Work Integrated Learning (WIL) is described in any number of ways across the university sector in Australia, but at its core WIL is any learning activity or program that provides students with industry experience. Examples of industry experience can include:
- Guest lectures by industry representatives
- Industry suggested projects completed on-campus
- Industry or community volunteering
- Short term placements
- Industry embedded placements or internships
Eligibility standards vary by course, but students must have a course Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of 65 percent or greater as they enter their final year of study, be enrolled in a course that includes WIL, and have completed an interview process before being admitted to the WIL program.
All of these WIL possibilities are available in one form or another at the School of Science, with industry integrated WIL assignments considered the ultimate destination for students looking to engage with industry prior to graduation. Students who complete the prerequisites can spend their final semester in a full-time industry integrated placement with a commercial, government, or not-for-profit organization.
Work Integrated Learning for Students
There are two common types of placements for students doing WIL:
Unpaid placements
WIL assignments of this sort are the most common. Students do a 450-hour unpaid internship (full-time for 12 weeks (or comparable part-time)). Students become completely integrated into the business during this period and finish projects that indicate relevant placement outcomes.
Any part-time employment must be scheduled around the WIL assignment. In rare cases, an industry host may be willing to accommodate a student who works less than five days per week but for a longer period of time.
Students who complete an unpaid internship are covered by the University’s insurance for the duration of their internship. This increases the likelihood of an organization agreeing to sponsor a student.
Paid placements (Scholarships/Summer Vacation Programs/Internships)
Paid placements including scholarships, Summer Vacation programs and internships offered by large companies are accepted as WIL options (if they meet the 450 hour WIL requirement). There are a number of paid scholarships available to ECU students and to all university students Australia wide.
These opportunities are to be arranged and applied for by the student. They will not be arranged by the WIL Coordinator. Prior to applying it is recommended that you confirm with the School’s WIL coordinator that the opportunity is WIL compatible before applying.