How to apply
These instructions are applicable to the Industry Placement Elective Subjects for summer semester 2025 only (17 Nov – 15 Feb). Application instructions for Semester 1 2026 will be posted prior to the beginning of October.
Make sure to review key dates, eligibility criteria, and confirm you have space in your study plan for an elective subject. Read all steps carefully before submitting your application.
Step 1. Prepare Your Application
- Child Safety & Wellbeing (CSW) Training
- WBL Student Placement Deed
- Apply for a Volunteer Working with Children Check card (don’t worry, it’s free!)
| 1. Check your eligibility | Refer to the La Trobe Handbook for subject details: Review your study plan online to ensure you have elective space available. If unsure, contact ASK La Trobe or your Discipline Course Coordinator. Check if your course includes a discipline specific Work-Based Learning (WBL) or placement subject. |
| 2. Enrol into your chosen subject/s | If eligible, you MUST enrol in the subject/s you would like to undertake. This will ensure you receive targeted information and helpful reminders. Enrol via StudentOnLine. |
| 3. Choose your preferred placement option | |
| 4. Get yourself industry ready | Use Career Ready Assist to build your resume and practice interview skills. See more tips below (Make a Strong First Impression) |
| IMPORTANT NOTE | Enrolling in a placement subject is just the first step. Before you can start your placement, you must also submit a placement application and receive official approval. Placements cannot begin without this approval and will not be recognised as part of your course. |
| PRE-PLACEMENT REQUIREMENTS | All La Trobe students undertaking a Work Based Learning (WBL) placement must complete the following requirements prior to starting a placement: If requested by your placement host, you may also need to obtain a Police Check through an accredited service. Complete your pre-placement requirements anytime Get ahead and complete your requirements early to be ready to start your placement opportunity. Find out more and get started today. |
Step 2. Submit Your Application
| Option A: Student-Sourced Placement (LTU3IND) | Options A & B are for students who wish to enrol in LTU3IND which is a 15-credit point, 100-hour placement. You must confirm eligibility and enrol in the subject first (see Step 1).
Student Sourced applications can take an average of 4 weeks for review and approval. Allow up to 2 weeks for review and approval. Student Sourced Placement Disclaimer: If there is information missing from your application, the review and approval timeframe may be longer. This may result in you re-negotiating your placement start/end dates with your host and/or delay your placement to the following semester. If you're application is not approved, you will be offered alternative placement options. If you don’t take any action, you will be withdrawn from the placement subject, and you may choose to re-enrol in a future semester. |
| Option B: University-Sourced Placement (LTU3IND) | The University will shortlist you for a suitable industry placement opportunity based on the information you provide in your application. Your application will need to include:
To apply, please complete your application via InPlace. Important: Take time to develop a quality CV and responses to the Placement Allocation questions as these will be used to assess your suitability and shortlist you for placement opportunities. Your responses may also be shared with a potential host. Placement Allocation Disclaimer: We are unable to guarantee a placement for every applicant. If you're not matched with an initial placement opportunity, you will be offered alternative placement options. If you don’t take any action, you will be reminded to withdraw from the placement subject prior to census. You may choose to re-enrol in a future semester. |
| Option C: Apply for the Professional Placement Subjects | This option is for students who wish to undertake one or more of the Professional Placement elective subjects for a placement of 100+ hours. The Professional Placement subjects are available for enrolment up to the end of 2026. Email the Professional Placement Program Coordinator with your intention to undertake one or more of these subjects by:
The Professional Program Coordinator will guide you on the suitability of these subjects for your course and goals. They can also support you in sourcing a placement, either independently or through the university - and advise you on the next steps to submit your application. |
Step 3. After you apply
- You’ll receive an acknowledgement email from the Industry Placements team
- If approved, you’ll be reminded to complete your pre-placement requirements. Find out more
Step 4. Pre-placement
- Complete and submit all pre-placement requirements before your placement start date as per the instructions
- Wait for the Final Approval Email confirming your start date
Allow up to 2 weeks for final documentation processing.
