Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) combines academic studies with relevant practical work experiences, enabling students to acquire hands-on experience in a professional setting closely aligned with their field of study. This structured approach caters to both educational and workplace requirements. While school-based learning focuses on academic and technical preparation within the classroom, workplace learning unfolds in organisational settings, providing experiential learning beyond the school environment.
WIL includes various models, from project-based activities facilitated by companies such as Practera or Crio.Do, by connecting students with real-world projects offered by organisations. Simulated and immersive learning experiences, provided by companies such as InSium or Pixaera, replicate real workplace scenarios within academic settings, while Internship opportunities from companies such as Forage, InternMatch and Riipen contribute to practical exposure, whether offline or virtual. Cooperative programs formally integrate academic study with paid positions, and clinical placements offer students the required professional experience with oversight from licensed professionals. WIL models extend into formal job scenarios like apprenticeships offered by companies such as Apprentify and Apprentigo, serving as a synthesis of classroom education with industry-specific skills and industry experience.
Globally, governments increasingly advocate for WIL models, as reflected in policies such as the European Union's 20 guiding principles for high-performance apprenticeships. India's National Education Policy promotes the integration of apprenticeships and work-integrated learning into mainstream education, and in Canada, the federal government's dedication to funding new student work placements signifies a substantial step toward offering work experience for every student. The Australian National WIL Strategy emphasizes initiatives to augment opportunities for WIL participation, acknowledging the mutual benefits for students, employers, universities, and the broader economy.
