Work-Integrated Learning in Adult Education for Diverse Workplaces

“This volume expands the concept of WIL beyond traditional students, offering a global perspective on how WIL applies to adult learners in post-secondary, continuing, and vocational education. Through rich case studies and theoretical insights, the book highlights how WIL supports adult skill development, career transitions, and lifelong learning.”

—Shelleyann Scott, Professor of Leadership, University of Calgary, Canada

“This edited book recognizes that adult learners have unique needs when engaging with WIL. It consolidates established scholarly knowledge of adult education and provides valuable new insights to support and enable adult learners as they engage in WIL and career education. This book is timely and makes a valuable contribution to literature.”

—Karsten Zegwaard, Associate Professor and President Work-Integrated Learning New Zealand, University of Waikato, New Zealand

“This book offers a state-of-the-art perspective of WIL beyond traditional educational institutions, making it a must read volume for students, researchers, and practitioners of WIL. May I also be so bold to predict that this book will soon appear on WIL course reading lists and ‘top library borrow’ lists worldwide.” 

—Kam Ming Lim, Head of Psychology and Child & Human Development Department, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore

Responding to the Fourth Industrial Revolution and generative AI, this book unites global scholars and practitioners to examine emerging innovations and challenges in Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) for adult learners. Through eight case studies, the volume examines how WIL programs can better support adult learners by enhancing delivery models, support systems, and tailored learning pathways. Chapters highlight the value of applying andragogy to WIL to enhance lifelong learning, close skills gaps, and support workforce mobility. Ultimately, the volume deepens our understanding of adult learners’ complexities while reimagining WIL’s role in a changing world.

Kashif Raza is SSHRC Postdoctoral Fellow at the Faculty of Education, University of British Columbia, Canada.
Catherine Siew Kheng Chua is a Senior Education Fellow in the Centre of Teaching and Learning at Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Singapore.