The value of workplace learning in the first year for university students from under-represented groups

Workplace learning (WPL) is widely accepted in universities as a valuable component of educating for professional practices. Most often though, the focus of WPL is on helping students transition into the workforce, neglecting the role it can play in helping students transition into university. Using an online questionnaire and interviews, a study was conducted with undergraduate students enrolled in a regional Australian university to better understand their experiences of WPL in the first year of their studies. Findings from this study showed that although there are challenges associated with students undertaking WPL in the first year of university courses, WPL experiences were highly valued by students. Findings also highlighted that WPL had potential as a retention strategy for first year students in general, and students from under-represented groups in particular.