A unique two-day forum for Charles Sturt University (CSU) television production students and television companies starts today in Wagga Wagga.

Lecturer in television production in the CSU School of Communication and Creative Industries in Wagga Wagga Mr Bruce Gater said the TV Industry / Internships Summit (IIS) is the only forum of its kind in Australia.

"Charles Sturt University is the only institution in Australia that hosts this type of event," Mr Gater said. "We are extremely grateful that the TV industry comes to us to meet and interview our final-year students and offer them internships and possible employment upon graduation.

"​IIS began in 2004 with the inaugural conference enabling Charles Sturt University and industry representatives to meet and set the parameters for subsequent annual meetings and a student internship program.

"The University hosts, on average, 14 TV and peripheral companies annually for the two-day summit that includes informal discussions between industry and academics, a question and answer session with students, and internship interviews. This year there are 35 industry representatives participating, most notably the ABC from Sydney and Canberra."

The CSU Bachelor of Stage and Screen (Television) covers all aspects of television studio production roles including directing, producing, camera operating, sound recording, editing, and floor managing.

Mr Gater said that prior to the summit the CSU students send letters and their CVs to the respective companies involved to apply for interviews and internships.

"On average, there are 160 interviews conducted during the summit (each student can have more than one interview), with approximately 33 students receiving 90 internships. Not all students who receive interviews go on to internships, but each year many students are employed in the industry as a result of these internships, and the overall employment rate is about 85 per cent within six months of graduating.

"IIS also generates additional assistance for Charles Sturt University from the industry," Mr Gater said. "For example, the University was able to purchase an EVS editing machine for students to learn to use.

"This is the new industry-standard equipment, especially for sports broadcasting where slow-motion replays are required and the norm, so our students being able to use this machine during their course gives them a big advantage for entry-level positions in the industry."

The two-day summit starts with informal academic and industry representative discussions on Tuesday morning 17 May. Following a lunch barbeque for students and industry representatives to meet informally, approximately 30 third-year students are invited to an 'Industry Q&A' session to gain insights. There is a dinner for industry representatives on Tuesday night. Wednesday 18 May is devoted to the round of student interviews with industry representatives.