The Pros and Cons of Work-Based Learning

The Student's Perspective

• Learning experience in an authentic work-setting
• Satisfaction of doing a 'real job' rather than an academic exercise
• Opportunity to apply skills and knowledge in context
• Development of generic, transferable skills
• Raising of questions by the student for further study/research
• Exposure to workplace practices, routines, etiquette, reporting relationships
• Relevant work experience and referees for resume, increasing employment prospects
• Ease of transition from university to working life
• Opportunity to confirm career choice

• Little or no planning by the employer may result in lack of meaningful work (e.g. only 'gofer' jobs and visiting offices)
• Learning programme may have been planned too tightly or with too narrow a focus so that work experience is restrictive
• Student may be given a project beyond their capabilities.
• There may be no designated workplace supervisor or mentor, or academic supervisor, to guide and support the student
• The student does not see any links between the course of study and the placement
• May lengthen course of study

The University's Perspective

• Attraction of students who want more than an 'ivory tower' experience
• Generic skills development in students
• Assists in forming links with industry for other purposes, e.g. research, staff exchanges, consulting, keeping curriculum current and relevant
• Enhances learning opportunities that can be offered
• Fewer teaching contact hours to resource

• Can be difficult and time-consuming to find willing employers with suitable work-based learning opportunities
• Little control over the content, learning environment and outcomes
• Assessment of student learning can be a challenge
• Possible government funding implications for longer course of study due to time spent in placements

The Employer's Perspective

• Increased productivity and salary savings
• Satisfaction in and recognition for having contributed to learning in higher education
• Enthusiastic workers who bring new ideas and perspectives
• Identification of potential employees
• New employees with an already developed sense of the work environment

• Time and money invested in developing work-based learning plans and in supervising students
• It may be difficult to identify projects or tasks suitable to the student
• Access to office space and computers may be limited
• Student may not perform well through lack of competence or motivation
• Presents work quality control issues that need to be addressed