Internship Pathways Program

Host a Paid Intern from uni 2 beyond in 2026

Join a ground-breaking University of Sydney and Centre for Disability Pilot (2025–2027)

Building on the success of the current uni 2 beyond program, University of Sydney and Centre for Disability Studies (CDS) are pioneering an employment transition program, that empowers people with intellectual disability to take the next step from university into paid internships.

We connect forward thinking employers with enthusiastic, graduates of the uni 2 beyond program, who have attended university for 2 years and are ready to put their skills and knowledge into action at work!

Only 56% of Australians with disability of working age are employed, compared to 82% of people without disability (ABS, 2024). Help close the gap and discover talent you have been missing.

Why partner with us?

  • Meet (and exceed) your diversity and inclusion targets
  • Bring fresh energy that lifts moral and team culture
  • Join leading employers already prioritising inclusion
  • All the support is 100% FREE – you only pay the intern’s wage.

Our alumni have completed the two-year uni 2 beyond program, meaning we are well-placed to work with you and the interns to match the right candidate.

Benefit from FREE, evidence-based support services, including:

  • Disability confidence training customised for your workplace
  • Individualised success plans co-created with Occupational Therapists
  • Hands-on job scoping and role carving
  • Dedicated recruitment, onboarding and ongoing check-ins

Real impact, real stories

Employers who have hosted tell us

“The CDS team have the lived-experience, expertise, knowledge, and skills to address a range of topics related to intellectual disability … CDS were the perfect project partners, and it was an absolute joy to work with all the members of their wonderful team!” – Accessibility Manager, Sydney Opera House

Please are limited for 2026, don’t miss out!

Register your interest today by clicking the below button.

 

FAQ's

FAQs

Our alumni have co-designed the internship pathway model and have outlined what they would like out of an internship. The responses to the below questions are informed by our alumni.

What is an internship?

An internship is a paid work trial, providing real work experience and skill building, in a safe and supportive workplace.

How long is an internship?

We are seeking partners who can commit to a defined period. Most interns prefer 3 – 6 months. If you are interested in offering an internship but have a different timeline, please reach out as we would love to discuss.

How many days per week and hours is an internship?

Most of our alumni are seeking internships for 15-25 hours per week, across 2-3 days per week.

What are the expectations for partners after the internship period?

We know that hosts may love the experience so much that they offer ongoing work or additional internships which is fantastic, however there’s no obligation and understand that not everyone is able to commit to further opportunities. CDS will there to support alumni with their next chapter.

Want to Get in Touch?

Complete the form in the Register Now section, or email us at internships@cds.org.au to learn more about the program.