In their final year, students undertake a one-year Work Integrated Learning project. It is an authentic learning experience, enabling them to hone technical and soft skills, and build a first-hand understanding of the industry.
“Students can see how they are progressing from a real industry viewpoint, and what is required of them when they graduate,” explains Lecturer, Dr Scott Mann. “The professional experience means our students graduate industry-ready and with high employability.”
This year, twenty students chose to collaborate with a leading quality engineering consultancy called Planit, where they are developing a software application to help the company better support staff in a hybrid workplace.
They are supervised by skilled industry professionals including Dr Tafline Ramos, Planit Practice Director of Quality Engineering and Assurance, and a La Trobe alumna.
“When I was studying computer systems engineering at La Trobe, I completed a third-year software engineering industry project,” Tafline explained. “It helped me to integrate my classroom learning and gave me a taste of what it means to build a real software system, to communicate progress, and to implement project management, time management and quality and testing improvement practices.”
The experience was invaluable to Dr Ramos’ career, “as it brought together numerous concepts that had been covered within her degree into the one practical, hands-on subject.”
Reflecting on her experience collaborating with the next generation of La Trobe graduates, Dr Ramos says, “Now I have the privilege of helping the next generation. I am impressed by the quality, motivation and care that students have shown towards their work. I believe our industry will benefit enormously from these talented future professionals and leaders.”
“We care about quality, people and the future of our industry,” says Blake Young, Marketing Director at Planit. “By investing in students and their education, we are helping to build a strong and capable workforce – and in return, they contribute to a project that will enhance our employee experience.”
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