This research investigates the integration of industry projects and mentorship into academic curricula, aiming to enhance student learning and professional readiness. By incorporating real-world projects and pairing students with industry mentors, this approach seeks to provide a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application.…

Work-integrated learning (WIL) is widely used to connect students with the world of work and authentic industry practices. WIL research and practice is primarily focused on the benefits to students and universities, whilst the value of WIL to partner organisations remains relatively underexplored. This study takes an industry, government and…

Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) experiences, integral for equipping students with the skills and knowledge crucial for employment and success in their chosen careers, have traditionally been associated with accreditation requirements in professional programs. More recently, acknowledging the importance of WIL experiences in non-professional…

Work-based learning provides students an opportunity as aspiring employees to explore careers and to turn theory and simulation into practice by gaining on-the-job experience. The hands-on experience gained from work-based learning opportunities, especially when considered in combination with the attainment and application of employment soft…

In this paper, we explore the relationship between experiential learning and career outcomes for international development studies (IDS) graduates from the perspective of program alumni, by presenting the results of a national survey completed by 1,901 IDS alumni across Canada. Employing study data, we answer the following research questions: (1)…

States increasingly need a more highly skilled workforce to meet the requirements of businesses, keep up with a rapidly changing economy and accelerate growth that leads to economic opportunity for workers and families. As a result, governors recognize that their role is to bring together education, workforce and economic development as talent…

Discusses a cooperative education program developed for undergraduate students who attend the university for five years, completing the requirements of their university degree as well as 24 months of work experience. Student, faculty, and industry roles in the program and some effects/results of the program are considered. (JM)

A study is reported that investigates the relationship between career decision status, quantity and quality of work experience obtained by university students. Career decision status is the term used to capture an individual's level of decidedness and comfort with their career decisions and the reasons underlying this state (Jones & Lohmann,…

A year-long study evaluated the scope and quality of pre-16 work experience in England and Wales. Its main aims were to map out work experience provision, assess program quality, and examine the impact of new funding. The research included a survey of area work experience coordinators, six detailed case studies, interviews with teachers from 30…

Cooperative education blends theory and practice, and is explicitly concerned with the development of competencies as well as knowledge. Evidence is presented to show that cooperative education in education and the practice of combining working experience with formal study has been in use for some time. The value of such programs has been…

Four-hour internships have been a requirement for nonteaching geography majors at Illinois State University (Normal) since 1987. A 2-hour pre-internship seminar, taught every spring, is also required. In this course, students learn of internship possibilities; develop resumes and cover letters; participate in a video-taped mock interview; receive…

The conventional response to the financial crisis facing higher education is to increase tuition or request larger legislative appropriations. Another response, however, is possible--the wider use of cooperative education or work-study plans. There are three distinct advantages to work-study plans: (1) learning takes place in less costly settings…

The employer evaluation should be a vital part of the assignment, teaching and motivating the student well beyond the period of the work experience, affecting that experience from the moment of joint commitment. (Author)

This study was conducted to describe the work experience being obtained by high school students and to relate that to educational and labor market outcomes. A special emphasis of the study was to determine if school supervision or monitoring has any apparent influence on the nature or outcomes of work experience. Data for the study were obtained…

Described is cooperative education, a strategy for relating education and work. The benefits, growth in cooperative education, and labor market studies are included. Appended is a list of cooperative education training and resource centers and their directors. (KR)