Yinka Idowu is studying a Master of Human Resources and Employment Relations at UWA and recently supported research into Work Health and Safety with the Public Sector Commission through a McCusker Centre for Citizenship internship.
“Following the enforcement of the Work Health and Safety Act 2020 in March 2022 for organisations within WA, my internship focused on reviewing the Commission’s relevant policies, regulations and codes of conduct, and finding any gaps.
“My research helped to ensure all of these documents were up to date with the new legislation to help keep staff safe and reduce risk for the Commission,” Yinka said.
Sarah Dunstan, Human Resources Manager and internship supervisor at the Commission, said that Yinka’s efforts had been valuable in identifying practical actions that have helped to strengthen workplace safety.
“Yinka was keen to put her studies into practice - by the end of the internship she was confidently answering questions and making a real and positive contribution to our agency,” Sarah said.
Moving to Australia last year and hoping to join the workforce after completion of her studies, Yinka said the internship had helped her gain valuable professional and cultural experience.
“I like to immerse myself in the place's culture and energy everywhere I go.
“As a student looking to join the workforce soon, the internship allowed me to acquaint myself with Western Australia outside the school environment.
“Sarah clearly explained what was expected of me, gave me documents relevant to each task, and allowed me to take the initiative and put my human resources skills, knowledge and ability to use.
“I felt I could take initiative, problem solve, be curious and enhance my leadership skills.
“I have been recommending the McCusker Centre for Citizenship internship to fellow postgraduate students; the internship is more than a posting to an organisation - the seminars, to me, were very insightful and information-packed.
“They expanded my knowledge on multiple topics, opened my eyes to a whole new way of seeing and doing things, and taught me the importance of giving back to our different communities wherever we find ourselves.”