RECONFIGURING & RESHAPING WORK INTEGRATED LEARNING (WIL) FOR EMPLOYABILITY BEYOND COVID

Abstract

"Higher education institutions have become increasingly focused on the quality of teaching and learning, and the provision of high-quality educational experiences for students in various learning contexts. Well-designed and structured work- integrated learning is beneficial to the student, the academic institution, the employer and the community. Graduate employability is a complex concept, one which has expanded in recent years to encapsulate a diverse range of skills, attributes, and other measures including active citizenship. Continued improvement of methodologies in teaching and learning is key to the development of any society. It is therefore essential to governments for devising strategies to compete with the rising global competition in times of economic uncertainty. But progress cannot be created in a vacuum. It requires connected efforts, cross-border discussions and vigorous assessments. Thus it is important to highlight forward thinking and future-driven strategies for smooth transitioning from education to the labour market and identify factors impeding skills performance. WIL is significant in exposing undergraduates to the required employability skills to function effectively in their chosen profession. This poses a challenge to higher education to design and deliver curriculums that meet these expectations. This paper discusses key points that include creating a culture that fosters partnerships between higher education and industry, designing curriculum which is responsive to the needs of both community and industry, as well as reviewing key graduate and labour market data to inform long term employability strategies. Covid-19 has impacted WIL, remote WIL experiences and the contribution that has been made to enhance employability outcomes for graduates now and post Covid."