A scaffolded work-integrated learning model in a health science undergraduate degree: A sequential approach to industry partner engagement

<p dir="ltr">While work-integrated learning (WIL) opportunities provide valuable real-world experience, the growing demand for career-ready graduates necessitates alternative and scalable WIL experiences to accommodate large student cohorts. This article describes and evaluates the Scaffolded WIL and Industry Engagement Model (SWIM), a WIL approach that involves scaffolded and sequential engagement with the same industry partners in multiple units across an undergraduate health science course. It presents the SWIM model as a pilot and analyses the perspectives of an industry partner and unit convenors. The findings highlight that the industry partner valued the comprehensive skill set developed by students, noting its positive impact on employability. Unit convenors report reduced workload in recruiting industry partners for subsequent WIL units and support the use of an online peer feedback tool to foster teamwork skills. This paper illustrates how SWIM presents learning, teaching and research benefits for students, industry partners and unit convenors.</p>