Placements for work integrated learning

Work-integrated Learning (WIL) is a broad term used to define learning experiences that enable students to gain practical skills and knowledge within a purposefully designed curriculum [1].

Terms such as placement, practicum, fieldwork/education are all types of WIL programs. WIL also plays an integral role in developing work readiness skills and enhances a student's employability. 

Faculty of Health (FOH) apply theoretical knowledge, including WIL, to provide a unique and supervised learning experience in a health-related setting. Students may undertake placement units in health or medical research, counselling, service development, education, policy planning, and across different sectors such as non-government/community-based organisations, education, government.

WIL units occur during semester periods, providing the student meets the prerequisite and compliance requirements of the course. Dates of placements will vary between courses, and it is important to plan ahead of time. 

 WIL units provide you with a professional experience in a real-world setting – encompassing both the knowledge and interprofessional skills to ensure you graduate as a competent practitioner, health professional, researcher or scientist in your chosen field. 

There are four broad categories of placement experiences:

1. Fieldwork / Community / Placement – Run over a specified number of hours based on National Accreditations and Guidelines in health, clinical, government or community settings. Disciplines may include Exercise and Sport Science, Social Work, Clinical Psychology, Occupational Therapy, Speech and Language Therapy.
2. Practicum / Practical Blocks – Run over a specified block of weeks or hours with nominated dates for commencement through to completion. Disciplines may include Audiology, Nursing, Medical Laboratory Sciences, Pharmacy and Paramedicine.
3. Industry Projects / Medical or Health Research Projects – Project-based placements have flexible hours and are based on the level of the project detail. This type of placement focuses on organisational projects, research, data analysis and conducting experiments or interviews. Disciplines may include Occupational Therapy, Dietetics and Social Work.
4. Simulation Block / Observation – This type of placement typically happens at the beginning of direct-client work. It gives the student a glimpse of the practical training involved and allows for a purely observational learning experience. Disciplines may include Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Speech and Language Therapy, Dietetics and Nutrition.

[1] Patrick, C. Peach, D. & Pocknee, C. (2009) The WIL (Work-integrated Learning) report: A national scoping study, Australian Teaching and Learning Council

As a student and a representative of Charles Darwin University, you must adhere to the Charles Darwin University Student Policy and Student Conduct By-laws while enrolled with the University. Including the Charles Darwin University Act, 2003 and all policies and procedures set out by Charles Darwin University. 

In addition, students undertaking a professional placement will be under the direction and supervision of the organisation personnel. You must comply with appropriate directions, by-laws, policies, and manuals of the Organisation and the Fair Work Act 2009 [1].

All students undertaking a placement unit must abide by the Student Placement Agreement (see Learnline Placement Unit for more information) and upload a signed copy on CDU’s student placement management system, InPlace.

You must also submit compliance checks such as National Police Check and Working with Children Check and undertake online preparatory training such as Equal Opportunity Training and COVID-19 Infection Control Training. 

You are responsible for ensuring that your compliance documents are up-to-date and valid throughout your placement. You will need to cover the costs of all compliance checks and be entitled to receive concession costs where possible. 

Some host organisations may have additional compliance requirements specific to their industry (for example, NDIS Worker Screening Check). For more information on the type of clearances required for your placement, please see Section 2 of this document. 

Students are NOT required to approach organisations and arrange their placement unless advised by CDU staff. In particular circumstances, a student may initiate a placement and provide the information to the placement team. You must consult your Course Coordinator for more information.

[1] Stewart, A. & Owens, R. (2013) The Nature, Prevalence and Regulation of Unpaid Work Experience, Internships and Trial Periods in Australia Experience or Exploitation? Report for the Fair Work Ombudsman, Adelaide Law School.

As the Education provider, the University is responsible for ensuring the WIL program meets the accreditation and quality assurance under the Higher Education Standards Framework 2015 in developing and managing the WIL courses and program requirements. 

The University will negotiate the details of the placements on behalf of students and coordinate the placement dates, practical and learning programs and other related matters with the Host Organisation. 

