We take students on placement
Student Placements
Family Start is pleased to consider student placements for people who are completing studies in social work, counselling, and support work-related fields. While we are not in a position to offer paid placements, we are always happy to hear from students who are looking for an opportunity to gain practical experience in a supportive, community-based environment. We understand how important placements are in helping students build their confidence, develop their skills, and connect their learning with real-world practice, and we welcome enquiries from those who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of individuals and whānau.
Why choose Family Start for your placement
Choosing Family Start for your placement means joining a supportive, community-focused team that is deeply committed to making a difference in the lives of tamariki, whānau, and the wider community. Students who complete a placement with us have the opportunity to learn in a real-world setting where relationship-based practice, compassion, and practical support are at the heart of the work we do.
At Family Start, you will be welcomed as part of the team and supported in your learning and professional growth. We have a team of registered clinicians from a range of professional backgrounds who are available to provide guidance, support, and supervision to students on placement. This gives students the benefit of learning from experienced professionals with varying perspectives, skills, and areas of expertise.
A placement with Family Start offers more than just practical experience - it provides the chance to build confidence, strengthen your skills, and gain valuable insight into community-based practice. For students looking for a placement where they will feel supported, valued, and exposed to meaningful and rewarding work, Family Start is a great place to learn and grow.
Sara Gillies, Counsellor
"Family Start has been a wonderful, supportive and exciting place to begin a counselling career. I completed a student placement through Family Start when I studied for my Bachelor's in Applied Counselling degree. It has been a warm and welcoming environment and has given me diverse experiences while allowing me the space to be creative and independent. The people at Family Start are genuine and professional, and it is a fun place to be a part of. They are truly passionate people working towards helping the local community. My placement led to ongoing work with Family Start as a youth counsellor and group facilitator. I can highly recommend it as a place to give students the support that they need as future counsellors and social workers."
Dougal Gunn, Social Worker
"Family Start provided me with a placement while completing my Social Work degree. Being able to observe the wide range of practice styles and clinical knowledge of the staff provided an amazing learning opportunity and formed the foundation of my own practice framework. The value that Family Start provide in early childhood development and their outreach into the rural communities that many social services don’t access cannot be underestimated and provides fantastic opportunities for student practitioners."
Sarah-Jane Nixon, Level 4 Mental Health/Addiction
"I completed my placement with Family Start last year while studying Mental Health and Addiction online. Living on the West Coast, it was really challenging to find a placement, so I was incredibly grateful that Chris and the team were willing to take me on.
From the beginning, I felt welcomed and supported. The team were kind, caring, and always willing to share their knowledge and experience. I gained a wide range of learning during my time with Family Start, and it was such a valuable hands-on experience alongside my studies.
The placement not only helped grow my skills, but also gave me the confidence to step into a role in the field while continuing my studies. I will always be grateful to Chris and the team for the opportunity and support they gave me."