The state of work-based learning development in EU higher education: Learnings from the WEXHE project

Globalisation, technological changes and the industry-to-service economy
transition has produced dramatic changes in the labour market, thus
affecting higher education. It is no longer sufficient to provide students
with disciplinary knowledge. Graduates are also expected to be
adaptive, innovative and flexible. As these competencies are better
developed in connection with practice, this implies modifications in the
learning design. In this context, work-based learning (WBL) emerges as
a relevant approach as it provides students learning experiences
oriented for the appreciation of work and practical knowledge.
However, several issues still restrain its expansion in the European
Union (EU). There is (i) a great disparity in WBL implementation among
EU countries which relates to educational cultures, (ii) a concentration
in certain disciplinary areas such as business and engineering, and (iii) a
lack of quality assurance. Drawing on reports and materials produced
by the Erasmus+ project Integrating Entrepreneurship and Work
Experience into Higher Education (WEXHE), this paper explores these
issues by identifying differences in the level of implementation as well
as design and delivery of WBL in seven EU countries across four
disciplinary areas. It then brings forward success factors and drivers
instrumental to the further development of better WBL.