Exploring the Strategies Five Aussie Higher Education Providers are Harnessing to Drive Graduate Success & Student Experience

Work Integrated Learning (WIL) refers to embedding industry and community engagement into the curriculum though  initiatives such as internships, practicum, fieldwork and client-based projects. Work integrated learning isn’t new to university education, but is on the rise as universities adopt strategic targets for student workplace participation as an element of their studies.

WIL is no longer seen as an add-on to education, with modern students now expecting access to high quality integrated learning in order to increase employability outcomes.

However, according to the QILT 2018 Graduate Outcomes Survey the number of graduates who gained full-time employment within four months of finishing their degrees fell from a high of 85.2% in 2008 to 72.9% in 2018. This gap too is set to widen with a shift in desired workplace skills. It is estimated that 50% of current work activities could be automated using existing technology.

In a bid to overcome these challenges and help bridge the widening skills gap, Australian Higher Education providers are readily exploring new strategies and avenues through which they can drive student experience and optimise graduate success.

Ahead of the Graduate Employability Summit 2019 we take a look at some of the strategies and explore the benefits and opportunities for students, educators and industry alike.