Government

Demonstrating the value of work-integrated learning (WIL) through robust metrics and evaluation is fundamental to the strategic growth and sustainability of WIL. 

Effective evaluation provides the evidence base needed to secure investment, drive continuous improvement, and inform national policy. This approach aligns directly with the National WIL Strategy's call to build a strong evidence base for WIL’s impact on students, employers, the economy, and the community.

• To Inform Policy: provide policymakers with clear evidence of WIL’s return on investment.
• To Drive Quality: use data to identify areas of excellence and opportunities for enhancement in line with the Quality WIL Framework.
• To Secure Investment: build a compelling case for industry, institutional, and government funding for WIL programs.
• To Enhance Student Outcomes: understand how different WIL models contribute to graduate employability and success.

Effective policy and strong government partnerships are essential to unlocking the full potential of WIL in Australia. 

At WIL Australia, we are committed to leading a national dialogue with government to ensure policy settings support the growth of high-quality and accessible WIL for all students. 

Our advocacy is grounded in the collaborative National WIL Strategy – through partnership with Universities Australia, the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ai Group, and the Business Council of Australia – which outlines a clear roadmap for action.

WIL Australia’s Advocacy Priorities

See here for a full list of WIL Australia’s advocacy priorities

A strong evidence base is crucial for making informed decisions about WIL policy, funding, and practice. 

The resources here provide key research, reports, and publications that aid understanding of WIL in Australia and internationally. 

• Routledge International Handbook of Work-Integrated Learning: this comprehensive handbook provides a global perspective on WIL theory, practice, and research across various disciplines. It is an essential resource for understanding the breadth and depth of the field.
• International Journal of Work-Integrated Learning (IJWIL): this leading peer-reviewed journal is a primary outlet for scholarly articles on WIL.

• Good Practice Case Studies: a diverse collection of case studies from across the country showcasing innovative and effective approaches to WIL in various disciplines.
• Funded Research Reports: access outcomes and reports from projects funded through the WIL Australia Research Grants program. WIL Australia is proud to support a vibrant research culture by funding innovative projects through our annual Research Grants program. These grants are designed to foster a culture of scholarship and build a strong evidence base for WIL's impact, for the benefit of all WIL stakeholders and the broader community.
   

Quality is the cornerstone of every meaningful and impactful WIL experience. 

A commitment to quality ensures that WIL is a genuine learning experience, protects student wellbeing, and delivers real value to industry partners. 

Our national approach to quality is led by the Quality WIL Framework.

Developed through extensive research and sector consultation, this framework provides a shared language and structure for assuring the quality of WIL. 

It is designed to be flexible and adaptable across all WIL models and disciplines. 

The four key domains are:

The Quality WIL Framework aligns with the requirements and expectations of the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA), providing educational institutions with a clear pathway to demonstrate compliance and excellence in WIL.