CQUniversity this week hosted an Australian Collaborative Education Network (ACEN) event and used it to showcase and discuss Work-Integrated Learning initiatives.

Thanks to videoconference, participants from Griffith University, James Cook University, University of the Sunshine Coast and CQUniversity Mackay were able to interact with presenters and audience members at Rockhampton Campus.

Where there's a WIL there's a way according to ACEN presenters Dr Ashley Holmes (on screen from Mackay), Professor Rob Reed, Ian Devenish, Cheryl Bookallil and Kate Ames

Convenor Ian Devenish said USC's Lyris Snowdon provided an update on a proposed national WIL portal, which would enable employers to post projects relevant to a range of universities, without hampering direct arrangements already in place.

Mr Devenish said the session incorporated an overview of WIL, the practice and theory behind projects and the support services in place, while addressing issues including the scale and suitability of projects.

He said there was a great variety of WIL projects but often common links to employers, hence there was discussion about better integrating workplace contacts at the macro level.

ACEN is the professional association for practitioners and researchers from the higher education sector, industry, community and government representatives involved in WIL in Australia. Details via www.acen.edu.au/