News
CDU researcher calls for change to lift heavy burdens of student placements
A Charles Darwin University (CDU) researcher has called for changes to lengthy, unpaid work placements in higher education, which she says are causing students to choose between their qualifications and other life responsibilities.
At a major field education summit in Sydney today, CDU Head of Social Work, Associate Professor Lisa Hodge, said a lack of flexibility and financial pressures are putting a strain on students who need to undertake placements as part of their studies.
“The requirements of lengthy placements restrict the conditions in which students can engage in the workforce, and this in turn reduces the likelihood of their workforce participation when they graduate,” Dr Hodge said.
“But social work isn’t the only discipline where students are affected by unsustainable work placements – placements in nursing also put pressure on students to dedicate the majority of their time to emotionally-intensive unpaid labour, which leaves little time for anything else.”
Social work placements currently require 1000 hours of placement, which can impede on students’ ability to continue paid full-time work, maintain financial stability, and prioritise their own self-care and wellbeing.
Dr Hodge said major drawbacks of placements for social work students include undue pressure on mental health and wellbeing, student poverty, a limited choice of workplaces and a great lack of flexibility to engage in paid work.
A reduced number of required hours, potential government funding and alternative placement models are among the changes that social workers are advocating.
“To do unpaid work can mean having to choose between putting petrol in the car to get to placement or having enough food for the week,” Dr Hodge said.
“Students shouldn’t have to make such a choice – we can do something about this and change placements to be more equitable and sustainable during critical years of study.”
A 2022 joint study conducted with five Australian universities, including CDU, found students’ lived experiences of poverty during placements imposed on relationships, care-giving duties and nutrition.
Related Articles
CDU partners with NAAJA to deliver True Justice Program
Read more about CDU partners with NAAJA to deliver True Justice ProgramCharles Darwin University’s (CDU) Law School is partnering with the North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency (NAAJA) to provide students with a unique glimpse into the legal system from the perspectives of First Nations Peoples.
“What attracts audiences to pornography?” Study sheds light on online audience’s state of mind
Read more about “What attracts audiences to pornography?” Study sheds light on online audience’s state of mindNew research conducted at Charles Darwin University is among the first to consider the role of ‘content creators’ within the modern pornography landscape.
CDU welcomes decision to financially support students during work placements
Read more about CDU welcomes decision to financially support students during work placementsCharles Darwin University (CDU) has welcomed the Federal Government’s decision to bring in paid placements for certain study areas, including in regional and remote areas as it will help northern Australia’s essential worker crisis.