Dr Hayley Croft has led national efforts to improve Work Integrated Learning experiences and outcomes for intern pharmacists. Serving on the technical working group of the Australian Pharmacy Council, she contributed to the development of new tools for enhanced workplace-based assessments for pharmacists and was instrumental in developing resources to support implementation of these tools, which were rolled out for the first time in 2023.

Dr Croft has since been appointed Principal Investigator on the evaluation phase of this project, presenting preliminary findings in Canberra in August. She has disseminated this work through an international journal article, continuing professional development (CPD) articles and educational webinars.

It’s great to see students exposed to parts of the pharmacy workplace they can’t experience in a classroom setting, and seeing how this can ignite a deeper sense of purpose for their chosen career path – this really highlights the transformative nature of WIL experiences.

~ Dr Hayley Croft

As Assistant Dean of Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Karen has demonstrated exceptional achievements during her tenure. She was the driving force behind the creation the WIL Guiding Principles, offering valuable support and clarity for academic and professional staff. As a WIL Course Coordinator, she has actively engaged with industry, advocated for students, and streamlined college processes.

Karen played a pivotal role in establishing the Australian Public Service Academy in partnership with the University, having the first Academy campus at Callaghan. Additionally, Karen has been instrumental in fostering connections with organisations such as The Australian Defence Force, BAE Systems Australia, and Boeing. Karen’s contributions have had a significant and positive impact on students, the university, and industry partnerships.

Work Integrated Learning gives our students the opportunity to gain important experience through engaging with employers, workplaces, and real-world problems. The WIL Guiding Principles, and the stakeholder engagement process I engaged in to develop these, is an absolute highlight. Wonderful, passionate people across the University working together to bring this together for students – now that’s something to celebrate.

~ Associate Professor Karen Blackmore

Dr Paul Stolk is Director of Work Integrated Learning and Internships for the Newcastle Business School. Paul coordinates industry placements for students across all undergraduate programs in the School, and has supported more than 550 undergraduate students to develop discipline specific and employability skills ahead of program completion.

While not a stated goal, for many students in Paul’s course BUSN3002, their placement experience has resulted directly and indirectly in offers of employment prior to graduation. Paul has forged new and fostered enduring host partnerships with 236 unique organisations and business units, across diverse industry sectors. Paul has also represented the University in several public forums, advising businesses about the benefits of engaging with the university and becoming a placement host.

Work Integrated Learning experiences instil University of Newcastle students with confidence that when they enter their profession, they are ready to make an immediate contribution. Students value workplace experiences that are authentic. Delivering such experiences requires deliberate co-design and enduring collaboration between host organisations and universities, and a commitment to quality learning and assessment. It comes with a tax on resources and patience, but the return on investment is clear to me.

~ Dr Paul Stolk