Reflective writing is recognized as a valuable tool in work-integrated learning (WIL) programs, yet there is limited research on students' voices. This study explores what reflective writing means to WIL students and why it is important to them. Using categorical narrative analysis, this research examined 200 reflective essays from international…

Purpose: This article reports on a study that explored how individual factors, such as students' participatory actions and agentic factors, interact with the workplace contextual factors to create workplace learning environments that facilitate or hinder student learning. Design/methodology/approach: The study followed a qualitative approach. It…

The debate surrounding financial support in work-integrated learning (WIL) has intensified. This paper explores whether paying all placement students is both sustainable and equitable. Through duoethnographic narratives from WIL educators, it examines contemporary experiences and perceptions of payment and value. For WIL relationships to be…

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted life, leading to travel restrictions, social distancing, remote work, and home schooling. During its peak, many in-person, international work-integrated learning (WIL) programs, such as study tours, shifted online. As higher education evolves post-pandemic, online WIL remains popular for its flexibility,…

This article contributes to the growing literature on pre-work-integrated learning through an evaluation of its application in two concurrently taught courses at RMIT University (Vietnam) in collaboration with Investing in Women, an initiative of the Australian government to promote women's economic empowerment in Southeast Asia. An impact…

The rapid urbanization and industrialization have intensified the multifaceted challenges faced by cities in addressing infrastructure and service delivery demands. These complexities necessitate a robust convergence of academic, research, and industry ecosystems to foster professional skills development across various levels of urban and regional…

Amidst the escalating demand for non-clinical workforce roles, this study explores the challenges and opportunities associated with non-clinical student placements. Findings from ten students, seven educators, seventeen placement hosts, and two professional bodies revealed significant challenges in organizing work placements, including limited…

The final report of the "Australian Universities Accord" consultation process highlighted the impact of work-integrated learning requirements on students' ability to complete professional qualifications, conceptualising equity in terms of a need to ensure 'equitable participation'. This article uses the case of social work education to…

A pivotal recommendation of the Australian Universities Accord is the provision of financial support for students undertaking compulsory placements. The Australian Government has acted swiftly to implement this recommendation, announcing a means-tested Prac Payment scheme for students in nursing, midwifery, teaching and social work degrees.…

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to explore the perspectives of supervisors from criminal justice organisations regarding student internships. It examines how supervisors perceive internships as a pathway for developing future professionals, fostering practical skills and improving understanding of the criminal justice system. Additionally,…

Applying Geert Hofstede's (1980) framework of cultural dimensions to a qualitative study, this paper explores international student perceptions of how cultural norms affect learning and development within international education work-integrated learning (WIL). Focus group interviews were conducted with twenty international student participants,…

Practical skills development is a growing priority for government and industry, driving the integration of work-integrated learning (WIL) into degree programs. While WIL is recognized for preparing students for the workforce concerns persist regarding mental health and wellbeing support during placements. This study examines a pilot series of…

Purpose: The purpose of this systematic literature review is to identify which soft skills are developed during work-based learning (WBL) programmes in higher education contexts. Additionally, the study sought to identify strategies used to promote soft skills development within work-based learning programmes. Design/methodology/approach: The…

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the self-efficacy levels of students enrolled in work-based learning (WBL) programmes, using Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) as a case study within the global context of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). Design/methodology/approach: Employing a quantitative survey design, the…

Background: This article shares details of a pilot research project that explored stakeholder perceptions and experiences of the academic and work-based elements involved in one university's innovative speech and language therapy (SLT) degree apprenticeship. Aims: To share findings about SLT apprentice learner and mentor expectations and…