Bridging Theory and Practice: A Systematic Review of Work-Integrated Learning Frameworks in Vocational Education
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12928/joves.v8i2.12766Keywords:
Work Integrated Learning, Framework, Vocational EducationAbstract
Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) has become essential in vocational education for bridging academic learning with workplace experience. This systematic review analyzes 61 articles on WIL frameworks published between 2019-2024 using the PRISMA protocol. The analysis identifies five main types of WIL frameworks: Competency-Based Framework (focusing on industry-relevant competencies), Integrated Evaluation Framework (emphasizing comprehensive assessment), Industry-Academic Collaborative Framework (developing effective institutional-industry partnerships), Technology-Enhanced WIL Framework (utilizing technology to expand learning experiences), and Field-Specific Pedagogical Framework (tailoring approaches to specific disciplines). Publication trends show significant growth in WIL framework research, with a peak of 17 articles in 2024, reflecting increasing recognition of work-based learning's importance. The review reveals several research gaps, including limited investigation of technology integration's long-term impact, need for multi-stakeholder evaluation approaches, frameworks that effectively combine various WIL modalities, limited understanding of cross-disciplinary framework transferability, and frameworks that systematically incorporate evolving workforce demands. These findings provide direction for future WIL framework development and implementation, Contributing to more effective integration of academic learning with practical work experience in vocational education, these findings provide valuable direction for the future development and implementation of Work-Integrated Learning frameworks.
References
Adegbite, W. M., & Hoole, C. (2024). The nexus of work integrated learning and skills among engineering students in Nigerian Universities: A structural equation model approach. Journal of Teaching and Learning for Graduate Employability, 15(1), Article 1824.
Ahmed, S., Grollo, L., & Czech, D. (2024). Industry perspectives on Project-Based Learning as a form of Work-Integrated Learning in Science. Journal of Teaching and Learning for Graduate Employability, 15(1), Article 1879. https://doi.org/10.14221/ajte.1879
Arney, N. D., & Krygsman, H. P. (2022). Work-Integrated Learning Policy in Alberta: A Post-Structural Analysis. Canadian Journal of Educational Administration and Policy, 97–110.
Bernhard, I., & Olsson, A. K. (2020). University-Industry Collaboration in Higher Education: Exploring the Informing Flows Framework in Industrial PhD Education. Issues in Informing Science and Information Technology, 17, Article 4672. https://doi.org/10.28945/4672
Billett, S. (2009). Realising the educational worth of integrating work experiences in higher education. Studies in Higher Education, 34(7), 827-843.
Billett, S. (2021). Integrating practice-based experiences into higher education. Springer Nature.
Bilgin, A. A. B., Powell, A., & Richards, D. (2022). Work integrated learning in data science and a proposed assessment framework. Statistics Education Research Journal, 21(2), 1-22.
Bisschoff, Z. S., & Massyn, L. (2024). A conceptual soft skills competency framework for enhancing graduate intern employability. Higher Education, Skills and Work-based Learning, 66-81.
Botha, C., & Nel, C. (2022). Purposeful Collaboration through Professional Learning Communities: Teacher Educators' Challenges. International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research, 21(6), 210–225. https://doi.org/10.26803/ijlter.21.6.13
Brentnall, J., Rossiter, L., Judd, B., Cowley, E., McCormick, K., Turk, R., & Thackray, D. (2024). Educational design insights for interprofessional immersive simulation to prepare allied health students for clinical placements. Advances in Simulation, 9, Article 5.
Bridgstock, R. (2009). The graduate attributes we've overlooked: Enhancing graduate employability through career management skills. Higher Education Research & Development, 28(1), 31-44. https://doi.org/10.1080/07294360802444347
Choi-Lundberg, D., Douglas, T., Bird, M., Coleman, B., Greenwood, M., Martin, R., Prior, S., Saghafi, F., Roehrer, E., Waddingham, S., Wolsey, C., & Kelder, J. (2024). Employability Learning and Teaching Research: A Twenty Year Structured Narrative Review. Journal of University Teaching and Learning Practice, 21(5). https://doi.org/10.53761/g8mryt07
Coll, R. K., & Zegwaard, K. E. (2006). Perceptions of desirable graduate competencies for science and technology new graduates. Research in Science & Technological Education, 24(1), 29-58.
