Developing local communities of practice for the integration of work-integrated learning across science curricula

There is widespread support for integrating work-integrated learning (WIL) in undergraduate STEM education in Australia to support the career development and work-readiness of science graduates. However, science students have limited access to such activities (Edwards et al, 2015). The Successful WIL in Science project, funded by the Office for Learning and Teaching and sponsored by the Australian Council of Deans of Science, seeks to build capability that can significantly grow WIL in science and sustain it over time. One of the strategies of the project is to drive change through the establishment of regional learning networks. The aim of these local networks is to build awareness of WIL, facilitate mentoring and formation of partnerships, and build WIL leadership capacity across science faculties. Regional networks have emerged in Melbourne, Queensland, New South Wales and Western Australia. The activities of these networks have been determined by the communities themselves and so vary between the four networks. However, a common theme has been exploration and development of authentic WIL activities beyond an industry placement that are integrated across the curriculum and engage all students. There has also been considerable interest in meaningful WIL beyond industry placements because of challenges associated with the large number of science students, the diversity of science career outcomes, and the current low base for industry interaction. In this presentation, WIL leaders will share insights from their respective networks and perspectives of the leadership needed in science.