Work-integrated Learning Programmes: Management and Educational Quality

The focus of this paper is the pursuit of quality outcomes in work placements and mutual benefit for its stakeholders, namely universities, professional associations, industry and students. In Australia, graduate employability and employment levels are pivotal interests of government and students. Employability, it is argued, has consequent outcomes for university reputations, retention rates and course demand. For universities to prosper in a competitive education market, it is essential to ensure that their students are equipped with relevant discipline knowledge and skills as well as generic, transferable skills. This mission is often described as an intention to produce graduate students who are work ready and who have had ‘hands on’ industry experience