Types of CEL

Work Integrated Learning (WIL) is the integration of educational theory from the classroom and workplace experience.

Clinical placement

A clinical placement (also referred to as “student placement”, “fieldwork placement”, “practical placement”, “clinical practicum” or “clinical practice”) is defined as the component of an accredited curriculum conducted under supervision in a clinical environment that assists students to put theoretical knowledge into practice. The placement is usually associated with patient/client interaction but may also involve clinical skills acquisition via observation or simulation consistent with clinical learning objectives.

Clinical placements are designed to complement the theoretical programs of the higher education clinical disciplines such as nursing, midwifery, paramedicine, clinical psychology, clinical exercise physiology and social work and nursing and community services in TAFE. Clinical placements allow students to develop skills commensurate with their progress in their course and/or program and integrate theoretical knowledge with discipline specific clinical skills, competencies and practice.

Clinical placement is a compulsory component of these programs and it is essential that students successfully complete their clinical placements in order to pass the relevant courses and successfully complete all program requirements in readiness for professional accreditation.

Clinical placements have mandatory requirements which must be completed by all students before they can be allocated to a placement.

Professional experience placement

Professional experience placement is the professional experience component of students enrolled in education programs in the School of Education. As part of these programs, all students will be involved in many opportunities to learn and practice the profession of teaching.

Professional practice

Students enrolled in exercise and sports science and sport management programs are required to complete compulsory courses in professional practice. Students are required to complete placements in industry based settings to build the bridge between theory and practice. Professional practice enables students to develop employment skills and apply knowledge and skills acquired throughout their studies in an industry setting.

Internship

The internship is a significant part of the sport management program and provides students with the opportunity to work with and learn from people who may end up becoming colleagues, bosses or mentors.

Industry placement program (IPP)

The Industry Placement Program (IPP) requires students to have two elective subjects available in their degree and permits full-time work for 26 weeks.

TAFE practical placements

Many programs of study within FedUni TAFE such as nursing and community and children's services provide excellent practical placements to enhance the learning and teaching of both certificate- and diploma-level programs.

School-based programs

Students undertaking a placement which is part of a 'for credit' course which is assessed as a part of their course learning outcomes and form credit for part of their degree must meet with academic staff and the external provider prior to completing the placement and applying for credit.

Credit must be obtained by the student for this activity to ensure the University and external provider are complying with the Fair Work Act rules around unpaid placements. Please note, that although there are outputs which might be useful to the organisation, students are not qualified, therefore the quality and use of the outputs cannot be guaranteed and should not be used to replace paid employees or consultants. We encourage all potential external providers to make their own enquiries with the Fair Work Ombudsman to reduce risks to the organisation when offering these types of opportunities.

For all School-based arrangements external providers must speak directly with school staff to have placements and projects assessed to ensure they are commensurate with the required level of study.

Students enrolled in Business and Commerce Programs are required to complete at least one compulsory WIL course as part of their Undergraduate degree. Work Integrated Learning is flexible learning and may be real or simulated and can occur in the workplace, at University, online or face to face. Opportunities available include internships, business simulations, case studies, voluntary placements, community or service projects, industry-based projects, work experiences, New Colombo Plan, study abroad or international exchange study.

WIL provides Business and Commerce students with the essential links between theory and practice with work-relevant education to support and enhance student learning and ensure our graduates are fully prepared for entry into the workforce.

Volunteering

Opportunities are promoted to students through the Careers and Employability team, although external providers are encouraged to make enquiries with Fair Work to ensure that the opportunities are genuine volunteering positions and should not be paid employer/ employee relationships. This includes 'not for profit' organisations. Further information is available through the Volunteering website.

Paid employment

Students who undertake a project which is not suitable for a credit assignment and enquiries made with the Fair Work Ombudsman confirm that the opportunity is not classified as a volunteer opportunity, the other option is to undertake this opportunity as a paid employment opportunity. In this case, the organisation’s relationship with the student is as an employee and external providers therefore have the opportunity to expect a quality and usable outcome as they will be required to pay relevant award wages to the student.

Edge is the portal for paid employment opportunities and allows employers to register and access the system at their convenience to advertise vacancies.