National Industry PhD Program Scholarship

About the project

"RetainAble": Improving the retention and progression of employees with disabilities in Australian SMEs

"RetainAble" aims to address the challenge of retaining employees with disabilities in the Australian workforce by examining the diverse perspectives of employees with disabilities in SMEs. The expected outcomes of the project are:

1. new academic knowledge;
2. rigorously tested strategies and practices for organisations;
3. evidence-based recommendations for government and service providers;
4. a practical framework for businesses and service providers.

Study 1 will involve a systematic literature review, Study 2 will develop and test a pilot intervention focused on retention and progression, and Study 3 will involve qualitative interviews with people with disability and senior and line managers in organisations.

This prestigious scholarship will address the societal challenges of Australian employers missing out on talent and people with disabilities missing out on fulfilling working lives. The PhD candidate will be embedded within Asuria and develop a deep understanding of academic and real-world business, enhancing their employability in industry or academia.

Industry partner

Asuria

Asuria is a leading public service provider, striving to empower people, communities and nations to be effective and productive through a range of frontline public services covering employment support, training and education, justice, business start-up services, and health and wellbeing.

Every year Asuria supports thousands of people into sustainable employment, many of whom face considerable challenges getting a job. It offers an integrated service providing job seekers with personalised support to help them find work, progress in their career or set up a business. Asuria understands the sense of achievement and pride associated with securing sustainable employment, and wants everyone to experience that.

Visit the Asuria website

What ACU can offer you

Join an active and engaged research community ready to support you in working to solve the critical challenges we face in the world today.

Scholarship package

The successful applicant will be awarded a scholarship package consisting of:

Domestic candidates

• A Stipend Scholarship of A$33,511 p.a. (tax-free, indexed) for up to 4 years.
• ACU Industry Top-Up Scholarship of A$10,000 p.a. (tax-free) for up to 4 years.
• Australian Government Top-Up Scholarship of A$6,968 p.a. (tax-free) for up to 4 years.
• Research Training Program (RTP) Fees Offset Scholarship valued at c. A$30,000 p.a. for up to 4 years.

International candidates

• A Stipend Scholarship of A$33,511 p.a. (tax-free, indexed) for up to 4 years.
• ACU Industry Top-Up Scholarship of A$10,000 p.a. (tax-free) for up to 4 years.
• Australian Government Top-Up Scholarship of A$6,968 p.a. (tax-free) for up to 4 years.
• An ACU Tuition Fee Scholarship valued at c. A$30,000 p.a. for up to 4 years.
• RTP Allowance (Overseas Student Health Care Policy) Scholarship.
• RTP Allowance (Relocation) Scholarship valued up to $2,000.

The scholarship package is subject to satisfactory progress and full-time study mode. The scholarship conditions align with the ACU Research Training Program Scholarship Policy.

Supervisor

Professor Jo Ingold

Professor Ingold's teaching and research focuses on employment and skills programs, employer engagement and the workplace inclusion of under-leveraged talent. She has been awarded a number of grants in the UK and Australia, including most recently evaluating initiatives to foster sustainable employment pathways for Aboriginal communities and industry partnerships with the employment services and recruitment sectors.

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Research group

Peter Faber Business School

Named after St Peter Faber SJ, the Business School's mission is to develop reflective business leaders and independent learners who are global in their outlook, ethical in their actions and practical in the application of their professional skills. Business school staff are industry-engaged, leading academics in their fields.

The PhD candidate will be part of the School's thriving academic community and will benefit from research and career mentoring from academic and industry supervisors. ACU will provide office space, IT, software for analysis, access to Library resources and support for publishing.

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