEPS to a student already working for us?
Q Yes, providing the student transfers to the PEPS program and the placement fufils all the requirements including student suitability assessment by the university.

Q Do I get to select the student?
A Students normally apply for specific projects offered by participating companies.  They are then selected via an interview process.  Usually companies like to be directly involved at this stage.

Q What help will I get from the university during PEPS?
A The PEPS Coordinator is available at any time to respond to problems, and the Academic Supervisor will be in regular contact with the student and yourself to check the progress of the project.

Q What if we have problems with the student?
A Firstly, the PEPS Coordinator would work with you and the student to try to resolve any difficulties.  If that proved to be unsuccessful, the student may be asked to leave the program.  However, this program has been running ...

Q Am I expected to offer the student a full-time job out of it for after their degree?
A PEPS is not intended as a recruitment exercise, although it is true that companies often use the opportunity to 'try-out' students.  The decisison to offer employment, as well as the deciscion to take up an offer or not, is a matter between stud...

Q How can I get more information?
A If you are interested in more information or want to be involved in PEPS, please contact Kim Jensen, Community Partnerships Manager, k.jensen@uq.edu.au on 07 3365 1107 to discuss further.