It’s All about 'I': Implementing 'Integration' into a WIL Program

eProceedings of the WACE Asia Pacific Conference, 30 Sept-3 Oct 2009

10 Pages Posted: 28 Oct 2009

See all articles by Brett Freudenberg

Brett Freudenberg

Griffith University - Griffith Business School; Griffith University - Griffith Law School

Mark Brimble

Griffith University - School of Accounting, Banking and Finance - Nathan and Logan Campuses; Centre for Financial Independence and Education

Craig Cameron

Griffith University

Date Written: October 28, 2009

Abstract

In recent years concerns have been raised about a gap emerging between graduate attributes and what industry requires (Yap, 1997; Albrecht and Sack, 2000). This is often referred to as a lack of 'employment readiness' of students and the need to engage industry with students and the curriculum. Such a concern was highlighted in the 2007 report titled 'Graduate Employability Skills' prepared for the Business, Industry and Higher Education Collaboration Council. While work integrated learning attempts to address this issue, it is questionable how successful this is if students are not adequately prepared prior to their placement. In an attempt to address this concern a Professional Development Program (the 'PDP') was developed. The PDP is integrated into the degree program and is designed to systematically develop students’ learning, employment and generic skills and supplements their theoretical studies. It is argued that this integration of the PDP permeating the Degree enhances students' employment readiness. In addition, the PDP created other tangential benefits to the students and the university in terms of student engagement and motivation.

This paper details the procedures that have been developed, and provides preliminary evidence on the impact of the first part of the PDP. It will be argued by the authors that to attain the possible benefits of a WIL program it is critical that practices and support mechanisms are adopted to emphases the 'I' - that is, the integration of work and learning.

JEL Classification: A20

Suggested Citation

Freudenberg, Brett and Brimble, Mark and Cameron, Craig, It’s All about 'I': Implementing 'Integration' into a WIL Program (October 28, 2009). eProceedings of the WACE Asia Pacific Conference, 30 Sept-3 Oct 2009 , Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1495546

Brett Freudenberg (Contact Author)

Griffith University - Griffith Business School ( email )

Brisbane, Queensland 4111
Australia

Griffith University - Griffith Law School ( email )

Nathan Campus, GU
Nathan 4111
Australia

Mark Brimble

Griffith University - School of Accounting, Banking and Finance - Nathan and Logan Campuses ( email )

University Drive
Logan, Queensland 4131
Australia
(07) 373 55311 (Phone)

Centre for Financial Independence and Education ( email )

Brisbane, Queensland 4111
Australia

Craig Cameron

Griffith University ( email )

Brisbane, Queensland 4111
Australia
55587623 (Phone)

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