The Benevolent Society's Student Placement Program gives tertiary students meaningful, hands‑on experience across our organisation. It helps us share knowledge, support our community, and develop a future‑ready workforce. 

2025 was one of our biggest years yet, with 72 student placements and internships across the organisation including Child, Youth & Family (38), Disability (27), National Office (6) and Ageing & Carers (1). 

In keeping with our commitment to meaningful placement experiences, we sought feedback from students and supervisors, and the response was overwhelmingly positive. 

• 100% of students said they met all of their learning goals whilst on placement. 
• 100% of respondents felt their placement at Benevolent gave them the confidence, knowledge, and skills for their chosen career. 
• 100% of supervisors found the Benevolent student placement team helpful and supportive. 

Students described their experience as welcoming and inclusive, and said they were encouraged to step outside their comfort zone in ways that supported their growth. “They also highlighted the strong support they received throughout their time with us and valued that their wellbeing and self‑care were treated as genuine priorities,” said Luke Orrock-Steuart, Benevolent’s Talent Pathways & Student Placements Lead. 

Real opportunities – Meet EJ 

Student placements continue to play a vital role in developing the next generation of professionals, giving emerging practitioners the chance to apply their learning in real‑world settings while contributing meaningfully to our programs and services. 

One standout example is EJ Milne (pictured below), who began their Master of Social Work placement with our Intensive Family Support Program last year and has since been offered employment with us as a Child & Family Practitioner (CFP). 

“I undertook my social work degree as a neuro-rehabilitation exercise and as a way of trying to reconnect with, and live, my values,” EJ says. “I had little expectation that, given my disability, I would be able to complete my placement, let alone be offered employment!  

“My supervisor, Team Leader (and indeed the whole team!) were so warm, encouraging, and strengths based, and created the conditions that not only allowed me to apply my knowledge, but also made me feel safe to be myself, recognise my lived experience as a significant asset, and enabled me to thrive. I will always be deeply grateful.” 

EJ says their experience shows how much both students and supervisors gain from the program. “My placement supervisor, Team Leader, and Senior Practitioner provided encouragement and guidance as well as spaces for learning, reflection, and growth. This meant that by the end of my placement I felt able to step into a CFP role and the Director and Team Leaders trusted I could undertake the role. A significant part of this was the encouragement of my team and clients, one of whom advocated for me to be employed so I could continue to work with them.” 

Photo: EJ Smiling.

Join our Student Placement Program

Our student placements are coordinated by a dedicated team that works across the organisation to keep processes consistent, ensure high‑quality learning experiences, and match each student with the right supervisor. We’re committed to helping students achieve their learning goals by providing additional support to supervisors, offering extra learning activities, and creating opportunities for students to visit other programs across our organisation. If you’re interested in completing a student placement with us, please ask your education provider to contact [email protected].

For more information, visit our website by clicking here.