The University will comply with all applicable laws, all applicable Australian standards and tertiary education industry standards, guidelines and CDU policies, standards or guidelines advised by CDU.

The University will provide insurance protection for all eligible students on approved placement. 

To be protected under CDU’s personal accident and, professional and public liability policies, the student will need to meet the minimum requirements of:

• be enrolled in the appropriate course or degree at CDU;
• be enrolled in the appropriate placement unit CDU;
• complete and receive a passing grade for the appropriate pre-requisite units;
• maintain up-to-date compliance records as prescribed by the University;
• and receive an official email confirmation from the College Placement Team.

Work-integrated learning and placement units are essential requirements of many Faculty of Health courses. 

Travel may be required to fulfil the practical components of the course. Placements are offered based on availabilities with organisations and refusal to accept an offer may jeopardise and delay the completion of your course. You will also be required to submit pre placement documentation including proof of vaccinations and security checks.

Faculty wide pre-placement compliance requirements: 

The Faculty of Health uses placement management system called InPlace. This software application will allow you to track and manage your own placement information and maintain up-to-date compliance (pre-placement) documents. The app is accessible on your web browser, mobile or tablet via your CDU Student Portal. Currently this software is only available for higher education students. Access for CDU TAFE students is not currently available.

Go to InPlace

Inherent requirements are the abilities, knowledge, and standards of conduct and performance that are essential for a student to achieve the learning outcomes of a course or unit. These may include compulsory standards set by professional registration, or accreditation bodies.

Inherent requirements are specific to a particular course but are not course entry requirements. To enable informed decision making about courses of study, prospective and current students should reflect carefully on the course inherent requirements. These should also be considered when undertaking your placements.

Learn more

Attending Placement

It is expected that you attend 100% of your placement hours at the times and hours allocated by the placement provider. If you do not comply with the roster and guidelines set for you, you will be asked to leave your placement allocation and will receive a Fail (F) grade.

Your professional experience placement takes priority over other work commitments.

Some disciplines may involve shift work and you will be required to undertake morning, afternoon and night shifts. This includes shift work on weekends and some public holidays.

All aspects apart from the organisation of placement venue is your responsibility and may include:

• Arranging childcare
• Arranging transport to and from the placement venue
• Arranging full uniform and ID/placement badge
• Paying for any costs associated with parking, travel and accommodation
• Rearranging private work commitments
• Bringing the required documents to placement and being aware of the expectations/scope of practice and assessment requirements for placement.

Any absence needs to be covered with medical certification or supporting documentation. If absence of greater than two days is recorded a Special Consideration application will need to be completed for consideration of make-up hours. Absence from allocated rostered shifts, without this documentation will result in a Fail grade (F) being awarded.

Illness and Sick Days

If you cannot attend due to illness, you must contact your CDU unit coordinator and Host Placement Supervisor immediately. You will be required to submit a medical certificate for your day/s off. You must submit the certificate to your CDU unit coordinator and Host Placement Supervisor.

If your illness can impact your ability to complete some or all of your placement requirements, you must speak with your supervisor and unit coordinator. 

100% attendance at placement is compulsory, and any time missed must be made up

Reporting grievances or concerns

If you are having difficulty in your placement with serious matters, you should contact your unit coordinator as soon as possible. These matters should be addressed verbally, either via phone or a meeting and then in writing. If your unit coordinator is away, please contact the CHHS Placements Team at hhs.placements@cdu.edu.au or 08 8946 7528 for guidance and ongoing support.

If you are experiencing difficulties and need to speak to a CDU counsellor on 08 8946 6288 or for out-of-hours telephone crisis support, please call 1300 933 393

Reporting complaints

The team at the Complaints Management Unit (CMU) will listen to your concern or complaint. CMU will explain your options for resolving the matter under the relevant University procedures.

If you have a grievance or are concerned with the way someone has behaved, you are encouraged to contact the Complaints Management Unit for guidance.

T: 08 8946 7738 | E: complaints@cdu.edu.au | cdu.edu.au/about-cdu/values-and-culture/complaints