Driving institutional engagement in WIL: Enhancing graduate employability

Authentic learning experiences that replicate workplace settings are essential elements of the student experience for optimising graduate employability outcomes. Work Integrated Learning (WIL) supports the development of generic attributes which are highly regarded by employers through embedding aut...

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Main Authors: Ferns, Sonia, Lilly, Linda
Format: Journal Article
Published: 2016
Online Access:http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/10797
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author Ferns, Sonia
Lilly, Linda
author_facet Ferns, Sonia
Lilly, Linda
author_sort Ferns, Sonia
building Curtin Institutional Repository
collection Online Access
description Authentic learning experiences that replicate workplace settings are essential elements of the student experience for optimising graduate employability outcomes. Work Integrated Learning (WIL) supports the development of generic attributes which are highly regarded by employers through embedding authentic learning experiences in curricular and co-curricular programs. The regulatory and standards-based environment which monitors and controls higher education institutions' operations is increasingly focussing on WIL and the employability capabilities of graduates. In addition, external stakeholders such as employers and community agencies expect that graduates are prepared for a global and uncertain job market. The ultimate aim is to build a competitive and sustainable Australian economy through ensuring a highly-skilled population. Higher education is considered a key mechanism for achieving this ambition. Reconceptualising curriculum development and assessment strategies is required in order to address these societal demands. Embedding the development of employability capabilities in curriculum to ensure work-ready graduates is a priority for Curtin University as it aspires to provide authentic learning experiences where students apply theoretical concepts in real-world settings. Scaffolding skill development across curriculum is fundamental to quality curriculum design. Flexible industry and community partnerships are integral to implementing a practice-based curriculum, enabling the development of professional practice to be an integral component of the degree program. This paper presents a three-year Strategic Project, which aimed to enrich the student experience through establishing an institutional framework for WIL, as a case study to inform further WIL initiatives. It outlines strategies implemented to achieve the strategic goals, to introduce innovative approaches for establishing an institutional framework, and to enhance the student experience through WIL.
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spelling curtin-20.500.11937-107972017-09-13T16:06:10Z Driving institutional engagement in WIL: Enhancing graduate employability Ferns, Sonia Lilly, Linda Authentic learning experiences that replicate workplace settings are essential elements of the student experience for optimising graduate employability outcomes. Work Integrated Learning (WIL) supports the development of generic attributes which are highly regarded by employers through embedding authentic learning experiences in curricular and co-curricular programs. The regulatory and standards-based environment which monitors and controls higher education institutions' operations is increasingly focussing on WIL and the employability capabilities of graduates. In addition, external stakeholders such as employers and community agencies expect that graduates are prepared for a global and uncertain job market. The ultimate aim is to build a competitive and sustainable Australian economy through ensuring a highly-skilled population. Higher education is considered a key mechanism for achieving this ambition. Reconceptualising curriculum development and assessment strategies is required in order to address these societal demands. Embedding the development of employability capabilities in curriculum to ensure work-ready graduates is a priority for Curtin University as it aspires to provide authentic learning experiences where students apply theoretical concepts in real-world settings. Scaffolding skill development across curriculum is fundamental to quality curriculum design. Flexible industry and community partnerships are integral to implementing a practice-based curriculum, enabling the development of professional practice to be an integral component of the degree program. This paper presents a three-year Strategic Project, which aimed to enrich the student experience through establishing an institutional framework for WIL, as a case study to inform further WIL initiatives. It outlines strategies implemented to achieve the strategic goals, to introduce innovative approaches for establishing an institutional framework, and to enhance the student experience through WIL. 2016 Journal Article http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/10797 10.21153/jtlge2015vol6no1art577 fulltext
spellingShingle Ferns, Sonia
Lilly, Linda
Driving institutional engagement in WIL: Enhancing graduate employability
title Driving institutional engagement in WIL: Enhancing graduate employability
title_full Driving institutional engagement in WIL: Enhancing graduate employability
title_fullStr Driving institutional engagement in WIL: Enhancing graduate employability
title_full_unstemmed Driving institutional engagement in WIL: Enhancing graduate employability
title_short Driving institutional engagement in WIL: Enhancing graduate employability
title_sort driving institutional engagement in wil: enhancing graduate employability
url http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/10797