Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC) has been recognised for its leadership in work-integrated learning (WIL) and employability, receiving two awards at a global gathering of sector leaders.
Presented last week at the joint conference between WILNZ and the World Association for Cooperative and Work-Integrated Education (WACE) International Research Symposium, the awards highlight UC’s growing influence in shaping how universities connect learning with real-world experience.
The Centre for Employability & Career Development received the WILNZ Innovation and Excellence Award, recognising sustained and innovative practice in delivering high-quality work-integrated learning. A second award, the WILNZ Collaboration Award, was presented to Mastering Mountains Charitable Trust for its partnership with UC through the Professional and Community Engagement (PACE) internship programme.
Director of the Centre for Employability & Career Development Clare Murray says the recognition reflects a collective effort across the University and its partners.
“This is about the people behind the work - our staff and partners who are committed to creating meaningful learning experiences that prepare students for what comes next,” she says.
Since 2022, UC has taken a deliberate, institution-wide approach to strengthening work-integrated learning. The establishment of a dedicated WIL hub, now the Centre for Employability & Career Development, has brought together policy, systems and support to embed work-integrated learning and career development learning across the University.
This approach has enabled significant growth in the PACE programme, which connects students with community and industry partners through real-world projects. Students apply their academic learning in authentic contexts, developing skills, confidence and a clearer sense of their future pathways.
The Collaboration Award recognises the impact of UC’s partnership with Mastering Mountains Charitable Trust, which supports people with neurological disabilities to get outdoors, and provides interdisciplinary opportunities for students to contribute to real organisational challenges. Through this collaboration, students from a range of disciplines have worked alongside the organisation, gaining practical experience while contributing fresh perspectives.
The awards were presented as part of the WACE International Research Symposium, which brings together global leaders in work-integrated learning, research and practice. Being recognised in this context reinforces UC’s position as a contributor to international conversations on employability and the future of higher education.
As universities respond to changing workforce needs, UC continues to focus on building strong partnerships and embedding employability across the student experience, ensuring graduates are well prepared for the opportunities and challenges ahead.
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