WIL at the University of Newcastle is supported by the document, Work Integrated learning Project Working Group Committee Paper.

Work-integrated learning at the University of Newcastle is the term used to describe educational activities that integrate theoretical learning with its application in a workplace, profession, career or future employment. WIL should be available for all undergraduate students, should provide a meaningful and relevant experience, and should be recognised through assessment and credit. The WIL experience can be off or on campus, real or simulated, depending on the discipline area, but must involve clearly stated outcomes, assessment and be consistent with quality teaching and learning.

A definition of “placement” exists within the Student Placement policy, amended in February 2008. This policy relates to all clinical, professional, industrial or other placements that form part of a course or program coordinated by the University. The Student Placement policy for the University of Newcastle in the policy library (# 000768) is supported by additional policies listed within the Student Placement policy.

Work Integrated Learning Organisations

NATIONALLY - Australian Collaborative Research Network (ACEN)

The Australian Collaborative Education Network (ACEN) is the peak professional association for practitioners and researchers from the higher education sector involved in work integrated learning (WIL) in Australia. The University of Newcastle is an institutional member of ACEN and, as such, all staff are entitled to membership of ACEN and just need to register. Click here for your free registration.

INTERNATIONALLY - World Association of Cooperative Education (WACE)

The University of Newcastle is a global institutional partner, sponsor and active member of the World Association of Cooperative Education (WACE). WACE is the peak professional organisational organisation dedicated to developing, expanding, branding and advocating for co-operative and work-integrated education programs within industry and educational institutions.

NEW ZEALAND - AKO AOTEAROA National Centre for Tertiary Teaching Excellence

Major Reports

National Scoping study WIL Report

Good Practice Report (2011) by Professor Jan Orrell. This report synthesised 28 funded OLT (formerly ALTC) studies’ final reports, including WIL and discipline scoping studies, fellowships and projects.

UK Wilson Review of Business - University Collaboration

Resources for Industry and Community

The University of Newcastle, as a member of the Innovative Research Universities (IRU), has collaborated in the development of a range of practical tools to help business and industry engage with universities, to work together to develop Australia's future skilled workforce. The full set of materials developed can be viewed here.

The material includes:

Good Practice Guides

ACEN list of resources and past presentations

NZ Academic Supervisors guide

NZ Student's Guide

Workplace Supervisor's Guide

NZ Template for Good practice

Useful Websites

Various universities in Australia have a declared interest in work-integrated learning, many through their membership of the World Association for Cooperative Learning [WACE] and the Australian Collaborative Education Network [ACEN].

International WACE universities include (for example): Suranaree University of Technology (Thailand), Simon Fraser University (Canada), Hong Kong Polytechnic, Durban University of Technology (South Africa),University of Cincinnati (USA), NorthEastern University (Boston USA), Kristianstad University (Sweden), University West (Sweden) and University of Victoria (Canada).