Would you like to get some hands-on HR experience in a new and exciting environment? AHRI is running a month-long regional HR internship opportunity in the Northern Territory – with flights and accommodation paid for.

Stealing cattle, hiding in caves, and every now and then getting into the odd shoot-off with the police, that was the life of a bushranger. But how might things have been different for Ned Kelly and others like him if they’d had access to great HR practitioners? After all, city-slickers aren’t the only people who need HR!

AHRI’s regional HR internship program is a great opportunity for students and graduates to gain experience and apply the skills they have learned at university while making a noticeable contribution to the community, says Kim Mannering (MAHRI), general manager human resources at Central Australian Aboriginal Congress and Vice President of the Northern Territory AHRI State Council.

In Mannering’s opinion, the impact of HR practitioners in regional areas is multiplied because of the nature of working in a small community.

“The type of work performed here is closely connected to people – a lot of the work of local organisations impacts directly on people’s lives,” she says. “Many regional-based organisations have a rich history – multiple generations of local people are connected with the organisation either through being a part of establishing it, through employment or as a client or consumer of the service. So often this connection means that the workforce is passionate about the work and the roles that they play.”

The HR internship opportunity AHRI is offering will enable students and graduates to gain great experience for future work, as well as a unique experience to live and work in a regional setting, with people from a variety of backgrounds.

“It is an ideal career entry point for students to undertake interesting work,” says Mannering. “There are opportunities to contribute to the important and rewarding work of our local organisations and exciting opportunities available for professionals in the NT. The Northern Territory offers an enviable lifestyle – the scenery is stunning, it’s only a short walk to work and a short drive out of town on weekends to spend time in the great outdoors.”

The benefits of regional HR

Whether it’s because you want on-the-ground HR experience, or are keen to try working and living in an unfamiliar place, this opportunity is for you. The in-depth role of regional HR practitioners is incredibly gratifying, says Mannering.

“It is not uncommon for people to say they will come for one or two years and end up staying many more because the work is rewarding. There is a great community of people and the lifestyle is fantastic,” she says.

Mannering says that working in regional organisations is both a privilege and responsibility. On top of enjoyable and valuable work, the lifestyle benefits of working in a regional area can’t be ignored.

“Being regionally based, there are many exciting opportunities to travel to visit remote locations, to see some of Australia’s beautiful landscapes, and to work with amazing local people and organisations,” she says.

How to get involved

If this HR internship opportunity sounds like something you need to be a part of, here is how you can apply:

• Be a paid Student or Graduate member of AHRI (student members must be in the final year of their course).
• Be available for a month long placement in the Northern Territory between January and February 2017
• Create and upload a two minute video explaining why you think you would be suitable for this work experience opportunity to YouTube. The reason for your suitability must reference and be based on AHRI’s Model of Excellence    
• When you upload your video to YouTube, ensure it is set to UNLISTED (this allows AHRI staff to view the video without allowing public access).
• Email a link to your video and resume to studentmember@ahri.com.au.

Applications close on the 30th of November. For more information, click here.