Cooper, L., Orrell, J., & Bowden, M. (2010). Work integrated learning: A guide to effective practice. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203854501
Crosbie, B., Gerhardt, T., & Montgomery, J. (2024). The use of problem-solving methodology to develop institutional and curricular change: work-integrated learning as a strategy of differentiation. Higher Education, Skills and Work-based Learning, 14(1), 1-15.
Dean, B. A., Tubridy, K., Eady, M. J., & Yanamandram, V. (2024). Implementing employability strategy: Inspiring change through significant conversations. Journal of Teaching and Learning for Graduate Employability, 15(2), 80–94.
Della Tamin, M., Du Plooy, D. M., Solms, S. V., & Meyer, J. (2019). A Proposed Modular Work Integrated Learning Framework for South Africa. IEEE Access, 7, 2559–2566.
Dlamini, M. E., & Tsotetsi, C. T. (2024). Engagement of Preservice Teachers in the Assessment of Their Work-Integrated Learning. Journal of Contemporary Vocational Education, 118-132.
Dollinger, M., & Brown, J. (2019). An institutional framework to guide the comparison of work-integrated learning types. Journal of Teaching and Learning for Graduate Employability, 10(1), 88-100. https://doi.org/10.21153/jtlge2019vol10no1art817
Epstein, I., Stephens, L., Baljko, M., Procknow, G., & Mastrilli, P. (2024). Ableism and the discourse of risk and safety in patient-facing work-integrated learning. Nursing Inquiry, 31(2), e12545.
Fellner, L. H., King, S. M., & Barry, C. M. (2024). "Pet things" and "penny drops"—Factors influencing clinicians' teaching of pelvic anatomy. Anatomical Sciences Education, 287-296.
Ferns, S., Russell, L., & Kay, J. (2020). Enhancing industry engagement with work-integrated learning: Capacity building for industry partners. International Journal of Work-Integrated Learning, 21(4), 313-330. https://www.ijwil.org/files/IJWIL_21_4_313_330.pdf
Gamage, A. (2022). An inclusive multifaceted approach for the development of electronic work-integrated learning (eWIL) curriculum. Studies in Higher Education, 47(7), 1357–1371.
Green, E., Hyde, S., Barry, R., Smith, B., Seaman, C. E., & Lawrence, J. (2022). Placement Architectures in Practice: An Exploration of Student Learning during Non-Traditional Work-Integrated Learning in Rural Communities. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(24), 16933. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192416933
Ha, N. T. N. (2022). The involvement of industry professionals and barriers to involvement in work-integrated learning: the case of the profession-oriented higher education framework in Vietnam. Journal of Education and Work, 35(6-7), 708-724.
Hardin-Ramanan, S., Gopee, S., Rowtho, V., & Charoux, O. (2020). Graduate work-readiness in Mauritius: A multi-stakeholder approach. Journal of Teaching and Learning for Graduate Employability, 11(1), 93–109. https://doi.org/10.21153/jtlge2020vol11no1art937
Harris-Reeves, B. (2023). From passion to profession: an employability framework in sport development. Journal of Teaching and Learning for Graduate Employability, 14(1), 237–247.
Huda, S., Alyahya, S., Pan, L., & Al-Dossari, H. (2022). Combining Innovative Technology and Context based Approaches in Teaching Software Engineering. International Journal of Advanced Computer Science and Applications, 13(10), 305–314.
Jackson, D. (2015). Employability skill development in work-integrated learning: Barriers and best practice. Studies in Higher Education, 40(2), 350-367.
Jackson, D. (2017). Developing pre-professional identity in undergraduates through work-integrated learning. Higher Education, 74(5), 833-853.
Jackson, D. (2020). Applying academic selection criterion to work-integrated learning programmes: risk management or perpetuating inequality?. Teaching in Higher Education, 25(1), 98–115. https://doi.org/10.1080/13562517.2018.1541884
Jackson, D., & Collings, D. (2022). Systematic literature review approaches for work-integrated learning research. International Journal of Work-Integrated Learning, 23(3), 321-336.
