Internships - Legal Advice
What responsibilities do architectural practices have if they take on students or graduates as “interns”?
Following enquiries from members the ACA sought advice from Nick Ruskin of DLA Piper regarding the employment and remuneration of those who are now being referred to as ‘interns’.
This advice outlines an employer’s legal obligations, rights and responsibilities in relation to students, work experience participants and volunteers.
Members are reminded that the Architects Award provides specific minimum conditions for the employment of students of architecture, including minimum wages.
However, the ACA believes that we can explore suitable opportunities for short-term work experience for architectural students while avoiding exploitation of longer-term student labour. This could be achieved through discussions with the Australian Institute of Architects and universities and within the guidelines of the current Industrial Relations framework
Members can download the DLA Piper advice below. The Internship Advice is an ACA member resource, and is only available to members. Find out more about the benefits of ACA membership.
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