Exclusive: How ‘essential’ internships are easing Australia’s tech skills shortage

As Australia's tech sector battles a significant skills shortage, internships are now a "crucial stage" in developing job-ready talent, and one senior academic is warning that without urgent action, the gap will only widen.

Professor Hind Benbya, Dean of the Business School at Western Sydney University, believes internships are more essential than ever as the job market continues to evolve.

"The nature of jobs is changing," she explained to TechDay during an exclusive interview.

"Internships are one of the key components for employability. They allow students to apply the skills they're learning in real-world scenarios."

Her message comes following Western Sydney University recently partnered with Genetec to launch a five-year internship scheme, offering semester-long placements for students in the tech sector.

The partnership marks a shift from the traditional approach of a single internship at the end of a degree, toward fully integrated work experience throughout the curriculum.

"The objective is to continue placing students with Genetec each semester," Benbya explained. "They are mentored and work in teams on specific projects. It's full immersion."

For the university's business school, this is part of a wider strategic transformation. "Our priorities are focused on technology and social purpose," she said.

"Starting next year, we are embedding AI into both undergraduate and postgraduate programs."

This means students won't just learn about technology - they'll apply it, in classrooms and on placement. Students also complete project reports during their internships to demonstrate what they've contributed, making sure the experience goes far beyond admin work.

Benbya said the programme is designed to address Australia's growing tech skills gap, which the Tech Council of Australia estimates will reach 1.3 million unfilled roles by 2030.

"Internships are complementary to what students learn in the curriculum," she explained. "They help apply those skills in a deeper way. Employers are telling us what they need, and we're embedding that into the learning experience."

One of the standout features of the Genetec partnership is that students are not just handed minor tasks - they're expected to solve real business problems under the guidance of experienced mentors.

"It's not about being handed the dirty work," Benbya said. "They're working on meaningful, real-world projects that matter to the company."

Alumni are playing a key role in this ecosystem, with many returning to offer students the same career-launching opportunities they once benefited from.

"Our business school produces 30% of Western Sydney University alumni," she noted. "Many of them now hold senior leadership positions or run their own businesses. For them, taking on interns is a way of giving back."

TechDay also spoke with Hayden Beattie, Business Development Associate for SMB at Zip, whose internship served as a crucial stepping stone in his career.

He explained that his own internship gave him "exposure to board meetings, corporate partnerships, and presenting digital strategy recommendations."

He credits the experience with building his confidence and laying the foundation for his career.

"Internships early on help students and graduates build essential skills and make valuable connections. Any experience is better than none," Beattie explained.

Beattie also agrees that internships are a major tool in the fight against the skills gap. "They're a key part of the solution, but not the only one," he said. "Online courses, hackathons, and entry-level jobs also help build the talent pipeline."

His advice for companies designing internship programmes is to focus on real-world value.

"Partner with universities to ensure academic alignment, but also make sure the students get hands-on experience. Include mentorship. That's what makes it impactful."

Benbya agrees.

"There isn't a big risk for companies in taking on graduates," she said. "They bring energy, fresh ideas, and want to make a difference."

She acknowledges that AI is changing entry-level work, but argues that it only makes internships more vital.

"Graduates need to know what tasks AI will handle and where human judgment is still essential," she said. "That's why we're embedding AI in the curriculum and training students on how to work with these tools."

And while some academics fear AI, Benbya sees it as a powerful asset. "Any human using AI is going to be more effective. It's just about knowing the limits and using it smartly."

Internships, she believes, must be part of every workforce strategy moving forward.

"Embedding students into companies - even for extended periods - is essential to their job readiness," she said. "It's not just beneficial to students, companies gain from it too."