ACEN Award Finalists 2018
Three finalists for each award have been determined and the winner of each award will be announced at the National Conference.
ACEN Local Hero Award Finalists 2018
Recognising the contribution to work integrated learning beyond the expectations of the size of their organisation
Wildlife Preservation Society of Queensland – Winner
Nominated by the University of Queensland
Prior to 2014, WPSQ had hosted UQ students on an ad hoc basis, largely through student initiative and personal interest in the Society and its objectives. In 2014 the relationship was formalised by the Projects Manager, the late Holly Bryant, and then extended again in 2015.
The support and guidance provided by WSPQ’s staff and Council members have raised the profile of the Society among UQ’s students as a preferred placement provider. Further, after the passing of Holly Bryant in 2015, WPSQ established an award in memoriam, which is granted annually to one of the previous year’s placement students in recognition of their contributions.
North Construction & Building Pty Ltd – Finalist
Nominated by the University of Newcastle
NCB have developed a strong partnership with the UON and value the opportunity to engage with students at the earliest stage of their studies. Part of the engagement process includes on campus presentations to first year Bachelor of Construction Management. Also students have received discipline related experience through various cadet and industrial experience programs since 2011.
The highly-structured Cadet Program creates opportunities for the UON students to develop their employability skills and launch their career as they complete their qualifications. For NCB, fostering a talent pipeline brings new and innovative thinking to its highly successful operations. These roles also help to address the gender imbalance within the construction industry.
HerCanberra – Finalist
Nominated by the University of Canberra
HerCanberra generously supports student journalists and communication majors by providing a nurturing professional environment that enables students to develop their skills, networks and opportunities for future employment. HerCanberra engages with students by;
- participating in the first year professional orientation unit, as an industry mentor;
- contribute to annual course advisory groups to improve and ensure courses within the communications field are industry relevant;
- provide expertise within university WIL framework documents, ensuring UC works with industry through all stages of WIL; and
- provides up to ten internships for UC students each year.
ACEN Collaboration Award Finalists 2018
Recognising the sustained and significant contribution to work integrated learning
Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service – Winner
Nominated by Griffith Business School, Griffith University
GCHHS prides itself on being a learning organisation recognising the value of partnerships with universities and the benefits delivered from a structured Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) program.
In late 2014, GCHHS approached GBS to explore opportunities to strengthen the relationship beyond clinical internships. The resulting projects would align with business student degree outcomes and as such, enhance student employability. Therefore, benefits would be shared by GCHHS and GBS with students bringing a specific skill set and innovative knowledge to the workplace.
Those discussions lead to the establishment of GCHHS’s inaugural non-clinical WIL program in projects such as benchmarking, financial process reviews and developing a business case on the viability of a Gold Coast sports clinic.
Accor Hotels, InterContinental Hotels Group, Marriott International, TFE Hotels – Finalist
Nominated by The Hotel School, Southern Cross University
The annual program incorporates an industry standard, structured interview, during which the organisations provide students with constructive written feedback designed to build career capability. The organisations make a significant contribution to students’ education and career awareness through their participation in an authentic learning and professional development experience. The program also serves as professional development for the organisation representatives wishing to build their interview experience. This relationship has resulted in continuing organisation engagement in other student activities, collaboration with the WIL team to improve the WIL program, as well as paid WIL placement and graduate employment opportunities.
Hunter Imaging Group – Finalist
Nominated by the University of Newcastle
Hunter Imaging Group stands out in contribution to WIL at UON by:
- professional placement of large numbers of students over decades
- additional placement and work experience availability
- access to the latest available technology for staff and students
- staff expertise and familiarity with UON program
- on campus preparation of students for clinical placement
- involvement in the Medical Radiation Science Advisory Committee at UON
- the biggest Diagnostic Radiography employer of our Medical Radiation Science graduates.
ACEN Case Studies Award Finalists 2018
Recognising the quality and innovative WIL practices across a diverse range of disciplines, models and methods
Peer2Peer: Interdisciplinary student teamwork – Winner
From University of South Australia
Peer2Peer brings together students from the communication, graphic design, IT and psychology disciplines to research, develop and implement a social media campaign, in order to meet the requirements of real clients. In 2016 students addressed the challenge of young people becoming involved in online violent extremism, while in 2017 students worked with the South Australian Police to address public concern on the issue of safe partying and alcohol fuelled violence.
Enhanced community engagement and employability – Finalist
From Griffith University
Students undertake 50-hour internship at not-for-profit organisations and are supported by non-discipline specific Academic Advisors who deliver lectures, workshops and offer pastoral support. This course aims to support students gain a deeper understanding of their personal values and professional growth while enhancing their employability.
Working with disadvantaged and marginalised communities, perceptions of human rights, citizenship and equality are challenged and students are often transformed by the experience, leading to increased civic responsibility.
Developing sustainable, reciprocal and interdisciplinary projects – Finalist
From Macquarie University
Over the past nine years undergraduate students at Macquarie University have been working on interdisciplinary projects with PACOS, an indigenous rights organization in Sabah Malaysia. Law, geography and social science research students come together in small groups to work on projects identified by PACOS, going both to Sabah (over the teaching breaks) or working from Macquarie University in an online mode (during semester). The relationship is one of reciprocity and the benefits to students, PACOS and the university have been clearly documented (Hammersley, 2015).