Work-integrated learning experiences
Find out about support services and resources available for work-integrated learning and your rights and responsibilities.
Ako ā mahi, Work-integrated learning (WIL) describes educational activities that combine academic learning and practical work-based experiences. WIL involves three stakeholders—the student, the education provider, and the organisation.
The most common forms of WIL are internships, practicums, work placements, and consultancy projects where students complete research, plans, reports or other projects for or with an external organisation as part of a university course. Find out more about the difference between these types of WIL.
Benefits of work-integrated learning
WIL courses enable you to:
- have real-world learning experiences
- enhance career propects
- increase self-awareness and career awareness
- develop personal and interpersonal skills
- combine work with study.
Read more about the benefits of doing an internship and see videos of past WIL interns.
Support for work-integrated learning
Resources and support are available to help you get the most out of your WIL experiences.
For placement, practicum, or internship courses, you will have a supervisor or mentor from the host organisation to support you during this time, as well as an academic supervisor or coordinator.
For consultancy projects, the amount of contact with an organisation can vary from very limited to frequent contact. Your key mentor or supervisor will be your VUW course coordinator.
For more information on available resources and support, enrol in the Internship and Consultancy Toolkit in Nuku.
To find out more about internships in general (not just course-based), see the internship pages.
Rights and responsibilities
It is important to be aware of your rights and responsibilities during your WIL experience. This is particularly important during placements or internships where you work closely with external organisations.
WIL agreement
Most WIL courses will require you to sign an agreement with the University and an external organisation to ensure that the experience goes smoothly. The agreement is made up of a Detailed Terms document (signed by the three parties – the University, the students and the external organisation) and a General Terms document that:
- define the roles and responsibilities of each person involved in the WIL arrangement
- detail processes that should be followed
- help ensure that pastoral care, health, safety, and wellbeing are managed well; and
- clarify ownership and rights to use intellectual property created and used as part of the WIL arrangement.
Download the WIL General Terms document that forms part of the agreement between the University, a student and external organisation.
Intellectual Property
Guidelines for understanding your rights and responsibilities in relation to Intellectual Property involved in WIL arrangements are available in the WIL IP student guide.
What to do if difficulties occur
Your first point of contact is your University course supervisor or coordinator. Other support is also available if you experience difficulties (including harassment) at your internship.