Secondary Placements

This program can be used as part of a secondary student’s work experience requirement in Year 10, 11 and 12. It is offered at both the Powerhouse Museum and Sydney Observatory during term time.

Outside of term time an alternative program Youth Holiday Placements is available for student volunteers, at the Powerhouse Museum.

What will I learn through this program at the Powerhouse Museum?

The program at the Powerhouse Museum gives insight into the operational aspects of a cultural institution, including museum practices, entertainment, education programs and / or visitor services. You will engage with visitors to the museum and work alongside volunteers as well as staff in Education, Research and Digital Services.

What will I learn through this program at Sydney Observatory?

We run an astronomy-focused student placement program at Sydney Observatory. The first day of this program is spent at the Powerhouse Museum, where you will gain insights into the day-to-day running of the Museum. The remainder of the week will be located at the Observatory. Here you will support the delivery of public programs and try some hands-on maths, astronomy and physics. This program is appropriate for school or TAFE students intending to do physics in year 11 and 12 with a strong interest in astronomy and science.

Application Process Overview and Important Dates 2017

Students must apply on line, those who are selected for interview will participate in a short telephone interview and successful applicants will be notified by email.

Secondary placements are only offered in the following weeks. Places are strictly limited; please apply early to avoid disappointment.

Application Deadlines

Application Process – For Students

Students should complete the appropriate online application form:

Powerhouse Museum Application Form

Sydney Observatory Application Form

Your school will need to approve the work experience placement. Please direct all communication and enquiries through your school’s careers adviser.

Applications meeting all necessary requirements will be processed and we will endeavour to respond promptly. Receipt of an application does not automatically confirm a work experience placement.

Our Student Placement Coordinator will determine successful student placements in a fair and equitable manner. Their decision will be final. Both you and your school’s careers adviser will be notified by email. All additional paperwork must be submitted through your school’s careers adviser.

Application Process – For Careers Advisers

Once applications have been received and processed we will contact both the successful and unsuccessful applicants. Please retain the confirmation letter for your records.

A signed and dated version of Section 3 – Host Employer Statement in The Department of Education’s Student Placement Record will be generated for the successful applicant and forwarded to the student’s careers adviser by email. Please do not send the school version.

Youth Holiday Placements

Students in Year 10, 11 and 12 who are unable to do work experience during the term time dates above can join the volunteer team at the Powerhouse Museum during school holidays.

The dates for these placements are below.

Please carefully read and fill out the appropriate application form for the Youth Holiday Placement below. Insurance will be provided by the Museum.

Youth Holiday Placement Application Form