What is the Work Integrated Learning Project?

The University of Canberra has received a grant under the Commonwealth Governments Diversity and Structural Adjustment Fund 2008-2011 to develop strategies to meet student and employer demand for work based education and experience by enhancing the capacity of the University to deliver and embed work integrated learning programs in all professionally oriented courses.

The project aims to develop a strategic and best-practice approach to work integrated learning (WIL) at the University to ensure that students graduate with all-round professional competence and, at the time of interview for their first professional position, stand out as the preferred graduate. The project will also address the skills shortage the ACT and region.

Many of the Universities courses already provide students with opportunities for work experience. Convenors of those courses will be asked to consider whether current arrangements reflect best practice, and if not, make the necessary changes to those arrangements. Some courses such as teaching and nursing are bound by strict professional accreditation requirements but others have the flexibility to enable students to undertake a wide range of outside work activities which could accrue some academic credit. Examples might include industry internships, community projects, and voluntary work