ECA Professional Year - ACS Professional Year Program  
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ACS Professional Year

The Australian Computer Society (ACS) Professional Year Program is an accredited professional development program designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and professional employment for international ICT graduates. The program combines formal learning with practical workplace experience to enhance the career prospects of graduates and equip them with the skills needed to succeed in the Australian job market. As an accredited provider of the ACS Professional Year Program, ECA PY is committed to delivering high-quality training and support, ensuring that participants are well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities in the ICT industry.

WHY JOIN ECA'S PROFESSIONAL YEAR PROGRAM?

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Year-round intakes

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1 day a week, minimum 45-week job-readiness program

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1 year of free ACS Membership

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Pay up to 10 easy monthly instalments

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Available in Sydney, Melbourne, Geelong and Brisbane

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Get 5 points towards your PR

WHAT IS THE ACS PROFESSIONAL YEAR PROGRAM?

The ACS Professional Year Program is a structured professional development program (delivered over a minimum period of 45 weeks) designed specifically for international ICT graduates. The program aims to enhance the participants’ employability by providing them with the necessary skills and practical experience to excel in their professional careers.

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Key Objectives:

  • Skill Development: The program focuses on developing essential workplace skills, including business communication, professional ethics, and an understanding of Australian workplace culture.
  • Practical Industry Experience: Participants gain hands-on experience through a 12-week internship placement in a relevant industry, allowing them to apply their academic knowledge in a real-world setting.
  • Career Advancement: The ACS Professional Year Program prepares graduates for a successful career in the Australian ICT sector by enhancing their employability and providing networking opportunities with industry professionals.

Benefits:

  • Improved Employability: Graduates of the program are highly sought after by employers for their practical skills and professional training.
  • Migration Points: Completion of the ACS Professional Year Program can earn participants additional 5 points towards their permanent residency application under the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program.
  • Industry Recognition: The program is recognized by the Australian Government and industry bodies, adding significant value to your resume.

ACS Professional Year Course Structure

The ACS Professional Year Program at ECA PY is designed to provide a comprehensive learning experience that combines

theoretical knowledge with practical skills. The program is divided into three main components:

Coursework (32 weeks):

  • Professional Environments:

    This module covers the fundamentals of professional work environments, including business communication, teamwork, and workplace diversity. Participants learn how to navigate and thrive in a professional setting.

  • Australian Workplace Culture:

    Understanding the nuances of Australian workplace culture is crucial for success. This module covers topics such as workplace etiquette, professional behavior, and effective communication strategies.

  • Business Communication:

    Effective communication is a key skill in any professional setting. This module focuses on developing participants' written and verbal communication skills, including report writing, presentation skills, and interpersonal communication.

  • Professional Ethics:

    Ethical behavior is essential in the workplace. This module explores ethical decision-making, professional responsibility, and the importance of integrity and accountability.

Internship Placement (12 weeks):

  • Industry Experience:

    Participants are placed in a 12-week internship with a reputable Australian company in the ICT sector. This hands-on experience allows participants to apply their academic knowledge in a real-world setting, develop practical skills, and build professional networks.

  • Mentorship:

    During the internship, participants are paired with industry mentors who provide guidance, support, and valuable insights into the professional world.

  • Project Work:

    Participants work on real projects during their internship, gaining practical experience and contributing to the success of the host organization.

Workshops and Seminars:

  • Career Development Workshops:

    This module covers the fundamentals of professional work environments, including business communication, teamwork, and workplace diversity. Participants learn how to navigate and thrive in a professional setting.

  • Industry Seminars:

    Participants have the opportunity to attend seminars and guest lectures by industry experts, gaining insights into the latest trends and developments in the ICT sector.

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ACS Professional Year Intake Dates

ECA PY offers multiple intakes throughout the year to accommodate the schedules of international students. This flexibility ensures that you can start the program at a time that suits you best. Professional Year students have study options available in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Geelong. Click on the tabs below to view the intake dates for a specific campus.

ACS Professional Year Brochure

Looking for more information about the ACS Professional year program in Sydney, Melbourne, Geelong or Brisbane? For more detailed information about the ACS Professional Year Program at ECA PY, download our comprehensive brochure. The brochure includes:

  • Detailed course structure and curriculum.
  • Insights into the benefits of the program and career support services.
  • Step-by-step guide on how to apply.

