Spotlight: UniConnected—Revolutionising Student and Industry Partnerships

At InnovatEd, we celebrate the groundbreaking achievements of our participants as they develop and refine their education innovation solutions. One standout success story from our 2024 cohort is Amanda Samson and her platform, UniConnected.  Amanda is a lecturer and researcher in the Faculty of Education and her pioneering initiative is transforming the way university students and schools connect for training, employment, and work-integrated learning opportunities.

Who and What is UniConnected?

Like all great startups, UniConnected was born out of the need to solve a pressing problem—in this case, two.
The first was the growing teacher shortage crisis, which is causing significant disruption in the education sector. Amanda and her colleagues in the Faculty of Education saw the impact of this issue daily. The second was the challenge students faced in accessing job opportunities beyond their immediate networks, particularly in roles related to their field of study, where they could gain practical experience and apply their academic knowledge.

UniConnected offers a simple but powerful solution. It serves as a platform where University of Melbourne students can create profiles and allow schools and education centres to find them for employment opportunities. Schools gain access to a talented pool of students, while students benefit from employment that enhances their professional experience and financial stability. The platform bridges the gap between education providers and future educators efficiently and effectively, whilst levelling the playing field for students without industry connections by providing equal access to valuable employment or interning opportunities.

Visit UniConnected

How UniConnected is Transforming the Sector
The impact of UniConnected goes far beyond just addressing teacher shortages. By acting as a connector between schools, students, faculties, and broader industry sectors, it is creating a more dynamic and responsive employment ecosystem.

• Over 100 schools have already engaged with UniConnected, using it to fill roles ranging from sports day supervisors to more permanent teaching positions. Some students have even secured Permission to Teach (PTT) roles, allowing them to gain hands-on teaching experience while studying.

• The Faculty of Education used UniConnected to find internships for their Masters of Teaching students, and it was such a success, UniConnected is now attracting interest from other faculties and industry partners looking to create similar streamlined connections.

• With 260 students currently onboard, the platform provides equitable access to job opportunities beyond personal networks. It allows students to gain real-world experience, ensuring they are better prepared for their careers.

“UniConnected – a great big pond of potential! Simple to navigate, and a great way to find exactly what you’re looking for!”
Hayley Dureau
Assistant Principal
Mentone Girls’ Secondary College

One of UniConnected’s biggest strengths is its lateral approach to technology. Rather than reinventing the wheel, Amanda and her team have leveraged existing digital tools in an innovative way to address an urgent need. This approach ensures that the platform remains accessible, scalable, and easy to use for all stakeholders.

Breaking Down Barriers Between Universities and Industry
A common challenge for external partners is navigating the university landscape to find the right talent. Universities often lack a clear "front door" for industry engagement, making it difficult for employers to connect with students and academics. UniConnected solves this problem by providing a structured yet flexible pathway for engagement.

The platform also offers alumni a new way to give back beyond traditional financial donations. Alumni in industry can support current students through employment and mentorship opportunities, strengthening the university community and fostering career growth for the next generation of professionals.

You can connect with Amanda on LinkedIn here, and you can check out the platform here

The InnovatEd Journey
During her time in the InnovatEd program, Amanda received bespoke mentorship, access to cutting-edge resources, and connections to key stakeholders within the University of Melbourne and the broader Tech community.