WIL Innovations

Driving
innovation
forward

Creating solutions that
shape the future

Trending Research Resources

Research Papers and Publications

Research Grants

Innovative Practices and WIL Model

Global Research and Innovation Trends

Guides & Templates

Trending Research Resources

Research Papers and Publications

Research Grants

Innovative Practices and WIL Model

Global Research and Innovation Trends

Guides & Templates

WIL Research Initiatives

WIL Australia is committed to driving and supporting a national research agenda into quality, inclusive, and equitable WIL. This includes building a robust evidence base for the impact and value of WIL.

Our research initiatives are aligned with the strategic priorities outlined in the National Higher Education Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Strategy.

Building a Strong Evidence Base

We support and promote research that demonstrates the benefits of WIL for students, employers, the economy, and the community. This involves funding research projects that create a compelling case for the value of WIL.

Fostering a Culture of Scholarship

We aim to cultivate a vibrant research culture around WIL. We encourage academics, professional staff, and industry partners to engage in scholarly inquiry, share their findings, and contribute to the growing body of knowledge.

Targeted Research Programs

We champion research that addresses key national challenges and priorities. This includes projects focused on improving access and equity in WIL, exploring innovative models, and understanding the long-term impact of WIL on graduate employability and career outcomes.

Here are some suggestions to engage in research activities

Annual WIL Research grants

See our Annual WIL Research grants for more details.

Contact us

Find WIL experts

Find WIL experts aligned with your needs, sector, and location.

Stay at the forefront of WIL research with access to the latest resources and insights into emerging trends. Current areas of significant research interest include

https://res.cloudinary.com/tektoniclabs/image/upload/v1757474715/wil-australia/Getty_Images_478002684_575b770d8b.webp

Members

Good Practice Note: Improving retention and completion of students in Australian higher education

This Good Practice Note identifies examples of good practice in Australian higher education providers in relation to increasing the retention and completion of students in their courses of study.

View Resource

https://res.cloudinary.com/tektoniclabs/image/upload/v1757474333/wil-australia/Northlink_hero_2c51b3147c.webp

Public

Expanding Work Integrated Learning (WIL) possibilities: enhancing student employability through innovative WIL models

This ATN report explores innovative Work Integrated Learning (WIL) models that expand employability opportunities for students and SMEs.

View Resource

Research Papers and Publications

Explore a wealth of scholarly work on Work-Integrated Learning through our curated collection of research papers, journal articles, and major publications.

ACEN Publications

WIL Australia (ACEN) regularly publishes refereed proceedings and papers from its national conferences and research symposiums. These publications feature cutting-edge research from Australian practitioners and academics on topics such as innovative WIL models, challenges and enablers, and industry partnerships.

National WIL Strategy in University Education

This National WIL Strategy is designed to increase opportunities to participate in WIL, recognising the benefits to students, employers, universities and the economy.

View Resource

The Routledge International Handbook of Work-Integrated Learning (2023)

This comprehensive handbook, edited by Dr. Karsten Zegwaard, serves as a foundational text in the field. It brings together leading international researchers to provide a global perspective on WIL theory, practice, and research across various disciplines. A must-read for any serious WIL scholar.

Research Grants

Advancing the field of WIL requires dedicated funding and support for high-quality research.

WIL Australia provides competitive research grant funding annually in the form of both Early Career Researchers grants and Full grants for established researchers.

Learn from descriptions of, and outputs from, previously successful WIL Australia research grant applications.

WIL Australia also recognises excellence in WIL research through our national conference awards, celebrating outstanding contributions to the field.

Other potential funding sources for WIL research projects include:

National Competitive Grant Schemes

Such as the Australian Research Council (ARC), for projects that align with national research priorities.

Internal University Funding

Many universities offer internal grant schemes to support research and scholarship in learning and teaching

Collaborate with Industry

Partner with industry and community organisations to co-design mutually beneficial collaborative research projects that address real-world challenges.

Innovative Practices and WIL Model

Innovation is at the heart of effective WIL. We celebrate and share innovative practices that enhance student learning, streamline processes, and create impactful partnerships.