Janssens, O., Andreou, V., Embo, M., Valcke, M., De Ruyck, O., Robbrecht, M., & Haerens, L. (2024). The identification of requirements for competency development during work-integrated learning in healthcare education. BMC Medical Education, 24, Article 252.
Janssens, O., Embo, M., Valcke, M., & Haerens, L. (2023). When theory beats practice: the implementation of competency-based education at healthcare workplaces: Focus group interviews with students, mentors, and educators of six healthcare disciplines. BMC Medical Education, 23, Article 343. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-023-04315-z
Kazantzidou, C., Martinez-Marroquin, E., & Senadji, B. (2021). Framework for enhanced professional practice in engineering programs. Proceedings of the AAEE2021 Conference, The University of Western Australia, 780-787.
Kellerman, J., Evans, R., & Graham, M. A. (2021). Perceptions of isiZulu-speaking pre-service teachers' classroom English proficiency. South African Journal of Education, 41(4), 1-11.
Kenny, B., O'Connor, D., Sugden, E., Tang, C. Y., Tannous, C., & Thyer, E. (2023). Engaging Industry in Health Professions' Education: Benefits and Challenges. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(12), 6131.
Klinner, C., Dario, A. B., Bell, A., Nisbet, G., Penman, M., & Monrouxe, L. V. (2023). Beyond mere respect: new perspectives on dignity for healthcare workplace learning. Frontiers in Medicine, 10, 1181848. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2023.1181848
Krishna, K. G. (2020). SLATE - A framework for systems learning and thinking enablement. Procedia Computer Science, 172, 540–544. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.procs.2020.05.066
Kumar, A., Sarkar, M., Davis, E., Morphet, J., Maloney, S., Ilic, D., & Palermo, C. (2021). Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on teaching and learning in health professional education: a mixed methods study protocol. BMC Medical Education, 21, Article 439.
Lucas, P., Wilkinson, H., Rae, S., Dean, B., & Eady, M. (2021). Knowing me, knowing you: Humanitas in work-integrated learning during adversity. Journal of University Teaching and Learning Practice, 18(7), Article 10. https://doi.org/10.53761/1.18.7.10
Maake, T. N., Millar, B. T., Christopher, L. D., & Naidoo, N. (2021). A critical ethnographic study of discriminatory social practice during clinical practice in emergency medical care. BMC Health Services Research, 21, Article 787. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-021-06664-1
Makie, V., Jooste, K., Mabuda, T. B., Bock, T., Lourens, G. M., van As, M., & Chipps, J. (2021). Operational nurse managers' perceptions on the competence of community service nurses in public settings in the Western Cape. Curationis, 44(1), Article 2174.
Mandal, N. K., & Edwards, F. R. (2022). Student work readiness in Australian engineering workplaces through work integrated learning. Higher Education, Skills and Work-Based Learning, 12(1), 206-220. https://doi.org/10.1108/HESWBL-01-2021-0013
Mandal, N. K., Edwards, F., & Rasul, M. (2021). Work ready engineering graduates through WIL processes. 9th Research in Engineering Education Symposium and 32nd Australasian Association for Engineering Education Conference, REES AAEE 2021: Engineering Education Research Capability Development, 2, 605–612. https://doi.org/10.52202/066488-0067
Martín-Martín, A., Thelwall, M., Orduna-Malea, E., & Delgado López-Cózar, E. (2021). Google Scholar, Microsoft Academic, Scopus, Dimensions, Web of Science, and OpenCitations' COCI: A multidisciplinary comparison of coverage via citations. Scientometrics, 126(1), 871-906.
