We are committed to inspiring creativity and curiosity through placement programs at the Powerhouse Museum and Sydney Observatory that enhance students’ educational experiences.
Our Secondary Student Placement Program provides a snapshot into the world of museums and cultural institutions. It gives high-school students a taste of an industry that they might one day be part of.
This program can be used as part of a secondary student’s work experience requirement in Year 10, 11 and 12.
What will I learn through a student placement with the Museum of Applied Arts and Science?
The program gives insight into the operational aspects of a cultural institution, including museum practices, entertainment, education programs and visitor services. Here you will support the delivery of public programs at the Powerhouse Museum, Sydney Observatory and the Museums Discovery Centre, working alongside staff and volunteers.
Application Process Overview and Important Dates 2021
Students must apply online, those who are selected for interview will participate in a short telephone interview and successful applicants will be notified by email.
We hope to offer placements for secondary students in the following weeks. Please note only 2 students are placed each week, so placements are limited.
Autumn Holidays
06 – 09 April
13 – 16 April
Winter Holidays
29 June – 02 July
06 July – 09 July
Spring Holidays
21 – 24 Sept September
31 Sept – 3 October
Application Deadlines
| Autumn holiday placements | Winter holiday placements | Spring holiday placements |
| Applications open 1 February and close 1 March 2021 | Applications open 1 May and close 1 June 2021 | Applications open 1 August and close 1 September 2021 |
Please do take note of application opening and closing dates. The application links will be published on this page, from 9am on the opening date.
Successful applicants will be notified within 2 weeks of the closing date
Application Process – For Students
Work Experience Placements
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. Please note 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. 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.
Youth Holiday Placements
Students in Year 10, 11 and 12 can do take part during the holidays as Youth Volunteers. Insurance will be provided by the Museum.
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.