Federation University partners with McCain Foods for flagship Co-op model

Federation University Australia has partnered with McCain Foods to deliver Co-op placements to students.

McCain Foods are an early adapter of the Co-op model, with its first placement commencing in 2024, with the partnership set to place additional students in 2025.

In a first for Australia, the globally recognised cooperative education model - providing academic credit for real workplace experience - will be embedded across all Federation University Australia programs from 2025.

Federation University student, Mo Radmehr says that the placement has given him the opportunity to gain real experience while studying his course in IT.

"I'm learning and gaining hands-on experience in IT, which is important as I'm unable to do the same with university as an online IT student," he said.

"I believe this placement is super helpful, as I can gain skills and experience before I graduate university. This shows that I can handle working and studying simultaneously and earn credibility when it comes to finding a job," Mo said.

Students undertaking a Co-op course participating in the co-op model also earn while they learn, giving them extra independence as well as being able to afford living expenses so they can focus on their studies.

"I'm also able to earn a steady income which allows me to fund my necessary expenses including rent, fuel, and groceries," Mo said

Quotes attributable to Federation University Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Global and Engagement, Leigh Kennedy

"We are excited to have McCain Foods join us on our journey to become Australia's first Co-operative University, where industry, education, research, community, and government are coming together to transform tertiary education."

Quotes attributable to McCain HR Programs Manager ANZ, Sarah Cullinan

"McCain has been in the Ballarat community for 50 years and we're a proud local employer. We're excited to partner with Federation University's Co-Op Program and give local students the opportunity to work in our business, learn from passionate leaders and leave their mark."

"We're looking forward to welcoming more Federation University students to our McCain family in 2025."

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