This paper seeks to contribute to the knowledge of the relationship established between firms and vocational education and training (VET) schools around work placements in companies (both standard and extended, so-called 'dual', models) in Spain. An ad hoc survey of 332 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) from two industrial regions was conducted…

Inclusive work-integrated learning (WIL) requires collaboration between universities, host organizations and students, particularly, when designing and delivering WIL for students with disabilities. Host organizations, however, are not often included in the collaborations. This study explored host organization knowledge, capacity and challenges to…

Given the recent focus on the employability and earnings of university graduates in the UK, there is a need to explore the employability initiatives offered by higher education institutions (HEIs). Work placements and work experience offered through HEIs aim to improve students' job readiness, and ability to secure suitable jobs after graduation,…

Purpose: Work-integrated learning (WIL) helps improve the work readiness of accounting graduates. The purpose of this paper is to explore the role played by large and small-to-medium enterprise (SME) employers in providing experiential learning opportunities to accounting students in an Australian higher education context.…

The Year Abroad (YA) is arguably the most valued feature of any languages degree, according to employers (British Academy & UCML, 2012). The resilience and problem-solving capacities developed by students who undertake a period of residence abroad are sought-after characteristics in the job market. Thus, most languages degrees in the UK…

Research in small enterprises (SEs) and schools in South Australia (SA) and New South Wales (NSW) ascertained differences and similarities in approach to structured workplace learning (SWL). Data were analyzed to identify critical exemplars of good practice in SWL in SEs. In each state, 4 high school SWL programs with SEs were selected; 41…

The nature and quality of the school-industry programs through which year 11 and year 12 Australian students incorporate periods of learning in the workplace into their senior school studies were examined to identify differences between the programs offered in Australia's various states and territories. The study was based primarily on data…

The Business and Education Transition Alliance (BETA) is a model school-to-work transition program that was developed to facilitate the school-to-work transition of at-risk youth in the Boulder Valley School District in Colorado. Among the BETA program's specific goals are the following: increase students' knowledge/understanding of demands of the…

In an effort to improve cooperative education (CE) programs, or those which formally integrate academic studies with work experience, in the New Brunswick Community College System (Canada), a study was conducted to explore the current status and structure of existing CE programs and determine approaches for future program development. This report…

In 2000, a quantitative telephone survey of 2,098 businesses in Australia determined employer awareness of and participation in structured workplace learning (SWL) programs. It explored "drivers" of participation and employers' decision-making process. Comparisons with a 1998 survey identified changes in employer awareness, attitudes,…

Although the disappointing results of earlier ex-offender programs convinced many that "nothing works so let's just keep prisoners incarcerated longer," research in the 1980s and 1990s has shown that intensive pre-release employment training and post-release employment programs and support can cut the rate of recidivism. Current initiatives…

This guide provides engagement specialists with information to help them build strong, lasting partnerships with employers and labor partners that translate into life-changing opportunities for the youth of California through the School-to-Career initiative (STC). (Companion guides for associations, labor unions and employers are available…

This document, which is intended for Iowa employers and elementary and secondary educators, outlines 11 activities through which employers can participate in school-to-work (STW) programs in Iowa's elementary and secondary schools. The document begins with a definition of work-based learning and a brief overview of information and other resources…

This guide, which is intended primarily for school and college personnel interested in initiating or improving work-based learning, examines the development and implementation of work-based education programs in Washington. The following topics are discussed: the rationale for work-based learning (legislative and educational change information,…

This report presents a final assessment of the early implementation of the School-to-Work (STW)/Youth Apprenticeship Demonstration programs and participants. Chapter I describes the evolution of STW policy. Chapter II discusses marketing methods, the student selection process and selection criteria, reasons for student participation, and number…