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Cadetship Program

At IBA we are offer cadetship opportunities to enthusiastic Indigenous students, especially those studying accounting, finance, law or business. Cadets are appointed in small numbers so we can offer an individualised work program within a commercial and progressive work environment. 

If you are interested in putting your theory into practice, more information is available from the frequently asked questions below or you can print this information here. 

 
What is our Cadetship Program?
Why our Cadetship Program?
What are the benefits of our Cadetship Program?
Who can apply?
Megan Curtis - IBA cadet, Adelaide
Kelvin Defranciscis - IBA cadet, Townsville
How do you apply?
Where can you get more information?

Who is Indigenous Business Australia (IBA)?

IBA is a commercially focused organisation undergoing continued growth, employing more than 200 people in 21 sites across Australia.  Our work force is diverse in terms of cultural backgrounds, demographics, skills and experience. IBA is committed to stimulating and supporting the sustainable economic development of Indigenous Australians for the benefit of current and future generations.  

Our staff are involved in facilitating:

• Indigenous home ownership
• Indigenous participation in business, through commercial enterprises and partnerships
• business advice and mentoring for Indigenous Australians, and
• Indigenous participation in the pwnership of companies and investments. 

What is our Cadetship Program?

IBA’s Cadetship Program provides opportunities for Indigenous university students to combine their studies with practical work experience.  As an IBA cadet, you receive practical and financial assistance while you continue your full-time studies towards an undergraduate degree. 

Throughout the year, you will undertake twelve weeks of work experience with IBA.  This experience can provide a great head start to your career, along with financial support, while you complete your degree.

Why our Cadetship Program?

IBA cadets are given the opportunity to contribute to achieving our strategic objectives, which inspire our way of doing business and ensuring the outcomes we achieve contribute significantly to economic independence for Indigenous Australians. IBA is committed to attracting and supporting Indigenous employees and promoting a culturally educated workplace.

What are the benefits of our Cadetship Program?

IBA offers:

• work experience in one of our many Australia wide locations
• a commercially focused environment
• an opportunity to be mentored by dedicated and professional colleagues
• a competitive edge to your career development, and
• financial benefits including:
• up to $1000 each year for books and equipment
• study allowance 
• regular payments for your twelve weeks of work experience, and
• travel and accommodation assistance in certain circumstances 

Who can apply?

 To be eligible for a cadetship with IBA, you must be:

• of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent
• enrolled in full-time studies at an Australian university, and

• an Australian resident.

Megan Curtis - IBA cadet, Adelaide

 “IBA’s Cadetship Program has assisted me financially through my studies making for one less thing to worry about!” 

I am studying for a (double) degree in Commerce (Accounting) and Law.  My IBA Cadetship has provided me with administrative, communication and office skills, experience in areas well aligned to my studies.  For example, what better way to put my commerce theory into practice than through assisting the Canberra Finance team to prepare and complete a tax return for IBA.  Working one day a week during 2007 from Adelaide further developed my understanding of the Enterprises program and small business. 

My work experience allowed me to participate in stages from the initial client enquiry to loan approval and business support (of the business development and business assistance programs). I hope to use my education to make a difference to the wellbeing of my Dad’s people from Koonibba just outside of Ceduna (part of the West Coast mob of South Australia).  Through my studies and work experience, I hope to assist my community through education and promotion of  the importance of their individual rights. 

Kelvin Defranciscis - IBA cadet, Townsville

 “I was offered a couple of other cadetships that required spending three months a year in Canberra or two days a week at work regardless of university workload.  IBA allows me the flexibility to work as often as I like/can and does not demand that I work away from home.”

I joined IBA through the National Indigenous Cadetship program (NICP) in 2006 while I was in my first year of a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Business degree at James Cook University.    Cadetships can provide excellent career opportunities and experience and the pay is particularly good for University students.  When I look at the work I get to do and the experience I gain with IBA, compared with some other university friends who are working during holidays at the newsagent and cinemas, it is obvious to me just how lucky I am. 

Through my IBA cadetship, I have experienced:

How do you apply?

 To apply for an IBA cadetship, you can:

Where can you get more information?

• email askHR@iba.gov.au
• phone 02 6121 2706