Work Integrated Learning
Work Integrated Learning
What is Work Integrated Learning?
Work Integrated Learning (WIL) is an umbrella term used to describe a variety of learning experiences which integrate academic theory with authentic real-world work experiences. This can include:
- Internships (also known as vocational placements or placements)
- Industry Projects
- Engaging with community
- Volunteering
- Miscellaneous industry based learning
WIL represents the engagement between University staff, students and industries partners working together to enhance a learning journey which benefits all parties.
Overview of Faculty Internships for Prospective Hosts
The interns we hosted have come on board with enthusiasm. They've developed great relationships, and have encouraged us to implement practices that have improved our performance. Grace McQuilten, The Social Studio
Why take an intern?
You can partner with the University to help develop Australia's future leaders. By offering industry experience to Faculty of Arts students you will be helping to build students’ experiences of the workplace and the world around them. It is vital that students are given a chance to put their theoretical knowledge into practice and develop their skills in communication, relationship building and leadership to ensure they become well-rounded graduates.
There are many benefits to partnering with our students:
- Assistance with a special project or general work tasks suitable for a student's level of experience and skill
- Access latest theories and practices which may inform the work of your organisation
- Professional development for current staff through a supervisory or coaching role
- Develop mutually beneficial partnerships with the Faculty of Arts and wider University
- Build connections with our next cohort of graduates, which may grow into employment opportunities
Being a part of the interns' development is very rewarding and offers development opportunities for our own staff through the supervision and mentoring of interns Biheng Zhang, National Gallery Victoria
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need to pay the student?
Where a student is undertaking a WIL opportunity for course credit which is facilitated by the University, that WIL opportunity can be lawfully unpaid under the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth). Whilst there is no expectation of student reimbursement, in some circumstances organisations choose to pay a stipend to cover students’ expenses. The Faculty is happy to advise around the benefits of awards, stipends and scholarships.
- When can I host a student?
Where a WIL opportunity is undertaken for course credit, it will be relevant for host organisations to note that semester 1 usually starts in February and ends in June and semester 2 starts in July and ends in November. For WIL opportunities undertaken for course credit, we usually ask students to start their opportunity during the semester, but the start date can be flexible. For example, students enrolled in Semester 1, 2020 can start their WIL opportunity in December 2019. With Faculty approval, the student and host organisation are expected to negotiate start and finish dates between themselves.
- Insurance
Where a WIL opportunity for a student is facilitated by the University, the student is covered by the University’s Public Liability and Professional Indemnity insurance policies (in the case of overseas WIL opportunities facilitated by the University, students may also apply for coverage under the University’s travel insurance policy). In addition to the University’s insurance policies, the University requires a host organisation to take out and maintain Public Liability insurance cover.
- Confidentiality and Intellectual Property
As part of process of facilitating a WIL opportunity for students, the Faculty will request students sign a Deed Poll in favour of the University that imposes an obligation of confidentiality with regard the host organisation's confidential information onto the student and sets out the relevant intellectual property agreements concerning work undertaken. Generally, copyright in work undertaken by a student for the purpose of his or her assessment or course requirements at the University will be owned by the student, and the host organisation cannot limit the student’s right to be examined by the University (subject to any further assurances around confidentiality reasonably required by the host organisation).
Application process and timeline
The Faculty of Arts has a variety of WIL programs for course credit at both undergraduate and graduate level, offering flexibility to your needs. Depending on the work you have available, our team will align your position description with a specific course. As a host organisation for the purpose of providing a WIL opportunity for course credit, your offering will fall into one of two categories: an internship or an industry project.
Internship
An internship is the most common form of WIL, and will involve a student joining you at your organisation.
If you are offering an internship, you will be asked to complete the Host Placement Form, accompanied by a Position Description. Once we have aligned your position description to a Faculty of Arts WIL program, we can promote the opportunity to relevant students. Students can apply directly to you, or we can assist with the pre-screening of the applications.
Offer an Internship: Expression of Interest
Industry project
A popular alternative to a traditional internship, an industry project is a WIL opportunity which sees students work on a project for your organisation from campus. More Information...
If you would like to offer an industry project for a small team of students to work from campus, please complete the below form.
Contact
Please get in touch to see how Work Integrated Learning in the Faculty of Arts can work for you.
Lea Campbell
Work Integrated Learning Manager
Phone: +61 3 8344 0157
Email: lea.campbell@unimelb.edu.au