Recent WACE News

WACE is seeking expressions of interest from Institutions interested in hosting:

• 2027 WACE World Conference: approx. 300- 500 delegates, typically 3-day conference, preceded by a day of meetings
• 2028 WACE International Research Symposium: approx. 100 - 200 delegates, typically 3-day symposia preceded by a day of meetings

After the recent successful WACE World Conference at the Bahçeşehir University in Istanbul, Türkiye in May 2025 and the International Research Symposium in June 2024 at University West, Sweden, WACE is now seeking interest from Institutions who would like to profile their institution and country by hosting one of these important events.

Brief expressions of Interest should address the following items:

• Location

• Financial & Technical support provided by the host institution

• Commitment and Support

• Budget considerations

• Stability of Institution and location

WACE is committed to providing an excellent experience for WACE, our Host institution and delegates. As a global organisation we will factor in diversity of location, ease and expense of travel for delegates to potential locations in decision making. In addition, as WACE is a not-for-profit organisation, events such as conferences are a very important source of revenue and, as such, generating a surplus to fund administration and services for WACE from events will also be a major factor in determining host institutions .

Selected host Institutions would be expected to implement a local conference committee and include members nominated by WACE to plan and run the conference. The host institution will be well supported by WACE administration and WACE subcommittees in areas such as registration, promotion, program development and sponsorship. 

Timeline 

• Expressions of interest due: October 1st, 2025 
• WACE decision re Locations: November 30th,  2025
• Announcement: April 2026 

Direct Queries to: info@waceinc.org

View the December 2024 Newsletter here.

View the August 2024 Newsletter here.

WACE is delighted to announce the recipients of our WACE 2024 Awards were granted at the WACE International Research Symposium (IRS) in Trollhättan, Sweden in June 2024. Congratulations to our recipients and thank you to all those who submitted nominations. 

WACE IRS 2024 Best Paper Award:

Title of the Paper: Is WIL research aligned with the sustainable knowledge society concept? A thematic analysis of the International Journal of Work-Integrated Learning 2018 to 2023
Recipients: Idris Ademuyiwa, Calahndra Brake, and David Drewery

WACE RESEARCH AWARD:

Recipient: Karsten Zegwaard

Associate Professor, University of Waikato, School of Science Teaching and Research; Director of Work-Integrated Learning Research, University of Waikato, Work Integrated Learning

GRADUATE STUDENT AND EMERGING RESEARCHER BEST POSTER AWARDS:

Recipient: Kristin Anne Bracewell

Title: Creating Sustainable and Inclusive Work Placements in PhD Education

Click here for more information.

View the May 2024 Newsletter here.

World’s first quality framework for Work-Integrated learning

April 5, 2024

The first ever Global Quality Work-Integrated learning Framework has been released by WACE1, the international work- integrated learning (WIL) association. This framework provides guidance to tertiary institutions, industry and community partner organisations and students on quality WIL. Developed in collaboration with WACE’s international network of national associations and communities it is uniquely global in nature. The framework will prove especially useful in regions where no national quality WIL framework or guide exists.

This framework has been developed, very deliberately, to be inclusive of the diverse
WIL models being implemented globally and to accommodate a broad range of
contexts and legislative environments. Judie Kay, Vice Chair Programmes &
Partnerships, WACE

The development of the Global Quality WIL Framework was a call to action of the WACE Global Charter 2023 endorsed by over 50 associations and institutions. WACE will continue to develop the WACE Global Quality Work-Integrated learning Framework, add resources, and can provide support to institutions wanting to quality assure their WIL programmes.

We look forward to supporting the implementation of quality WIL, globally, and to
continue to evolve the WACE Global Quality Framework over time. Norah McRae,
Co-Chair, Executive Council, WACE

Ensuring quality WIL experiences for all stakeholders has never been more important. As WIL expands globally to enhance student learning and prepare graduates for increasingly dynamic work contexts, the need to ensure the quality of WIL has intensified. Quality experiences maximise WIL outcomes and is in the best interest of students, industry, and community partners as well as tertiary institutions. The WACE Global Quality Work-Integrated learning Framework provides the guidance to improve outcomes for all stakeholders.

Enquiries: Judie Kay, Vice Chair Programmes & Partnerships, WACE
Email: programspartnershipsvc@waceinc.org

Click here to learn more about the Global Quality Framework for Work Integrated Learning.

1 WACE is the only international professional organization dedicated to developing, expanding and advocating for cooperative & work-integrated education programs within industry and educational institutions.

View the February 2024 Newsletter here. 

View the October 2023 Newsletter here.

Ms. Judie Kay, WACE Vice Chair Programs & Partnerships and Chair of the WACE National Associations Committee, spoke with the National Skills Network in India to discuss the global perspective on work-integrated learning in higher education, its impact on students and the industry, as well as WACE's work in this area.

You can hear what Judie had to say by watching the interview itself on YouTube here or reading National Skills Network’s article on the interview here.

At WACE, we are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Professor Dr. Wichit Srisa-an, WACE's beloved Executive Council member, on September 30, 2023, in Thailand.

Professor Wichit led the development of CWIE in Thailand. He was the country's former Minister of Education and was bestowed the title ‘Father of Thai Cooperative Education’ by the Thai Government for his introduction of cooperative education to Thailand. Professor Wichit established and was acting as the President of the Thai Association for Cooperative Education (TACE) a highly effective and inspirational national association.

The WACE Executive Council and Global Strategy Council has benefitted enormously from Professor Wichit’s dedication. As co-chair of the Global Strategy Council, he led this new advisory body towards providing WACE with valuable insights and perspectives to help us become a truly global, network of networks.

Professor Wichit leaves a profound and inspirational legacy for the CWIE community across Asia and globally. He will be greatly missed.

Our thoughts are with Professor Wichit's family, friends, and colleagues.

Best,

WACE Office