Part 2. What does WIL look like in practice?

So many models of WIL …...!

We’ve looked at what WIL is, and the benefits to students, employers and other partners, and know that most institutions offer a broad range of WIL models and approaches across disciplines, schools and faculties. Many of these approaches have been illustrated in ACEN’s Conference Proceedings Links to an external site. as well as the World Association for Cooperative Education’s (WACE) Conference Proceedings Links to an external site.. This diversity of WIL practices in local, national and international arenas highlights both tried and trusted practices, as well as innovative and creative approaches.

Placements and internships are an example of tried and trusted approaches, and have a long tradition across disciplines such as education, health and law. However, other models are gaining traction across all fields, including service learning, WIL in virtual or simulated workplace environments, and projects with industry and community partners. Increasingly, innovative models of WIL are emerging, such as micro-internships, online WIL projects (sometimes with international partners), WIL in incubators and WIL as business start-ups.

If you are a practitioner, how do you decide which model of WIL to use?

 

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