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Industry Engagement Resources

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Employer Guides & Toolkits

 

Unlock the potential in the next generation of talent. Hosting a Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) student is a rewarding experience that brings fresh perspectives and valuable skills to your organization.

A successful WIL experience is built on a quality partnership between you, the student(s), and your education partner. The national Quality WIL Framework should guide the approach, emphasizing a positive and well-supported experience for both the student and the host organization.

By providing a structured and supportive environment, you not only contribute to a student's education but also build a pipeline for your future workforce.

Let WIL Australia help you contact a work-integrated learning expert aligned with your business, location, and need – to quickly get the right advice and access to the right students.

Key Questions to Ask

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Getting Started

is there a step-by-step guide to defining a project or role, liaising with education program partners, and defining what success looks like for you, students, and your education partner?
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Onboarding Checklist

how can you ensure your student feels welcome and can contribute effectively from day one? Ask for information including on setting expectations, introductions, and providing necessary resources.
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Mentoring and Supervision

what is best practice for providing constructive feedback, fostering professional development, and mentoring your student for a meaningful learning journey?
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Project Scoping Template

is there a simple tool to help you define clear, achievable goals and deliverables for a student project that will deliver real value to your organization while allowing the student to achieve their learning goals?
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Paid vs Unpaid

what are the considerations for providing a paid or unpaid student opportunity?
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Industry Resources

It is widely recognized that strengthening partnerships between education providers and industry is a cornerstone for national success – for example, National Strategy on Work-Integrated Learning in Higher Education, and the Australian Universities Accord.  

Engaging in work-integrated learning is a strategic investment in in both your company’s and your industry's future. 

By partnering with education providers, you play a direct role in shaping a graduate workforce that is skilled, experienced, and ready to tackle tomorrow's challenges.

Why WIL is a Strategic Imperative for Industry

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Address Skills Gaps

collaboration with education providers helps ensure curricula are aligned with industry needs, and that graduates possess the practical skills your sector requires.
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Drive Innovation

students bring new ideas, cutting-edge knowledge, and a fresh perspective that can challenge the status quo and spark innovation within your organization.
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Build a Talent Pipeline

identify and cultivate top talent early. WIL is a proven, extended interview process that de-risks recruitment and helps you find the perfect fit for your team.
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Enhance Corporate Social Responsibility

investing in the next generation of workers is a powerful way to give back to the community and demonstrate your commitment to building a prosperous future for Australia.
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Partnership Case Studies

Discover the power of partnership through real-world examples of successful collaborations between industry, community, and universities.

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Job Smart Edge

Job Smart Edge equips international students with essential employability skills through innovative online projects and workshops, enhancing their workforce readiness.

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The icare and UTS Business School WIL Partnership: Delivering Positive Social Impact for the Community of NSW

The “icare and UTS Business School WIL Partnership delivers scalable, equitable, purposeful and formative WIL experiences for all undergraduate management students at UTS Business School.

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Improving competency-based assessment in WIL using programmatic assessment

We redesigned the competency-based assessment (CBA) for the Master of Nutrition and Dietetics' WIL component through participatory action research with stakeholders.

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Showcasing Success

WIL Australia collects Good Practice WIL Case Studies from across the nation, reflecting effective and innovative partnerships. These case studies demonstrate:

  • The tangible benefits of WIL for students, community/industry, and the university.
  • Best practices in project design, assessment, and evaluation.
  • The significant impact of strong university-industry engagement.

Let us know about your own successful WIL partnership to inspire others.

Additional Case Studies

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RMIT Design Studios

Vertically integrated WIL with industry-led projects

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Griffith Journalism

Flipped WIL model with scaffolded learning

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The Live Ideas

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SME Spotlight

Running a Small or Medium Enterprise (SME) means every team member counts. 

Work-Integrated Learning offers a flexible, low-risk, and high-impact way to bring new skills and energy into your business without the overhead of hiring a full-time employee.

How WIL Can Supercharge Your SME

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Access Fresh Talent and Ideas

university, TAFE, and other students are digital natives equipped with the latest knowledge in their field. They can tackle that social media project, market analysis, or software development task you haven't had time for.
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Cost-Effective Project Solutions

a well-designed WIL placement experience can be a highly cost-effective way to complete a specific, short-term project that delivers immediate value to your business.
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Test-Drive Future Hires

find your next star employee. A placement or other WIL activity allows you to assess a student's skills, work ethic, and cultural fit before making a long-term commitment.
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Build Your Brand

partnering with a local education provider raises your profile and also positions your business as an employer of choice that invests in the community.

You don't need a large HR department to host a student. Universities and TAFEs can provide support and resources to make processes simple and rewarding for SMEs. 

Let WIL Australia help you contact a work-integrated learning expert aligned with your business, location, and need – learn how new talent can help your business thrive.

Guides & Templates

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Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Measuring Impact Template

A structured template for measuring the impact of Work-Integrated Learning programs, supporting evaluation and continuous improvement.

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Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Risk Management Guide

This brief guide provides a practical, step-by-step framework for initial identification, assessment, control, and review of risks with WIL programs.

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Guides for Online WIL Placements and Projects

Explore comprehensive guides for online Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) aimed at practitioners, industry partners, and students.

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Get involved

WIL Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands where we live, learn and work. We pay our respects to Elders past and present and celebrate the stories, culture and traditions of all First Nations people.

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