Work Integrated Learning

To support this strategic goal, our objectives include:

• Development of a framework and associated definitions of WIL that align policies and procedures across La Trobe
• Establishment of a governance framework with defined monitoring and reporting of WIL across La Trobe
• Development of streamlined support and training resources for students, academics, and industry partners
• Design and implementation of effective evaluation tools to inform and monitor the experience of students and industry partners
• Implementation of effective communications strategies and a united web presence for WIL at La Trobe

Our projected deliverables to enhance WIL at La Trobe include:

• An updated and reformed Educational Partnership Procedure (Work-based learning),
• A set of templates suitable for use across a range of placement models,
• A review of support structures in place at La Trobe and subsequent recommendations to position WIL at La Trobe for success,
• Mapping of all activities across the three WIL levels,
• A formalized process to support ongoing reporting of WIL through course management systems and placement software (i.e. InPlace),
• Design and increase in number of scalable and innovative WIL models available at La Trobe
• An evaluation framework to assess the quality of WIL across student, industry, and academic cohorts
• A variety of comprehensive support resources (i.e. toolkits) for students, industry, academics,
• A redesigned web presence on WIL at La Trobe that is clear for students and industry partners.

At La Trobe University, we support students’ professional awareness through the design of industry-relevant and industry-informed curriculum that facilitates the development of personal awareness, career management and reflective skills.

Examples include:

• guest lectures by industry professionals
• career literacy and exploration activities
• in-class assignments or activities to prepare students for work, such as resume writing, development of professional profiles, portfolios, elevator pitches and interview practice

At La Trobe University, we support students’ professional engagement through industry relevant learning opportunities undertaken within the curriculum where students are exposed to simulated and/or practice-based learning in a controlled setting.

Examples include:

• case studies and role play in class that reflect authentic work environments
• professional simulation and interprofessional learning (e.g. collaboration across professions)
• field trips and study tours to real-world contexts (domestic or international)
• industry projects that occur within the La Trobe educational environment, with primary supervision provided by a university academic.

At La Trobe University, we support students’ professional practice through a range of for-credit or course-required work-based learning opportunities. These activities involve practice-based projects or placements that take place within a workplace. Students not only observe, but are engaged in professional tasks, in most cases with industry supervision and oversight from a La Trobe academic coordinator.

In addition to what may be considered ‘traditional placements’, and work placements that meet the relevant standards as outlined in the Educational Partnerships Procedure, other examples that fall under this category include:

• placements undertaken by students who are enrolled under a third-party teaching arrangement with La Trobe
• placements undertaken as a hurdle, where the activity is a course requirement rather than a subject requirement
• placements undertaken at La Trobe where the university is the workplace
• placements undertaken ‘remotely’ where an online or home environment is considered to be the workplace