Developing a Work Integrated Learning Community of Practice

Work Integrated Learning is currently topical on higher education and government agendas both nationally and globally. The concepts of ‘employability’ and ‘work readiness’ are being discussed and promoted by industry and education providers. The University of Tasmania supports WIL as a integral learning and teaching activity and acknowledges the community engagement which occurs as a direct result.

Currently all faculties and schools are required to comply with the university’s WIL policy, yet a range of understandings of the intricacies related to embedding WIL into curricula exist. The subsequent initiation of a UTAS WIL Community of Practice (CoP) has provided a central point for communication, collaboration and sharing of best practice activity related to WIL. In particular, the WIL CoP has provided an opportunity to network and foster collegial interdisciplinary activity. Potentially, the WIL CoP will lead to innovative collaborations with placement and industry WIL partners.