Project background
Upskill Through WIL, a project devised and initiated by the University of Newcastle and key partner The FRANK Team, has been designed to open up more opportunities for international students to participate in practical industry placements. Work integrated learning incorporates academic learning with practical workplace experience through engagement with industry and community partners. The project has been developed to support international students in regional areas when seeking industry-based experience and employment opportunities. Along with providing relevant workplace and training opportunities for the university’s international students, the mutually beneficial project also acknowledges the value international perspectives bring to organisations. Through the Upskill Through WIL project it was hoped more international students will participate in industry placements, both embedded in University of Newcastle coursework, or offered outside of semester time – it is an opportunity students have deemed to be highly valuable. Funded by Study NSW, with support from the FRANK Team, Australia’s leading training and education company for young people and young professionals, the project aims to empower international students through providing valuable workplace information to increase their confidence working in Australian work environments.