Seeing the whole picture – the challenge of inclusive practice in Workplace Learning Theresa Winchester-Seeto EFPI

Benefits of Workplace Learning prepare students for work and enhance employability provide access to employment broaden career and life choices develop student resilience and self- efficacy

Current and future challenges increasing demand for WPL shortage of suitable work placement sites increasing diversity of student cohort

Do all student have equal access? students with disabilities international students and those with limited English Indigenous students students from low SES backgrounds students who are first in their family students with mental health issues rural and remote students

Other less obvious groups caring responsibilities financial hardship learning difficulties LGBT students personal characteristics e.g. shy, lack of motivation Multiple layers of disadvantage: Example: international students with limited communication skills and time problems due to paid work

Challenges for students “Emotionally and mentally and physically the course is a struggle. I don't know of any other degree that requires so much of one individual during the degree.” (Student survey) “so many hours, so many $$$$ in petrol money and childcare and lost employment - this needs to change” (Student survey) “Three things that LIMITED learning: stress; poverty; exhaustion” (Student survey)

Common barriers to full participation students finding their own placement – lack of networks student CV and interviews – partner preferences distant placements financial cost competing priorities e.g. family, other subjects

Principles of Inclusive WPL (or WIL) enables all students to have access to quality WIL/WPL encourages awareness, respect and valuing of diversity is practicable, workable and sustainable takes a holistic view of students’ lives is proactive and collaborative Project: “Building institutional capacity to enhance access, participation and progression in Work Integrated Learning”: progression/ progression/

Guidelines – principles in practice flexible approach inclusive curriculum design inclusive teaching practices support for students university staff partners

Guidelines – principles in practice collaborative partnerships sustainable approaches manage expectations adequate resources ongoing review and evaluation

Practical Strategies For more ideas visit: Trede, F. & Patterson, C. (2014). Addressing individual workplace learning needs for under-represented student group, Occasional Paper 13. Sydney: The Education For Practice Institute, Charles Sturt University Patterson.pdf Patterson.pdf Winchester-Seeto, T., Mackaway, J., Peach, D., Moore, K., Ferns, S & Campbell, M (2015) Principles, Guidelines and Strategies for Inclusive WIL. Brisbane. A variety of strategies can be used including: working with the Office of Students broadening assessment approaches Using mobile technologies working with partners to adapt tasks

Finally… WPL involves investment of time, money and energy for: students the university partners community WPL is important to all these stakeholders therefore it is imperative, that we ensure that all students have access, and are able to fully benefit from their WPL experiences.