WIL FAQs

This depends on a variety of factors such as whether the WIL is completed as part of you studies or independently. Different subjects will also have different time requirements. The amount of time spent in the workplace will range from 25 hours approx for compulsory placements that are embedded in the overall subject curriculum to 150 – 200 hours for a dedicated practicum subject.

While the hours spent on unpaid WIL activities may temporarily impact your (paid) casual work schedule, it’s important to remember the value of industry work placements in terms of your future employment prospects.

Please note these hours do not include time for the competition of assessment that is attached to the WIL activity. You are also expected to attend your normal lectures and tutorial while on placement – time management is an important skill to learn and one that you will utilise frequently when working in industry!

Hours spent on placements that are arranged by students outside of their study are as negotiated between employer and student.      

No. To be covered by the universities insurance policy you will need to undertake unpaid placement. This is regardless of whether your placement is part of your studies or has been independently arranged by yourself.

If an employer does wish to pay you for your placement, they should acknowledge acceptance (in writing) that your activities will be covered by the organisational insurance policy.

Generally you will receive some form of credit for WIL activities that are undertaken as part of your studies via assessment tasks. Assessment will vary depending on the subject. Examples of common assessment tools for WIL include reflective  journals/reports, business reports, presentations and feedback from the host organisation. Your Subject Coordinator will be able to tell you exactly what assessment will be required in relation to your placement.          

Placements that are undertaken outside of your studies are not guaranteed credit. Sometimes you may be awarded credit if the placement undertaken is relevant to the subject content. This will need to be negotiated with the relevant Subject Coordinator.     

If you are undertaking placement as part of your studies, some form of assistance is usually provided. In many instances the Faculty will have established relationships with industry partners and an ongoing placement arrangement will be in place.            

Practicum subjects will generally try to match specific students to a particular organisation based on skills/interest and suitability to the workplace culture in that organisation. Other subjects will encourage students to source their own placement however, Subject Coordinators will be on hand to assist with their industry contacts if required.            

Securing a position can  be a competitive process - many industry partners will want to interview  students for WIL placements. So it’s a good idea to make sure you have a  current resume and cover letter. You may wish to drop into the Careers & Employment Centre to get some tips on resume writing and interview skills.

There will usually be some preparation required before your placement. Orientation workshops are generally run by your Subject or WIL Coordinator where expectations and responsibilities while on placement will be outlined.             

You may also be required to read some academic texts/articles that are related to your placement. Students involved in placement should also show initiative and make sure they read up about their host organisation prior to placement. Make sure you are aware of any current issues/hot topics that are relevant to the industry in which you are undertaking WIL.           

As there is usually some form of assessment attached to WIL activities, it’s advisable to familiarise yourself with required assessment tasks prior to placement.          

That depends on the structure of the placement. In some instances you will be required to complete a certain number of hours to meet placement and assessment requirements. If you become ill and are unable to attend, you are required to reschedule your shift. Sometimes you will meet placement requirements based on project completion, not hours completed.           

If in doubt contact your Subject or WIL Coordinator for clarification.             

It is also expected that you will call your host organisation to inform them that you are unable to attend work on that day. Medical certificates are expected for any absence from placement – no exceptions.

Yes, the Careers & Employment department can assist with resumes and interview skills. The department runs a series  of workshops throughout the academic year and also employs Career Consultants who will take individual student consultations .         

Appointments can by contacting the Career Development Centre. 

Your Subject and WIL Coordinators will also able to assist you in this area.

There will always be a dress code of some description, although this will alter depending on the particular workplace. For example, students working in Hospitality and Tourism will generally have a uniform of Black pants and white shirt while students working in a corporate business organisation would be expected to wear a suit/slacks and shirt. Sports students working in a football club would wear the club’s sports uniform and so on.              

Regardless of where you are placed, a clean and neat appearance at all times is required.             

Contact your host organisation prior to commencement of placement to clarify expectations around dress code and presentation.          

The host organisation will advise you of your role and responsibilities while on placement. They will be relevant to your area of study. You should tell your mentor if you have to complete an assessment task on your placement experience – they may be able to incorporate  particular activities that will help you with assignments.           

Don’t be afraid to approach your mentor if you require further clarification of your duties. If you feel that the organisation is making unreasonable requests of you, contact your Subject or WIL Coordinator.          

Where possible your Subject or WIL Coordinator will visit you during your placement. They will also be available via email, phone or at scheduled meeting times to provide other support as required. E.g. provide guidance to assist you in meeting project goals set by the organisation.         

International students are able to participate in WIL within the guidelines set out under their student visa. This currently allows international students to work no more than 20 hours per week. Please note that unpaid hours are sometimes counted towards  the maximum amount of hours worked per week. This will depend on how the subject has been classified by the Faculty. WIL Coordinators can tell you if your subject is exempt from visa restrictions. International students should be mindful of this when undertaking WIL, particularly if they already have a casual or part time job.             

Please contact La Trobe International if you are unsure of visa restrictions.