Some Universities have created formal professional development programs for those new to the role. Flinders University run a ‘Practicum (Work Integrated Learning) Management’ program for those newly engaged in the field. However, it is not just an issue about academics developing the skills to manage and facilitate WIL effectively but also about academics being recognised and rewarded for their work in this area.
Reshaping elements of our universities in order to better facilitate and manage WIL is a key challenge that many universities are beginning to undertake. There are many areas of the university that can potentially be involved in supporting WIL (and CDL) practice, including the academic/course coordinator, school/faculty, a central WIL unit, academic support, careers services, external engagement office.
Lastly, WIL is undoubtedly resource intensive. The actual costs may vary with the particular type of WIL program and the setting but the transaction costs of maintaining partnerships with many employers, sourcing WIL opportunities, developing and evaluating curriculum for WIL and supporting a body of students who are geographically dispersed are considerable