Work Integrated Learning Competencies

Professional Competencies for Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Practitioners

The following competencies outline the key skills and knowledge required for practitioners working in WIL roles to be effective.

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Program Administration and Infrastructure:

• Competency: Knowledge of Educational Landscapes and Workforce Ecosystems
• Breakdown: Demonstrates familiarity with the structure of educational systems, including high school, higher education, and non-traditional pathways, along with an understanding of workforce ecosystems. Applies best practices for designing and implementing effective work-integrated learning (WIL) programs tailored to diverse educational levels and industry requirements, including credit-bearing courses, experiential learning opportunities, and skill-based outcomes.

Student Engagement and Learning:

• Competency: WIL Partnership Development and Ecosystem Management
• Breakdown: Possesses strong skills in building and maintaining collaborative relationships with all WIL stakeholders across diverse educational levels, including high schools, higher education institutions, alternative education providers, employers, industry associations, government agencies, community organizations, and funding entities. Demonstrates the ability to engage a broader workforce ecosystem to create meaningful work-integrated learning opportunities that align with both academic objectives and workforce needs.

Employer Engagement and Program Effectiveness:

• Competency: Strategic Development and Management of WIL Partnerships
• Breakdown: Demonstrates advanced expertise in cultivating, developing, and sustaining collaborative partnerships with key stakeholders in work-integrated learning (WIL), including academic leadership, employer representatives, industry leaders, government bodies, and funding organizations. Exhibits a strategic approach to fostering long-term, mutually beneficial relationships that support the alignment of educational objectives with workforce needs.

Assessment and Continuous Improvement:

• Competency: WIL Program Delivery and Impact Evaluation
• Breakdown: Possesses advanced skills in designing and implementing robust assessment tools to measure participant learning, evaluate program effectiveness, and facilitate critical reflection on outcomes. Ensures that evaluation processes align with educational and organizational goals, driving continuous improvement and meaningful learner development.

Career and Professional Development:

• Competency: Expertise in Career Services and Professional Growth Strategies
• Breakdown: Offers expert career counseling and mentorship to WIL participants, guiding them through workplace transitions, career advancement opportunities, and the development of essential professional skills. Demonstrates proficiency in identifying and articulating the competencies and knowledge gained through WIL experiences, supporting participants in enhancing their professional profiles, including resume development and strategic career planning. Exhibits a comprehensive understanding of career pathways and the skills needed for long-term success in a dynamic workforce.

Optimized and Accessible Learning Environments:

• Competency: Fostering Accessible and Supportive Learning Environments
• Breakdown: Supports accessible and welcoming work-integrated learning (WIL) experiences by ensuring that all participants have the opportunity to engage and succeed. Identifies and reduces barriers to participation, such as geographic limitations, virtual accessibility, flexible scheduling, and financial considerations. Encourages collaboration with employers and institutions to create meaningful opportunities that accommodate a range of student needs and circumstances, promoting a learning environment where all individuals can contribute and thrive.

Program Design:

• Competency: Expertise in WIL Program Design and Strategic Management
• Breakdown: Demonstrates proficiency in delivering high-quality, engaging work-integrated learning (WIL) experiences across both in-person and virtual environments. Exhibits advanced skills in designing and evaluating learning outcomes to ensure alignment with both educational goals and industry standards. Adept at managing all aspects of WIL program development, from initial planning through implementation and continuous improvement, ensuring high-quality learning experiences and measurable outcomes for all stakeholders.

Technology Utilization:

• Competency: Strategic Integration of Technology in WIL Programs
• Breakdown: Demonstrates expertise in identifying, implementing, and leveraging advanced technology solutions to optimize work-integrated learning (WIL) processes. Proficient in utilizing software applications to streamline program administration, enhance communication, and improve data management. Focuses on using technology to elevate the quality of both the student and employer experience, ensuring seamless engagement, efficient collaboration, and enhanced learning outcomes. Employs innovative tools to create accessible, scalable, and impactful WIL programs that meet the evolving needs of all stakeholders.

Communication and Reporting:

• Competency: Advanced Communication and Strategic Stakeholder Engagement
• Breakdown: Demonstrates exceptional communication skills, enabling clear, persuasive, and impactful articulation of work-integrated learning (WIL) program outcomes to a diverse range of stakeholders. Skilled at conveying the value of WIL programs, including the benefits of internships and the long-term return on investment for employers, educational institutions, and students. Effectively communicates program successes, learning outcomes, and performance metrics, while providing a compelling rationale for continued or expanded investment in WIL participants. Ensures transparent, data-driven reporting that aligns stakeholder expectations with measurable results.

Legal and Regulatory Compliance:

• Competency: Expertise in WIL Legal, Regulatory, and Compliance Standards
• Breakdown: Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of legal and regulatory frameworks governing work-integrated learning (WIL), including university and employer-specific compliance requirements and local, state, and federal laws related to recruitment, hiring, compensation, and labor practices. Ensures adherence to data protection and privacy regulations, particularly regarding sensitive information and student records. Exhibits proficiency in working with minors, ensuring compliance with applicable child labor laws, safeguarding protocols, and consent requirements. Maintains rigorous oversight of all compliance aspects to protect the interests of students, employers, and institutions.