Issues and Strategies for Establishing Work-Integrated Learning for Multidisciplinary Teams: A Focus on Degrees in Sustainability

This study was conducted to identify challenges and potential strategies to streamline work-integrated learning placements for multidisciplinary teams of students undertaking degrees in sustainability. Face-to-face interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire were conducted with 15 academics and senior university staff, from four universities in Australia, who had extensive experience conducting WIL programs for undergraduate students. Key findings were that placing small teams of students was uncommon but partnerships with established specific professional vocational degrees are feasible. Management of multidisciplinary teams require four components: a central portal with a designated person(s) to coordinate and oversee all WIL programs; a university committee with representatives from each school and a chair that rotates between schools to vet WIL projects; a generic work-ready skills program that commences in the first year; and a project-based WIL placement with students self-mentoring and host supervisors providing generic supervision.