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6 May 2011

Greenfleet helps to develop sustainable futures

Greenfleet has joined VECCI, LaTrobe University and the Victorian Government in launching their Work Integrated Learning program, aimed at delivering 'work ready' graduates. 

At the launch Marketing Manager, Merryn Coutts, shared Greenfleet's experience of work integrated learning.  

Over a number of years, Greenfleet has had students undertake research projects, develop marketing plans, prepare corporate donor reports, take photographs and participate in forestry activities. 

Student placements have helped Greenfleet deliver more for less, and at the same time have helped the students build strong foundations for their own careers.

Merryn summed up by saying "In short, based on the experiences we've had at Greenfleet, we'd encourage every student and every employer to participate in a Work Integrated Learning opportunity, because everyone benefits."

Media release:    Work Integrated Learning Launch 5May2011 (86KB)

or in plain text below... 

Employers thinking outside the square to combat skill shortages

Victorian employers are being encouraged to look at new ways to address skill and labour shortages, including giving more students 'on the job training'.

VECCI, a network of universities and the State Government today launched the Work Integrated Learning (WIL) program which aims to promote the benefits of learning on the job to both employers and students.

VECCI CEO Wayne Kayler-Thomson says WIL is an umbrella term used to describe a range of ways to integrate theory with the practice of work, usually involving a student placement or project within a workplace.

"WIL has been a part of some degree courses for a long time, such as teaching," says Mr Kayler-Thomson.

"But we need to ensure those benefits are realised in non-traditional WIL courses as well.

"At a time when many industries are being affected by skill and labour shortages any initiative that helps prepare students for work should be supported.

"For employers, WIL programs mean they can see first-hand the skills and suitability of students before they graduate, thereby helping the recruitment process. And for students the program helps motivate them by creating tangible link between their studies and how they are applicable to the workplace," says Mr Kayler-Thomson.

Professor Leigh Drake, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Law and Management, La Trobe University says the objective of this campaign is to raise employer and student awareness of WIL and to increase the number of available opportunities.

"As a university we see our students benefiting from the opportunity to apply what they have learnt in the classroom to real life workplace situations in a genuinely integrative way, which is an invaluable experience," says Prof Drake.

"WIL offers a three way benefit to employers, the university and students and we also need to harness innovative teaching and learning programs that take skills development and education that important step further."

Environmental charity Greenfleet, has had a very positive experience with WIL programs.

Greenfleet's Marketing Manager, Merryn Coutts says as a not-for-profit organisation, WIL programs have proven to be very valuable to Greenfleet.

"As an organisation with limited resources and tight budgets, WIL has been a great way for us to access some very talented students while also offering them a unique opportunity to apply their skills in a practical sense," says Ms Coutts.

The program, 'Work Integrated Learning: Developing the Workforce of the Future', was launched today by The Hon. Peter Hall, the Minister for Higher Education and Skills, and the Minister responsible for the Teaching Profession.

Case studies detailing the benefits of WIL programs are available on VECCI's website: http://www.vecci.org.au/IR_ADVICE/Pages/Work-Integrated-Learning.aspx