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What is Work-Integrated Learning (WIL)?

Ever wondered how you get real-world experience before you even graduate? That’s where work-integrated learning, or WIL, comes in. At its heart, WIL is a simple but powerful idea: it’s about connecting what you learn in the classroom with practical, hands-on experience in a real workplace. 

WIL is "learning by doing" ; but as a formal, credited part of a university or TAFE course. 

Through WIL, students get the chance to test-drive a career, build essential skills, and make professional connections, all while completing their studies. 

For businesses and community organisations, it’s a fantastic way to access fresh ideas and new talent while helping to shape the future workforce. 

This partnership between education and industry is a cornerstone of preparing career-ready graduates who are equipped to succeed from day one.

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Types of WIL Experiences

 

WIL isn't just a traditional internship; it comes in many different forms to suit various courses and career paths. Some of the most common types include:

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Placements or Internships

This is the classic model where a student spends a block of time working within an organisation, fully immersed in its day to-day operations.
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Industry and Community Projects

Students, often working in teams on campus, tackle a real problem or project for a real client, delivering tangible outcomes for the partner organisation.
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Simulations

These are realistic, simulated work environments where students can practice and hone their professional skills in a safe and controlled setting.
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Service-Learning

This model connects academic study with community service, allowing students to apply their skills to projects that benefit a community organisation while fostering civic responsibility.
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Apprenticeships

A structured program that combines formal study with significant on-the-job training, allowing students to earn while they learn in a specific trade or profession.
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Online and Virtual WIL

Using technology, students can undertake remote internships or online projects with organisations located anywhere in the world, providing invaluable flexibility and global experience.

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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