The connection between education and training and its application in the workplace is an essential driver of productivity and innovation.
Across Australia there are many quality and innovative pockets of work-integrated learning (WIL) where formal education and training is combined with real workplace experience. However, links between our education and training system and industry are generally under-developed by international standards.
One area this is evident is for postgraduate research students. For example, the recent Strategic Review of Research and Development found that more needs to be done to prepare PhD graduates for careers beyond academia, including through strengthening their workforce readiness.
PhD internships play an important role in strengthening connections between industry and academia. Australian Industry Group's Centre for Education and Training has recently partnered with APR.Intern to connect Australian businesses with the nation's best and brightest emerging research talent. These placements offer an easy, cost-effective solution for businesses to access PhD students to fill a skills gap and tackle research and development challenges through short-term internships.
This webinar will highlight the importance of strengthening work-integrated learning for businesses, industry and the economy as a whole – with a particular focus on PhD students. It will outline both the policy imperative and the practical ways businesses of all sizes can connect with PhD students to solve their business challenges.
Host:
Brett Hall, General Manager – Policy, Research & Projects, Australian Industry Group Centre for Education and Training
Panel:
David Martin, Director – Emerging Industries and Innovation, Australian Industry Group
Glen Sheldon, National Program Manager, APR.Intern
Milica Ng, Data and AI Executive
