Work Integrated Learning: support for ELS students

An Equitable Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Plan is a document that is developed which recommends adjustments that are necessary for your placement based on the impacts of your condition(s).

It is just like an Equitable Learning Plan (ELP) – but it is tailored to the work placement setting where your needs may differ from the traditional classroom environment. The adjustments are meant to reduce or eliminate barriers that could be reasonably altered in the workplace setting.

The adjustments in your Equitable WIL Plan are determined by an Equitable Learning Facilitator through an assessment process based on:

• your documentation with the recommendations of your health care professionals
• discussions with you
• consultation and negotiation with the Faculty WIL practitioner(s) to ensure the adjustments allow you to meet the WIL placement inherent requirements

Some examples of reasonable adjustments for placements are:

• Location of the placement e.g., reduced travel time
• Rest breaks and access to quiet or private spaces
• Flexible working arrangements where possible e.g., reduced hours, part time
• Additional supports e.g., more regular supervisor feedback, or additional communication supports such as verbal and written instructions and resources
• Workspace set up including specialised software or ergonomic furniture
• Accessibility e.g., wheelchair accessible premises

Your Equitable WIL Plan will not disclose the nature of your condition and the underlying reason for your adjustments will remain strictly confidential.  The Equitable WIL Plan will only have the adjustments for the university and Host Organisation to implement and is treated as a sensitive document, provided only to the relevant staff from the Faculty and Host Organisation on a need-to-know basis, so they can implement your adjustments.

It is important to register with ELS at least one term before your placement commencement, so Faculty WIL practitioner(s) and Host Organisation can be made aware of any WIL adjustments in advance. This allows them necessary time to prepare and ensure their workplace can accommodate a student’s particular needs.

To register with ELS, complete the online registration form on the ELS website and ELS will be in touch to make an appointment to discuss your needs and adjustments suitable for your placement.  If you have questions or concerns, you can access the ELS daily drop in service to speak to an Equitable Learning Facilitator.

If you are already registered with ELS, make an appointment through the ELS Student Portal to discuss any WIL adjustments you may need.

As soon as you receive your Equitable Work Integrated Learning Plan, you should email it to your faculty WIL team and upload it to InPlace  so they have a copy, and they are aware you are an ELS student who has WIL adjustments. Please contact your faculty WIL practitioner(s) to discuss your adjustments so they can confirm with the Host Organisation whether these can be reasonably accommodated.  Once approved, they will check in with you during your first week(s) to confirm that your adjustments are in place.

If your placement is self-sourced and an organisation cannot reasonably accommodate certain adjustment(s), there are a number of UNSW and external supports you can access, so you can explore other options and opportunities which might be better suited.

If any concerns or issues arise with your adjustments on placement, contact your faculty WIL team as soon as possible to receive assistance.  Or if you prefer to speak to your Equitable Learning Facilitator, book an appointment via the ELS Student Portal or access the ELS daily drop in. It is important to communicate any issues at the time which have arisen on placement so timely assistance can be provided.

If you have a disability you can book with UNSW Employability - Individual coaching EDI appointments and talk to an experienced Careers Coach for guidance, strategies and support about WIL placement, including if you need to source your own placement.

UNSW Employability offer 30-minute equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) coaching sessions for students with a disability, with the possibility of engaging with the same coach. Students are supported in their career journeys and questions about equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in recruitment or the workplace are addressed.

Also see the following supports which can help you build confidence, expand your network, and develop your career direction.

• UNSW Career Discovery Mentoring Program
  The UNSW Career Discovery Mentoring Program connects UNSW students with established industry professionals, providing students with a significant opportunity to focus on their career development.
• UNSW Career Explorer Program
  Design your experience at UNSW in just three coaching sessions, all while discovering what drives you, what values are important to you and what programs and jobs excite you.

At UNSW we strongly endeavour to align and provide equitable access to education for all students under the following acts,

• Disability Discrimination Act 1992
• Disability Standards for Education Act 2005
• Carer Recognition Act 2010

Combining the strengths of WISE and Universities, the primary aim of GradWISE is to provide eligible students identified as living with a disability, mental or physical health condition or injury with access to additional specialist assistance on campus. The program aims to obtain employment opportunities for students commensurate with their interests, aspirations and qualifications.

GradWISE provides customised job coaching and support to complement universities’ support in one-on-one, small group and online settings. A large part of GradWISE's role is understanding employer needs and assisting them with their diversity and inclusion ambitions whilst providing support to both the employee and employer once a successful match is made and for as long as needed.

Learn more about the range of undergraduate and postgraduate WIL courses and programs offered by UNSW Faculties and Schools.