ACS 'Professional Year' a ruse to suit recruiters?

Stephen Withers
Monday, 26 May 2008 13:20

Opinion and Analysis

I sometimes wonder whose interests the Australian Computer Society really serves. While it bills itself as "the recognised professional association for those working in Information and Communications Technology" some of its activities seem of more benefit to employers and recruiters.

A case in point is the Professional Year (PYear) Program announced today.

At first glance, it sounds like a useful idea. We already know that only a little more than half of 2006's computer science graduates were working as computer professionals at the time of Graduate Careers Australia's Graduate Destinations survey (approximately four months after course completion), so anything that can boost the 'job readiness' of graduates may be worth pursuing.

(The 2007 survey results are expected in the next couple of months.)

The PYear program runs for at least 44 weeks, and includes a 12-week internship with a host company, and "provides professional development and practical hands-on learning with an emphasis on workplace preparation".

Sounds good - so what's the catch.

The program is being run by the ACS in conjunction with the Department of Immigration and Citizenship, and is aimed at overseas students that have been studying in Australia for at least two years and have gained a local qualification.

Page 2: show me the money!