ACS Professional Year Entry Requirements

To be eligible for the ACS Professional Year Program at ECA PY, you must meet the following requirements:

  • Educational Qualifications: You must hold an ICT-related degree from an Australian tertiary institution. This ensures that you have the foundational knowledge needed to benefit from the program.
  • Recent Graduate: You must have completed your degree within the last four years. This requirement ensures that your knowledge and skills are current and relevant to the industry.
  • Visa Requirements: You must hold a valid passport and visa that allows full work and study rights. Applicants already holding a valid visa are required to have a minimum of 12 months’ validity (365 days) from the date of PY commencement.
  • English Language Proficiency: You must demonstrate a sufficient level of English language proficiency to successfully complete the program. You must hold a current (undertaken within the last 3 years) and valid IELTS minimum band score of 6.0 or higher with no bands below 6.0, as per DHA requirements. Or other English tests such as PTE Academic, Cambridge Eng: AdvCAE), TOEFL iBT/ TOEFL PBT, and Occupational English Test (OET) equivalencies and their validity periods. Tests must have been undertaken within the three years immediately prior to the date of PY commencement. Refer to the IELTS Equivalency link here for more information.

ACS Professional Year Fees Information

The ACS Professional Year Program at ECA PY offers competitive pricing, providing excellent value for the comprehensive training and experience you will receive. The total cost of the program covers all components, including coursework, internship placement, workshops, support services and free access to 17,000 LinkedIn Learning courses (through the Employability Advantage digital tool). Up-to-date information on course fees is available <a href=”https://www.professionalyear.info/fees/”>here</a>. Please be aware that, in addition to course fees, there are a few administration fees and charges you will have to pay. ECA PY will accept several payment methods. Details of how to pay will be included in your Letter of Offer, but there are several ways you can pay, including:

  • Upfront Payment: You can choose to pay the total program fee upfront, which entitles you to a discount.
  • Installment Plan: ECA PY offers flexible payment plans that allow you to pay the program fee in installments, making it more manageable for students.

Financial Assistance:

  • Scholarships: ECA PY offers Scholarships if you’re able to provide an ECA-approved employment contract in ICT that will be put forward for the ACS Professional Year internship placement. Please contact our admissions team for the latest scholarship opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

