Terms & Conditions

By creating an account on the Ladder.inc platform (“the Platform”), you (“the User” or “the Talent”) agree to be bound by the following Terms and Conditions. These terms govern your participation in Upskilling Projects, Paid Projects, and any subsequent placements.

1. Scope of Services

Ladder.inc provides a marketplace connecting young professionals with:

• Up-skilling Projects: Non-paid educational tasks designed to build skills.

• Paid Projects: Commercial tasks completed for Client businesses for a fee.

• Placements: Potential internships or full-time employment opportunities with partner companies.

2. Employment Status & ABN Requirements

• Independent Contractor Status: You acknowledge that your use of the Platform to complete Paid Projects is as an Independent Contractor, not an employee, agent, or partner of Ladder.inc.

• ABN Requirement: To receive payment for Paid Projects, Users must provide a valid Australian Business Number (ABN). You are solely responsible for your own tax obligations, superannuation, and insurances.

• No Guarantee of Work: Ladder.inc does not guarantee the availability of projects or that participation will lead to an internship or employment.

3. Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure (The "Secret" Clause)

During your time on the Platform, you will have access to "Confidential Information" (business plans, data, trade secrets, or internal processes) from Client companies.

• Strict Prohibitions: You must not share, copy, or discuss any details of a Client’s project with any third party, including on social media, portfolios (unless permitted), or in private conversation.

• Data Protection: You must not download or export private company data for personal use or storage.

• Survival: This duty of confidentiality remains in effect even after you stop using the Platform.

4. Intellectual Property (IP)

• Upskilling Projects: IP remains with you or Ladder.inc as specified in the project brief.

• Paid Projects: Upon payment, all Intellectual Property created by you during a Paid Project is assigned exclusively to the Client. You waive all moral rights to the work created.

5. Internships and Work Placements

If a Client offers you an internship or employment through the Platform:

• Direct Hire Fees: Clients may be subject to a "Placement Fee" owed to Ladder.inc. You agree to notify Ladder.inc immediately if a Client offers you a role outside the platform.

• Separate Agreements: Any internship or employment contract is a separate agreement between you and the Client. Ladder.inc is not a party to that contract and holds no liability for the terms of your employment.

6. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, Ladder.inc, its directors, and employees shall not be liable for:

• Any loss of income, data, or opportunity.

• Disputes between the User and the Client.

• Personal injury or property damage sustained during a project or placement.

• Total Liability: In any event, Ladder.inc’s total liability shall not exceed the total fees paid to the User by Ladder.inc in the three months preceding the claim.

7. Indemnity

You agree to indemnify and hold Ladder.inc harmless from any claims, damages, or legal costs arising from:

1. Your breach of these Terms (specifically Confidentiality).

2. Your negligence or willful misconduct during a project.

3. Any tax liabilities or penalties related to your ABN status.

8. Termination

Ladder.inc reserves the right to suspend or terminate your account immediately and without notice if:

• You breach confidentiality.

• You attempt to bypass the Platform to work directly with a Client to avoid fees.

• Your work quality consistently falls below the Platform's standards.

9. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of Australia. You submit to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the courts in that region.