Make a Strong First Impression
Your application details may be shared with potential host organisations, so it’s important to present yourself professionally.
Preparation is the key to your success!
Here are some helpful tips to guide you:
CV/Resume
- Include relevant volunteer experience and details of any clubs or extracurricular activities you’re involved in
- Use Career Ready Assist to build your CV and receive AI-powered feedback
Cover letters
- Tailor your letter to each placement opportunity by referring to specific tasks, activities, or projects listed in the Position Description. Highlight how your strengths align and where you can add value
- Submit a separate cover letter for each placement you apply for
- Address your letter to the contact person listed in the Placement Description
Need help? Visit CareerHub for resources like templates and checklists.
Host Interviews
- You may be invited to attend an interview (online or in person)
- Prepare and practice using Career Ready Assist to boost your confidence and performance
Placement Allocation Questions (University Sourced placement applications for LTU3IND only)
Your answers help us match you with a suitable university-sourced placement, so it's important to respond clearly and thoughtfully. Treat these questions like key selection criteria, showcase what you can bring to a workplace.
Your responses may be shared with potential host organisations, so write them as if you're applying for a job.
Note: The Placement Allocation questions are included in the InPlace application process for University Sourced placements (to find out more, go to Option B in the application instructions above).
All experience counts!
Whether you've worked in your field, in hospitality, retail, or delivery, you've gained valuable skills like communication, teamwork, and time management. Be sure to include any discipline-specific skills as well. You're welcome to mention preferred organisations, but please note that placements with specific companies cannot be guaranteed.
Need help? If you need ideas or want to understand the types of roles available, check out the discipline specific Career Summary PDFs. These include examples of tasks and organisations to help guide your responses.
Key dates
Industry Placement Subject: LTU3IND
Please note: All applications close at 12pm (midday) on the closing date.
University Sourced Applications
| Teaching period | Semester/Term dates | Application open/close dates |
|---|---|---|
Summer 2025 | 17 November - 15 February | Open: Wednesday 29 August 2025 Close: Wednesday 17 September 2025 |
Semester 1, 2026 | 2 March - 29 May | Open: Wednesday 8 October 2025 Close: Thursday 29 October 2025 |
Student Sourced Applications
| Teaching period | Semester/Term dates | Application closing date |
|---|---|---|
Summer 2025 | 17 November - 15 February | Friday 31 October 2025 |
Semester 1, 2026 | 2 March - 29 May | Friday 13 February 2026 |
Industry Placement Subject: LTU5IND
Please note: All applications close at 12pm (midday) on the closing date.
University Sourced Applications
| Teaching period | Semester/Term dates | Application open/close dates |
|---|---|---|
Semester 1, 2026 | 2 March - 29 May | Open: Wednesday 8 October 2025 Close: Thursday 29 October 2025 |
Student Sourced Applications
| Teaching period | Semester/Term dates | Application closing date |
|---|---|---|
Semester 1, 2026 | 2 March - 29 May | Friday 13 February 2026 |
Professional Placement Subjects
Please note: All applications close at 12pm (midday) on the closing date.
Student Sourced Applications
| Teaching period | Semester/Term dates | Application closing date | |
|---|---|---|---|
Term 5, 2025 | 15 September - 24 October | Monday 1 September 2025 | |
Term 6, 2025 | 3 November - 12 December | Friday 17 October 2025 | |
Term 1, 2026 | 5 January - 13 February | Friday 28 November 2025 | |
Term 2, 2026 | 2 March - 17 April | Friday 13 February 2026 | |
Term 3, 2026 | 4 May - 12 June | Friday 20 April 2026 | |
Industry Placement Bursaries
La Trobe University is supporting students who have commenced a placement by offering the opportunity to apply for an Industry Placement Bursary. Don't miss out!
Contact us
- For further information about the Industry Placement Elective Subjects, please email the Industry Placement Team at: industryplacements@latrobe.edu.au
- For general enquiries about La Trobe WBL placements, please submit via the Work Based Learning Placements Student Enquiry form