Delivering equity through compulsory work placement

Achievement of strong graduate employability outcomes is widely accepted to be closely associated with various forms of work integrated learning (WIL). In particular, the authentic in-situ experiences workplace learning (WPL) delivers is considered invaluable for developing graduate employability, with a caveat to providing WPL experiences for all students (i.e., universal WPL) the high cost of placements. Additional financial and strategic resourcing and administrative challenges involved in WPL implementation can leave WPL managerially unsupported in business degrees which do not have accreditation requirements mandating compulsory WPL experiences. Without mandated WPL business schools typically have weak appetites for overcoming barriers such as difficulties securing enough quality placements (which are heavily dependent on robust industry-university collaborations). As business schools’ long-term sustainability is increasingly challenged by external competitors such as shorter and less expensive modules and courses, WPL can provide added value and protection against these threats. Resolving industry demands and tensions around developing work ready graduates is contingent on complementing theory with practical application through WPL in development of a sustainable work-ready graduate pipeline built on strong industry-university collaborations.