Mather, C. (2021). Enabling Digital Professionalism: Analysis of the Australian and United Kingdom Nursing Education Standards. Studies in Health Technology and Informatics, 284, 118–123. https://doi.org/10.3233/SHTI210682
Matook, S., Maggie Wang, Y., Koeppel, N., & Guerin, S. (2024). Metacognitive skills in low-code app development: Work-integrated learning in information systems development. Journal of Information Technology, 39(1), 41–70.https://doi.org/10.1177/02683962231170238
Mesuwini, J., & Mokoena, S. P. (2023). TVET Lecturer Work-Integrated Learning: Opportunities and Challenges. International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research, 22(8), 388-406. https://doi.org/10.26803/ijlter.22.8.21
Msimanga, M. R. (2020). Curriculum structure and its influence on content knowledge of economics student teachers. International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research, 19(12), 190–207. https://doi.org/10.26803/ijlter.19.12.10
Mueller, B., Andrew, M. B., & Connor, M. (2022). Building belonging in online WIL environments – lessons (re)learnt in the pandemic age: a collaborative enquiry. Journal of University Teaching and Learning Practice, 19(4), Article 15. https://doi.org/10.53761/1.19.4.15
Narayan, J., Lieberman, L., & Mason, C. (2021). Building virtually: Synchronous online work-integrated learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. International Journal of Work-Integrated Learning, 22(2), 161-169. https://www.ijwil.org/files/IJWIL_22_2_161_169.pdf
Nuangpirom, P., Jewpanya, P., Pitjamit, S., Jaichomphu, P., & Chaithanu, K. (2023). The Educational Process of the Work-integrated Learning (WIL) Program: Case Study of Engineering Faculty, Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna, Thailand. Journal of Technical Education and Training, 15(1), 246–256. https://doi.org/10.30880/jtet.2023.15.01.021
Obe, I. P., Ezeama, O. A., Oguejiofor, I. V., Ezeama, N. R., & Akuchu, B. G. (2023). Engineering work-integrated learning in transmission system auto-diagnostic skills for graduation employability and economic growth. Indian Journal of Engineering, 20(53).
Ortega-Sánchez, D., Gómez-Trigueros, I. M., Trestini, M., & Pérez-González, C. (2020). Self-perception and training perceptions on teacher digital competence (TDC) in Spanish and French university students. Multimodal Technologies and Interaction, 4(4), 74.
Page, M. J., McKenzie, J. E., Bossuyt, P. M., Boutron, I., Hoffmann, T. C., Mulrow, C. D., Moher, D. (2021). The PRISMA 2020 statement: An updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews. BMJ, 372, Article n71. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.n71
Patrick, C. J., Peach, D., Pocknee, C., Webb, F., Fletcher, M., & Pretto, G. (2008). The WIL [Work Integrated Learning] report: A national scoping study. Australian Learning and Teaching Council. https://eprints.qut.edu.au/44065/
Penman, M., Raymond, J., Kumar, A., Liang, R. Y. R., Sundar, K., & Thomas, Y. (2023). Allied Health Professions Accreditation Standards for Work Integrated Learning: A Document Analysis. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(15), Article 6478.
Persson, J., Svensson, A., Lindén, I. G., Kylén, S., & Hägglin, C. (2022). Aspects of Expansive Learning in the Context of Healthy Ageing—A Formative Intervention between Dental Care and Municipal Healthcare. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(3), 1089. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19031089
Perusso, A., & Wagenaar, R. (2024). Electronic work-based learning (eWBL): a framework for trainers in companies and higher education. Studies in Higher Education, 49(11), 1805–1821.
Putra, R.C., Barliana, M.S., Komaro, M., & Hamdani, A. (2022). Work-Integrated Learning in Vocational Education. Proceedings of the 4th International Conference on Innovation in Engineering and Vocational Education (ICIEVE 2021).
Ranabahu, N., Almeida, S., & Kyriazis, E. (2020). University-led internships for innovative thinking: a theoretical framework. Education and Training, 62(3), 235–254.
Roberts, L. J., Neyland, P. J., Devine, A. P., Harris, W. E., Bull, J. C., Froyd, C. A., Eastwood, D. C., Forman, D. W., & Elias, O. H. (2023). You said, we did! Employer led work-simulated learning framework for enhancing ecology graduate employability. Journal of Biological Education, 57(4), 746–765. https://doi.org/10.1080/00219266.2021.1979624
Rouvrais, S., Remaud, B., & Saveuse, M. (2020). Work-based learning models in engineering curricula: insight from the French experience. European Journal of Engineering Education, 45(1), 89–102. https://doi.org/10.1080/03043797.2018.1450846
Smith, C. (2012). Evaluating the quality of work-integrated learning curricula: A comprehensive framework. Higher Education Research & Development, 31(2), 247-262.
