African Youth Collective
Opportunities

Student Placements & Internships

Learn. Connect. Make an Impact.

African Youth Collective Inc. welcomes enquiries from university, TAFE and vocational education students seeking meaningful student placement, internship and practical learning opportunities within a community-based organisation.

Volunteer with AYC

Life at African Youth Collective

Students join a vibrant, culturally rich community — working alongside our team on programs that make a real difference in young people's lives.

African Youth Collective community members working together
Students on placement learning in the community
Youth support and community engagement
AYC team in the office
Community volunteers at African Youth Collective

We particularly welcome students studying:

Community Mental Health
Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD)
Counselling
Youth Work
Community Services
Social Work
Psychology
Mental Health
Community Development
Public Health
Disability and Community Support
Case Management
Human Services
Sport and Recreation
Events and Community Engagement

Gain Real Community Experience

Student placements with African Youth Collective are designed to complement your studies while giving you exposure to real community programs and services.

Mental Health & Wellbeing

Support community-based mental health and wellbeing activities, wellbeing conversations, referral pathways, educational workshops and prevention initiatives.

Alcohol and Other Drugs

Assist with AOD awareness, harm-prevention initiatives, educational activities and community engagement designed to encourage healthier choices.

Youth Engagement

Work alongside young people through mentoring, recreational activities, leadership programs, community events and safe social spaces.

B-MAD Programs

Support our B-MAD – Beyond Mental-health Alcohol and Drugs initiatives, which combine connection, early intervention, recreation, mentoring, education and community engagement.

Food for Thought

Support community meal programs that use food as a way of creating connection, reducing isolation and opening conversations around wellbeing, support and community services.

Sport & Recreation

Assist with community basketball, soccer and other recreational activities that promote belonging, positive relationships and healthy lifestyles.

Community Outreach

Participate in engagement with young people, families, community organisations and service providers.

Program Development

Assist with program planning, research, community consultation, evaluation, administration and development of resources.

Placement Hours

We understand that different courses have different placement requirements. African Youth Collective can consider placement enquiries including:

100-hour placements
200-hour placements
300+ hour placements
Short-term internships
Project-based placements

Acceptance will depend on the student's course requirements, placement agreement, supervision requirements, organisational capacity and the suitability of available programs.

Who Can Apply?

We encourage applications from students who are:

Compassionate and respectful
Interested in working with culturally diverse communities
Passionate about youth and community development
Interested in mental health and AOD prevention
Willing to learn
Reliable and professional
Able to maintain appropriate professional boundaries
Committed to confidentiality and privacy
Open to trauma-informed and culturally responsive practice
Comfortable working as part of a community team

We welcome students from all cultural and professional backgrounds.

Our Commitment to Students

We want student placements to be more than simply completing required hours.

Build Confidence

Develop confidence communicating with young people, families, professionals and community members.

Develop Practical Skills

Apply what you are learning in the classroom within a real community setting.

Understand Community Mental Health

Learn how social connection, culture, family, recreation, food, mentoring and community participation can contribute to wellbeing.

Develop Cultural Awareness

Gain experience working respectfully with African-Australian and other culturally diverse communities.

Build Professional Networks

Meet community leaders, organisations, service providers and professionals working across the community sector.

Make a Difference

Contribute to programs that support young people and families while completing your professional education.

University and TAFE Partnerships

African Youth Collective welcomes opportunities to work with universities, TAFEs, training organisations, placement coordinators and course supervisors.

Placement agreements
Learning objectives
Placement plans
University or institution documentation
Student progress reviews
Supervisor communication
Attendance requirements
Placement evaluations
Workplace learning expectations

Before Your Placement Begins

Depending on the placement and activities involved, students may be required to provide:

Current résumé
Course and institution details
Placement documentation
Required number of placement hours
Learning objectives
Working with Children Check
National Police Check where appropriate
Relevant identification
Emergency contact information
Any documentation required by their university or training provider

Some requirements will depend on the nature of the placement.

What Happens Next?

Once we receive your enquiry, the African Youth Collective team will review your placement requirements and determine whether we currently have an appropriate placement opportunity and suitable supervision capacity.

1Your course and career goals
2Your required placement hours and learning objectives
3Your areas of interest and institution's requirements
4Available AYC programs and supervision arrangements

Submitting an enquiry does not automatically guarantee a placement.

Start Your Community Placement Journey

Whether you are studying mental health, AOD, counselling, youth work, social work, community services or another related field, African Youth Collective wants to help emerging professionals gain meaningful experience while contributing positively to the community.

Learn with the community. Grow through experience. Make an impact.

Volunteer with AYC

African Youth Collective Inc. — Empowering youth to thrive, belong and lead.