Educational Internships
About the Internship
Turning Point is pleased to offer eligible tertiary students a 14-week, (up to 150 hours; average 10-12 hours per week) educational internship. The combination of skills training and real-world clinical observation will provide students with the foundational skills and knowledge required for those considering a career in the alcohol and other drug (AOD) sector.
The AOD sector provides exciting, diverse and stimulating career opportunities for clinicians, researchers, educators and other professionals. Work in clinical and other settings with a relevant degree and sector qualifications can be a rewarding career choice for people wanting to make a positive difference in others’ lives. Turning Point, in consultation with other metropolitan AOD service providers, recognises the ongoing need to attract and train skilled and educated people into the AOD workforce.
Students will take part in a range of AOD sector activities. These comprise completion of Vocational Education and Training (VET) units of competency, presentations by staff from a range of Eastern Health and other AOD services, supervision and reflective practice sessions, and visits to clinical services. Note that this internship does not offer the opportunity to work directly with AOD clients, and is educational and observational in nature.
The program is offered as blended learning, comprising both face to face and online delivery. There will be approximately 7 face to face days at Richmond throughout the 14 week timetable. The internship is conducted twice a year, with each intake timed to coincide with a two semester tertiary academic program.
Eligibility
Eastern Health, as a major metropolitan health service, complies with the Victorian Government’s COVID-19, influenza and other vaccination protocols, which mandate all staff and visitors including students on placement/internship be fully vaccinated against a range of diseases. Eastern Health also requires all students participating in learning programs to have a current Working With Children’s Check and valid Police Check which covers the duration of the internship.
Location
The program consists of around 75% online classes, presentations and self-paced learning. With the other 25% of the program including site visits to AOD services, primarily in the inner east and eastern suburbs of Melbourne and at our Turning Point office in Richmond.
Cost
The Turning Point educational internship is funded by the Victorian Department of Health and is free to Australian citizen and permanent resident students who meet the eligibility requirements above. Students are required to fund meals, transport and other ancillary costs and provide their own internet, computer and other resources.
To Apply
Applications are now closed. Please check back in June for future opportunities.
Further Information
Cohort X 2024 students
Hear from some previous graduates and their journeys into the AOD sector
Key Statistics
| *Upon completion of the internship and my studies, I’m interested in seeking employment in the AOD sector. |  |
 |
*I would recommend a Turning Point internship to a fellow student. |
(Reference: *2022 Turning Point Educational Internship satisfaction survey)
What the students from Cohort VII had to say...
“[The internship] was very educational and interactive. I have learnt a lot and have come to realise there are many different paths I can take with the learning I have been provided. Additionally, there are many connections you can build through this internship.”
“The people delivering the content and talks were engaging and informative. I felt welcomed and that there was a genuine sense that we were able to ask questions and be educated.”
“The way the internship is structured and delivered is in a very proficient and organised way to allow for sincere engagement and an enjoyable experience for students. It also opens up a lot of doors for future employment in the AOD or related health employment areas.”