Introduction
The transition from university study to the workforce is one of the most significant steps in a science student’s journey. At Auckland University of Technology (AUT)/Te Wānanga Aronui o Tāmaki Makau Rau, the Capstone Programme is designed to bridge this gap. It gives final-year students the opportunity to apply their academic knowledge in authentic workplace settings—places where science is practised not just as theory, but as part of everyday operations, innovation, and service.
These placements are more than a foot in the door. For many students, it’s the first time they connect their lab-based learning to a living, breathing business. We spoke to Sunnie Vo, Programme Coordinator – Practical Activities at AUT’s School of Science, to better understand the thinking behind the Capstone model and why Chemical Solutions Limited has become one of AUT’s most valued long-term partners.
Exploring the Vital Connection Between Industry and Education
Q&A with Sunnie Vo, Programme Coordinator – Practical Activities, AUT School of Science
Q1: What are the key objectives of AUT’s internship programme, and what do you hope students gain from experiences like their placement with Chemical Solutions Limited?
A: The Capstone Project is a crucial part of the final-year experience for AUT science students. It’s designed to help students make the transition from academic study to applied scientific practice…
Q2: From your perspective, what makes partnerships with industry – like the one AUT has with Chemical Solutions Limited – so important for students and the University?
A: Industry partnerships are essential to keeping our science degrees relevant and future-focused…
Q3: What kind of growth do you typically see in students after completing an internship like the one at Chemical Solutions Limited?
A: Students typically show a significant shift in confidence and professionalism after their capstone experience…
Q4: What does success look like for AUT? How do you know when all three parties – the student, the university, and the industry partner – have achieved the goals of the internship?
A: Success happens when all three parties walk away having gained something valuable…
Q5: What stands out to you about the learning environment that students experience at Chemical Solutions Limited? And makes it a particularly strong or unique industry partner for student placements?
A: What stands out most is the supportive, inclusive culture that Chemical Solutions Limited offers…
Q6: Looking ahead, how do you see the relationship between AUT and Chemical Solutions Limited evolving?
A: We see this partnership growing in both depth and scope…
Q7: Do you have any other comments?
A: We deeply value our relationship with Chemical Solutions Limited…
“Students often speak about how they feel welcomed as part of the team from day one, not just as learners, but as contributors. The team invests in mentoring and provides students with exposure to real projects, real responsibilities, and high standards.”
– Sunnie Vo, Programme Coordinator – Practical Activities, AUT School of Science
“With partners like Chemical Solutions Limited, students are treated as contributors, not observers, which makes the experience more meaningful and transformative.”
– Sunnie Vo, Programme Coordinator – Practical Activities, AUT School of Science
Conclusion
AUT’s Capstone Project is a model of applied learning done well. Through structured support, clear expectations, and trusted partnerships, it prepares students not just to graduate, but to thrive.
Chemical Solutions Limited plays an essential role in this ecosystem. By providing meaningful projects and a supportive environment, they help students see what’s possible and give them the tools to pursue it. In Sunnie’s words, they treat students as contributors, not observers — and that simple act of inclusion often changes everything.
This is what it looks like when industry and education walk together. And it’s how we help grow scientists — not just in skill, but in purpose.
As Sunnie Vo shares, it’s this sense of partnership that turns knowledge into action and learning into growth. Together, we are shaping not just graduates, but contributors to Aotearoa’s science community. One project, one student, one village at a time.
