Developing Gen Y Competencies for the New Work Environment: Comparing and Contrasting Four Work-Integrated Learning Approaches Across National Contexts

Abstract

While higher education institutions are increasingly interested in preparing a new generation of students to meet the demands of the workplace, there is still limited research on how work-integrated learning (WIL) strategies can specifically benefit Gen Y's learning, competency development, and employability. In this chapter, the authors aim to extend the knowledge of WIL in three key respects: (1) examine the rationale for considering WIL as part of curriculum development, (2) compare different WIL strategies through four cases studies, and (3) analyze the impact and benefits of those WIL approaches for Gen Y's learning and employability. By comparing and contrasting different approaches to WIL, the chapter contributes to shed more light on some important benefits of WIL such as Gen Y's development of self-identity, reflective capacity, and critical skills. Although different, the cases demonstrate the importance of making space for reflection and integrating collective and individual practices in WIL designs.