Accessibility in WIL: employer views on how work integrated learning (WIL) stakeholders can address the challenge of access and equity in WIL

Work integrated learning (WIL) offers students many learning, career and personal benefits however, a contentious problem is emerging; namely that of student accessibility in WIL (Mackaway, Winchester-Seeto & Carter, 2014). This Showcase presentation offers findings from an Australian study into the challenge of access and equity in WIL. In-depth interviews were conducted with 14 partner organisations from a range of industries including law, banking and professional services, along with three community service not-for-profit organisations. Part of the research focused on understanding current practices employers use to address issues of accessibility in WIL as well as areas for further action. Thematic analysis revealed common measures taken involve the reduction of barriers associated with the selection process, and while the majority of participants identified ways their own organisation could improve, they also offered ideas regarding steps for professional associations, universities and students. Interestingly, recommendations largely related to capacity-building for all WIL stakeholders – a theme echoed elsewhere in current WIL research (Blackmore et al., 2014; Peach, Moore & Campbell, 2016). Findings suggest there may be shared concerns between university and partner organisations regarding issues of access and equity which could be used to strengthen connections and address the problem of student accessibility in WIL.