A MULGRAVE company is reaping the benefits of an industry placement program at Swinburne University of Technology.

Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) has taken on Swinburne University IT student Paul Omond in a 6-12 month work placement program.

BMS systems manager Joe Panozzo said the program, which aims to give students practical work experience and gives employers a link to an emerging workforce, was providing a win-win situation for employers and students.

“To me it is a win-win situation as the student is provided with hands on experience in a workplace setting and we are getting a worker with a high level of motivation and a commitment to learn.

“The IT area in our company is a very busy one as we all run at 100 miles per hour, but to Paul’s credit he has picked up our systems quickly and added real value to our team.”

Mr Omond said the placement had set him in the right direction.

“The IBL placement has been great as it has shown me how the information technology arm of a large company works and given me a grounding in a broad range of areas,” he said.

“I have really enjoyed the Web development work so that is the field I will pursue once I have completed my bachelor of applied science (information technology) at Swinburne Lilydale.”

IBL co-ordinator at Swinburne Lilydale Karen Pomeranz said the university needed new employers in Monash to take on students for a 6-12 month placement, especially in the IT field.

The next group of students will be available to start placements between November and March.

For details about the IBL program in IT, marketing, tourism and management call Ms Pomeranz on 92157136 or mobile 0414 576 477.