Smith, C., Ferns, S., & Russell, L. (2016). Designing work-integrated learning placements that improve student employability: Six facets of the curriculum that matter. Asia-Pacific Journal of Cooperative Education, 17(2), 197-211.
Smith, M., Bell, K., Bennett, D., & McAlpine, A. (2020). Employability in a global context: Evolving policy and practice in employability, work integrated learning, and career development learning. Graduate Careers Australia.
Snepvangers, K., & Rourke, A. (2020). Creative practice as a catalyst for developing connectedness capabilities: A community building framework from the teaching international students project. Journal of International Students, 10(Special Issue 2), 17–35.
Synot, E., Graham, M., Graham, J., Valencia-Forrester, F., Longworth, C., & Backhaus, B. (2021). Weaving First Peoples' knowledge into a university course. Australian Journal of Indigenous Education, 50(2), 222–228. https://doi.org/10.1017/jie.2019.29
Vailasseri, P., Long, J. M., & Joordens, M. (2021). Embedding bachelor of engineering university education with enhanced work-integrated learning. Education Sciences, 11(11), 751.
Van Dam, P. J., Griffin, P., Peterson, G. M., Reeves, N. S., Kirkwood, L., & Prior, S. J. (2020). Organizational support in healthcare redesign education: A mixed-methods exploratory study of expert coach and executive sponsor experiences. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(15), 5308. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17155308
Wang, J., Gill, C., & Lee, K. (2023). Effective mentoring in a work-integrated learning (WIL) program. Journal of Teaching in Travel and Tourism, 23(1), 20–38.
Winborg, J., & Hägg, G. (2023). The role of work-integrated learning in preparing students for a corporate entrepreneurial career. Education and Training, 65(4), 674–696.
Winchester-Seeto, T. M., Ferns, S. J., Lucas, P., Piggott, L., & Rowe, A. (2024). Intensive Work-Integrated Learning (WIL): The benefits and challenges of condensed and compressed WIL experiences. Journal of University Teaching and Learning Practice, 21(2), Article 06.
Xu, X. (2024). Navigating the AI Revolution: Implications for Business Education and Pedagogy. Journal of Curriculum and Teaching, 13(1), 371–383.
Yeo, N., & Rowley, J. (2020). 'Putting on a Show' Non-Placement WIL in the Performing Arts: Documenting Professional Rehearsal And Performance Using ePortfolio Reflections. Journal of University Teaching and Learning Practice, 17(4), Article 5.
Young, K., McKenzie, S., & Thomas, J. (2024b). A Work-Integrated Learning Framework: the what, where and how of evaluating WIL. Journal of Teaching and Learning for Graduate Employability, 15(1), Article 1986. https://doi.org/10.21153/jtlge2024vol15no1art1986
Young, K., Miller, K., Fontaine, S. L., Palmer, S., & Campbell, M. (2024a). A WIL assessment meta-framework for discipline-specific employability learning. Journal of Teaching and Learning for Graduate Employability, 15(1), Article 1949.
Zegwaard, K. E., & Rowe, A. D. (2019). Research-informed curriculum and advancing innovative practices in work-integrated learning. International Journal of Work-Integrated Learning, 20(4), 323-334. https://www.ijwil.org/files/IJWIL_20_4_323_334.pdf
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Universitas Ahmad Dahlan

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
Authors who publish with Journal of Vocational Education Studies (JOVES) agree to the following terms: Authors retain the copyright and grant the Universitas Ahmad Dahlan right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY-SA 4.0) that allows others to share (copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format) and adapt (remix, transform, and build upon the material) the work for any purpose, even commercially with an acknowledgement of the work's authorship and initial publication in Universitas Ahmad Dahlan. Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgement of its initial publication in Universitas Ahmad Dahlan. Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work (See The Effect of Open Access).








.png)