Good Practice Guide for WIL Case Studies

The Good Practice WIL Case Studies are for ACEN members and the wider WIL community to share successful learning and teaching and support innovative practices.

View Page

The Live Ideas Initiative

A university-wide platform for connecting students across any discipline with experiential authentic engaged learning experiences.

View Resource

Routledge International Handbook of Work-Integrated Learning (2023)

This WIL handbook outlines a variety of innovative WIL models

Global Research and Innovation Trends

WIL is a globally recognized approach to linking theoretical knowledge and concepts to the world of work.

Understanding international trends in research and innovation is vital for ensuring Australian WIL practices remain world-class and our graduates are prepared for global careers.

WIL Australia engages directly and regularly with other national and international WIL organisations, include WIL NZ, CEWIL, and WACE.

Key global trends include:

Diverse Models of WIL

the move towards a broader and more inclusive understanding of WIL, embracing a wide spectrum of models from traditional internships to innovative approaches like service-learning, apprenticeships, and non-placement WIL.

Focus on Assessment and Outcomes

a growing emphasis on authentic assessment of student learning in WIL with clear articulation of learning outcomes

Technology-Enhanced WIL

use of technology to facilitate and enhance WIL, for example, online placements, virtual reality simulations, and digital platforms for managing WIL programs.

Intercultural Competence

international WIL experiences are increasingly recognised for their power to develop students' intercultural skills and global citizenship, a critical attribute in today's interconnected world.

Guides & Templates

https://res.cloudinary.com/tektoniclabs/image/upload/v1759552250/wil-australia/unseen_studio_s9_CC_2_S_Ky_SJM_unsplash_scaled_0f00dcfdac.jpg

Members

Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Measuring Impact Template

A structured template for measuring the impact of Work-Integrated Learning programs, supporting evaluation and continuous improvement.

View Resource

Members

Practical guidelines for using the framework

This framework guides institutions in assuring quality in work-integrated learning through curriculum, outcomes, and policies.

View Resource

https://res.cloudinary.com/tektoniclabs/image/upload/v1759491584/wil-australia/manging_risk_08137bb312.jpg

Members

Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Risk Management Guide

This brief guide provides a practical, step-by-step framework for initial identification, assessment, control, and review of risks with WIL programs.

View Resource

Get involved

Join the LinkedIn Group

Connect with WIL professionals and share best practices.

Follow the LinkedIn Page

Stay updated with our latest news, events, and WIL insights.

Become a Member

Become part of Australia's national Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) community. Join WIL Australia to access grants, share practice, grow your network, and shape the future of WIL.

Contact Us

We're here to help you connect, contribute, or answer your questions.

WIL Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands where we live, learn and work. We pay our respects to Elders past and present and celebrate the stories, culture and traditions of all First Nations people.

Scroll to Top

WIL Innovations

WIL Research Initiatives

Building a Strong Evidence Base

Fostering a Culture of Scholarship

Targeted Research Programs

Here are some suggestions to engage in research activities

Annual WIL Research grants

Contact us

Find WIL experts

Good Practice Note: Improving retention and completion of students in Australian higher education

Expanding Work Integrated Learning (WIL) possibilities: enhancing student employability through innovative WIL models

Research Papers and Publications

Research Grants

Other potential funding sources for WIL research projects include:

National Competitive Grant Schemes

Internal University Funding

Collaborate with Industry

Innovative Practices and WIL Model

Good Practice Guide for WIL Case Studies

The Live Ideas Initiative

Routledge International Handbook of Work-Integrated Learning (2023)

Global Research and Innovation Trends

Key global trends include:

Diverse Models of WIL

Focus on Assessment and Outcomes

Technology-Enhanced WIL

Intercultural Competence

Guides & Templates

Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Measuring Impact Template

Practical guidelines for using the framework

Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Risk Management Guide

Get involved

Join the LinkedIn Group

Follow the LinkedIn Page

Become a Member

Contact Us

Focus Topics

Forms

Chapters

Committees