Finding your WIL opportunity

It is important to know who is responsible for finding the WIL opportunity for the course you are taking – do you need to find an opportunity and confirm with course staff or will the course staff be responsible for this? Check in with the Course Coordinator to confirm.

For both student and UC sourced opportunities, you are encouraged to discuss your placement with your whānau and support people, i.e., Course Coordinators, Kaiurungi (for Māori and Pacific student support), etc.

Student sourced opportunities 

If you are responsible for finding a suitable opportunity, be sure to check what the requirements are from your UC Contact, and if there is anything specific you need to consider.

There are helpful resources available through the Te Rōpū Rapuara | UC Careers Team about job hunting which can also be applied when looking for WIL opportunities.

If you are interested in a placement with an Iwi entity or kaupapa Māori organisation, please connect with your faculty Kaiārahi in the first instance or ask your course coordinator’s support to do so. 

Check out NZUniTalent which also has paid internship opportunities advertised.

UC sourced opportunities 

If UC is finding a WIL experience for you, make sure you provide all information requested. This may include an application form, CV, cover letter, interview. This is also your opportunity to let your UC Contact know if you would like to meet with your faculty Kaiurungi (Māori and Pacific student advisor) for cultural support in the workplace (you can always opt-in at any stage of your placement). If you have any specific requirements for your WIL experience, it is important that you inform the UC Contact so they can take these into consideration and discuss possible adjustments, including any accessibility, health-related matters or learning support requirements.

If you have any additional requirements (e.g. learning support, health-related support, accessibility requirements) UC encourages you to speak with your Host Contact about how they can support you to enable you to get the most from the WIL experience. If you would like support with this, please contact your UC Contact or Te Ratonga Whaikaha | UC Student Accessibility Service.

Be sure to check any application closing dates or other dates so you don’t miss out (details should be on the course information page). WIL opportunities are often confirmed at least a month prior to the start of the intake so you may need to apply a couple of months in advance.

Course considerations

It is important to understand what the course requirements are before you enrol in the course, including (but not limited to):

• Time commitment (how many hours do you need to complete over how many weeks)
• Are there workshops/ tutorials/ classes you need to attend?
• What are the assignments?
• Impact of absences of meeting your course requirements
• Impact on other employment or income
• How far are you expected to travel and any associated costs (are you expected to cover travel or additional accommodation costs?)
• Any additional supports you may like to have in place
• If you will be working with children, you will be required to undergo vetting to meet with requirements of the Children’s Act 2014

WIL courses are often experienced in a different way to more traditional courses – remember, you will be going into a new environment, with new people, having new experiences, and this can all be felt in different ways. Some ākonga find it to be more mentally draining as they figure out new expectations and norms. This is all to be expected. So, when considering enrolling in a WIL course, be mindful of this and how it will fit in with your other commitments, courses, employment etc.

Paid vs unpaid

Another important aspect to know in advance is if the WIL experience will be paid or unpaid. Most WIL opportunities sourced by the University will be unpaid. However if you have found a paid opportunity, that is generally ok. If it is paid, do check in with your UC Contact to see if there is anything you need to be mindful of, i.e., how this may impact study-link entitlements.

Travel Expectations

Depending on the course you are enrolled in, you may be expected to travel either around Ōtautahi Christchurch, within Waitaha Canterbury or other areas of the motu (country). Talk to your UC Contact if there are circumstances which mean you have restrictions on how far you are able to travel to see if these can be accommodated. Please be aware this is not always possible.

If your WIL experience is not within close proximity, there may be additional costs to consider. If the cost may impact your ability to complete the course, chat with your UC Contact in the first instance.

Depending on your situation, StudyLink may be able to help – contact them as soon as possible to discuss your situation.

Check out the Tertiary Student Metrocard for cheaper bus travel around Christchurch.

Preparing for the workplace

This may be your first employment experience, or experience within a workplace related to your field of study. While this is new and exciting, it can also feel a bit nerve-racking. This is all normal!

