Students worldwide are reaping the rewards of university undergraduate and postgraduate programs that link course work with on-the-job learning and CQUniversity has now captured a snapshot of what is happening globally in Work Integrated Learning in a new book.

According to CQUniversity's Dr Patrick Keleher, Work Integrated Learning marries together a student's work and study life, making their study experience not only flexible but relevant, contextual and authentic.

CQUniversity's Dr Roberta (Bobby) Harreveld, Dr Patrick Keleher and Arun Patil have just published a new book together which looks at work integrated learning across the world."Although there are many different ways Work Integrated Learning is used around the world, the common factor is that learning occurs within work contexts, whether it is through simulated work conditions, an actual workplace or a combination of these," Dr Keleher said.

"Dependant on the way Work Integrated Learning is implemented, students can benefit financially by maintaining a working life and by gaining formal qualifications in ‘real world' contexts."

Work-Integrated Learning in Engineering, Built Environment and Technology: Diversity of Practise in Practice is a new publication edited by CQUniversity's Dr Keleher along with Arun Patil and Dr Roberta (Bobby) Harreveld, which provides an insight into cutting-edge practices of Work Integrated Learning around the world.

"The contributing authors have given a diverse perspective on how Work Integrated Learning has been adopted and adapted around the world."

The book is the first product from a special interest research group at the University which is focussing on best practice in Work Integrated Learning.

CQUniversity is a leader in Work Integrated Learning in Australia, having it entrenched in a number of programs including engineering, health and education and with its students learning and working in real world situations on industrial and mining sites, hospitals and schools.