26 September 2000 Assoc. Minister to attend city launch of new Lincoln subject

A new university subject, Work Integrated Learning, will be launched by Lincoln University in Christchurch this Thursday (28.9) in the presence of Associate Employment Minister Ruth Dyson. The launch will be at the Employers Chamber of Commerce, 57 Kilmore Street.

Work Integrated Learning enables graduates to undertake a structured, relevant industry placement as an integral part of a Lincoln University Graduate Diploma programme.

It will be available to graduates enrolled in the Graduate Diplomas in Applied Science (specialising in Agriculture and Horticulture), Recreation Management, Sport Management and Applied Computing.

The subject will enable skilled graduates to undertake an industry project involving research, marketing or analysis. For example, a Bachelor of Commerce (Agricultural) graduate may spend six months conducting market research and analysis, while a Bachelor of Applied Computing graduate may develop computer software and interactive web pages.

Graduates who complete the Work Integrated Learning subject enhance their learning and career prospects. Learning through industry experience adds to the relevance of theoretical study and enables students to test their interests and abilities. Students will be able to make contacts that may lead to future career advantages, gain relevant experience in the workplace and develop personal and interpersonal skills. Students may receive an income to support further academic study.

There are concrete benefits to employers too. Graduates produce tangible outputs of economic value, and projects that otherwise might not have been viable can be completed at a reduced cost.

In addition, Work Integrated Learning is a good human resource recruitment strategy, enabling employers to gain access to a pool of potential employees who can be assessed in the workplace for motivation, competence and professionalism.

Placements involve at least 12 weeks' fulltime work and academic credit equal to one semester is awarded.

Both employers and academic staff will supervise the graduates during the course of their industry placements and formal assessment includes a project report, oral presentation and a journal.

The launch of Work Integrated Learning takes place at the Employers Chamber of Commerce, 57 Kilmore Street, Christchurch, on 28 September starting at 4.30pm. Guest speakers include the Associate Minister for Employment, Hon. Ruth Dyson, the CEO of the Canterbury Employers Chamber of Commerce, Peter Townsend, and the Chair of the New Zealand Association for Co­ operative Education, Dave Hodges.

Programme/Timetable and Speech Topics:

WORK INTEGRATED LEARNING

LAUNCH

28th September 2000, 4.30-6.30pm

Employers Chamber of Commerce

PROGRAMME

5pm

Welcome

Margaret Austin – Vice Chancellor

5.10pm

'Work Integrated Learning – Helping NZ Become a Knowledge Economy'

Ruth Dyson – Associate Minister of Employment

5.40pm

'Canterbury Education in the Context of the Canterbury Economy'

Peter Townsend – CEO Canterbury Employers Chamber of Commerce

6pm

New Zealand Association for Cooperative Education Learning Integrated with Work

Dave Hodges – Business Faculty Planning Coordinator – UNITEC

Kathryn Beresford, Work Integrated Learning Manager, Lincoln University, Canterbury, New Zealand

Ian Collins, Journalist, Lincoln University, Canterbury, New Zealand