The ACS Professional Year Program is a professional development program designed for international ICT graduates. It combines formal learning and practical experience to enhance employability and career prospects in the Australian job market.
The program provides numerous benefits, including improved employability, additional migration points for permanent residency applications, industry recognition, practical experience through internships, and enhanced professional skills.
To apply for the ACS Professional Year Program at ECA PY, you must meet the entry requirements and submit an application through our admissions portal. Our admissions team will guide you through the process and provide assistance with any questions you may have.
The program is 46-52 weeks long, including 32 weeks of coursework and a 12-week internship placement.
ECA PY offers Scholarships to eligible students who are able to provide an ECA-approved employment contract in ICT that will be put forward for the ACS Professional Year internship placement.
Participants are placed in internships with reputable Australian companies in the ICT sector. Alternatively, the student can choose to complete their internship placement through a company they select or already work in. These internships provide hands-on experience in a professional environment, allowing participants to apply their academic knowledge and develop practical skills.
While ECA PY works closely with industry partners to place students in relevant internships, placements are based on availability and the specific needs of the host organizations. However, every effort is made to match participants with internships that align with their skills and career goals. Students may also put forward a company for their internship placement (subject to approval by the Internships team) which can either be paid or unpaid.
Completion of the ACS Professional Year Program can earn participants additional 5 points towards their permanent residency application under the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program, making it easier to qualify for migration.
ECA PY offers a range of support services, including career counseling, academic support, resume workshops, job search strategies, interview preparation, and student welfare support. These services are designed to help you succeed both academically and professionally.
Graduates of the program are highly sought after by employers for their practical skills and professional training. Many graduates secure employment in the ICT sector shortly after completing the program, thanks to the experience and networking opportunities gained during their studies.
ECA PY understands that unforeseen circumstances may arise. In such cases, students are encouraged to speak with the student services team to discuss options for extending the duration or deferring their studies.
While ECA PY provides extensive support and resources to help students secure employment, job placement is ultimately dependent on the individual's efforts and the job market conditions. However, the skills and experience gained during the program significantly enhance employability.
The total cost of the ACS Professional Year Program at ECA PY includes coursework, internship placement and free access to the Employability Advantage digital tool (17,000 Linkedin Learning courses, Resume Builder, Interview Practice, Tech and Smart -Skills Builder) and free access to the GetMee self-learning app. For detailed fee information and payment options, please contact our admissions team.
Yes, participants on a visa with full working rights such as Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) are allowed to work while studying. However, it is important to balance work commitments with the demands of the program to ensure academic success.
ECA PY provides a range of academic support services, including access to faculty advisors, tutoring, study groups, and online resources. These services are designed to help you succeed in your coursework and achieve your academic goals.
Internship placements are arranged by ECA PY in collaboration with our industry partners. Our dedicated internship placement team works to match students with suitable companies based on their skills, interests, and career goals. Alternatively, students may nominate a company for their internship placement (subject to approval by the Internships team) which can either be paid or unpaid.
You need a valid visa that allows full work and study rights, and the visa must have a minimum of 12 months’ validity (365 days) from the date of the PY commencement.
Yes, you can defer your admission to a later intake if needed. Please contact our admissions team to discuss the deferral process and any associated requirements.
The class schedule includes a choice of weekday or weekend classes for 1 day a week. The schedule is designed to accommodate students' needs and provide flexibility for those who may be working full-time or part-time.
The ACS Professional Year Program is specifically tailored for ICT graduates, focusing on skills and experiences relevant to the ICT industry. Other professional year programs may be designed for graduates in different fields, such as accounting or engineering.
ECA PY offers comprehensive career services, including resume workshops, one-on-one resume reviews, job application assistance, and interview preparation sessions to help you succeed in your job search. One of the inclusions of the ECA PY Program is free access to the Employability Advantage digital tool, including 17,000 Linkedin Learning courses, Resume Builder, Interview Practice, Tech and Smart -Skills Builder along with free access to the GetMee self-learning app.

Why Choose ECA PY?

To be eligible for the ACS Professional Year Program at ECA PY, you must meet the following requirements:

Experienced Educators:

  • Industry Experts: Our instructors are seasoned professionals with extensive experience in business and training and a deep understanding of what recruiters are looking for in the ICT sector. They bring real-world insights and practical knowledge to the classroom, ensuring that you receive high-quality training.
  • Supportive Faculty: Our faculty members are dedicated to your success. They provide personalized attention, guidance, and mentorship to help you achieve your career goals.

Strong Industry Connections:

  • Reputable Partners: ECA PY has established strong relationships with leading companies in the ICT sector. These partnerships provide valuable internship opportunities and enhance your job prospects.
  • Networking Opportunities: Throughout the program, you will have numerous opportunities to connect with industry professionals, attend networking events, and build relationships that can lead to future employment.

Career Support:

  • Comprehensive Career Services: Our career services team offers a range of support, including resume workshops, job search strategies, interview preparation, and career counseling.
  • Internship Placement Assistance: We provide assistance in finding internship placements and job opportunities, helping you to transition smoothly from the program to the workforce.

Flexible Learning:

  • Multiple Campuses: With four campuses located in major Australian cities, you can choose the location that best suits your needs. ECA PY is the only Sydney provider that delivers from Parramatta in Sydney’s West and the only PY Provider in Geelong, VIC. We also deliver in Melbourne and Brisbane.
  • Convenient Intakes: Multiple intakes throughout the year allow you to start the program at a time that fits your schedule.

Proven Track Record:

  • Success Stories: Many of our graduates have successfully transitioned into rewarding careers in the ICT sector. Their success stories are a testament to the quality and effectiveness of our program.

Campus Information

ECA PY has four campuses located in major Australian cities, each offering a dynamic and supportive learning

environment. Here is an overview of our campuses:

STUDENT SUCCESSFUL STORIES

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