Although each workplace is different, we have included some key themes that students may encounter during their placement:

• Many workplaces will expect a blend of collective and self-directed work. This may include projects where multiple people contribute by going away to work individually on a section of the project; or projects where team members work side-by-side to discuss and action ideas. It is appropriate to check-in around the style and expectations of your workplace
• An increasing number of workplaces in Aotearoa New Zealand are incorporating the use of te reo Māori in their day-to-day business. It is a good idea to learn some simple greetings and the correct pronunciation of these. We have included some commonly used phrases for the workplace at the back of this resource.
• Most people are referred to by their first names and management style is usually informal
• Managers are respected by the staff but also seen as one of the team
• Firms within Aotearoa New Zealand tend to be small - 97% of all firms within NZ have fewer than 20 employees, which means in many of these organisations, staff can work closely with the decision-makers
• Workplaces in Aotearoa New Zealand tend to have a relatively casual dress-code; however, it is a good idea to ask before your first day – it's easier to start more formally and adjust as required
• It’s okay and often encouraged to ask questions and share ideas!

If you would like to chat with someone about any of this, there is support on campus:

• UC Contact
• Te Rōpū Rapuara | UC Careers
• Student Care
• Te Waka Pākākano: Kaiurungi | Māori and Pacific Student Advisors
• Rainbow Advisors

Expectations

Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury has three core values which describe who we are and how we do things: whanaungatanga, tiakitanga, and manaakitanga. These values challenge and inspire both staff and students to empower others and to be the best we can in our work, our studies and our interactions with each other.

Underpinning these values are the attributes of:

• Tika – doing what is right, being professional and maintaining high standards
• Pono – being honest, truthful and acting with integrity
• Aroha – being respectful, responsive and empathetic

Students are required to behave professionally in the workplace (tika), act with honesty and integrity in the workplace (pono),and be respectful of their workplace colleagues (aroha).   

In return, UC expects that you will also be treated with respect.

Each role involved in WIL has responsibilities to ensure that the experience is safe and valuable for those involved while upholding UC’s values:

Student

As a student, ensure you have read and understood all information provided and requirements before the commencement of your WIL experience. If you are unsure of anything or have questions, the best starting point is to talk with your UC Contact.

The following are the minimum expectations of you during your WIL experience:

Behaviour

• Uphold the UC values, demonstrating honesty and integrity including with UC assignments
• Treat colleagues, clients and others during the WIL experience with respect
• Respect the cultural needs and values of others
• Observe professional or disciplinary codes of conduct and ethics
• Behave in a manner that upholds the reputation of the University
• Be courteous towards others and respect property

 Health, Safety and Wellbeing

• Appropriately and safely use technology
• Watch UC’s Health and Safety video (below) so you are able ensure the health and safety of yourself and others around you
• Be self-motivated and actively contribute to your own personal and professional learning
• Utilise appropriate stress- and time-management skills
• Do not engage in any discriminatory or bullying behaviors and talk to your UC Contact if you see this behaviour occur.
• Monitor your own health and wellbeing, and seek support when required
• Raise any concerns regarding health, safety and wellbeing

Communication

• Communicate appropriately and in a timely manner with the University, and Host Contact. There will be different expectations depending on your course.
• Maintain accurate written work
• Engage positively with the host organisation and wider community
• Practise incorporating te reo Māori in your conversations

 Legal, Compliance and Ethics

• Demonstrate ethical behavior, including confidentiality and privacy
• Adhere to workplace policies and procedures
• Hold in confidence all information which is not in the public domain, and which is reasonably regarded as confidential
• Observe University Student Codes of Conduct and ethics
• Meet University expectations and obligationsincluding course requirements

Host Organisation

The Host Organisation is integral to the success of your WIL experience and as such, there are a number of important responsibilities they have:

• Treat you with respect and inclusion
• Provide a main point of contact for you. Depending on your course, they may also provide regular supervision and mentoring.
• Provide access to the necessary or relevant organisational information for you to complete your project or WIL experience (subject to commercial sensitivity and the Privacy Act 2020)
• Notify the University of Canterbury contact person as soon as possible of any incidents or illnesses during the WIL experience
• Complete required documentation required for your WIL activity

In addition to the above, for those completing a more immersive WIL experience, your Host must:

• Provide a safe working environment, where they have primary duty of care responsibility of you if you are on site and during your WIL activity (where applicable),
• Complete a workplace induction with you on your first day on site (fulfilling the requirements of the Health and Safety Act with respect to the student. For WIL experiences where you aren’t on site, this will not need to occur.
• Provide you with relevant policies and procedures including physical harm as well as emotional harm including bullying and harassment.

Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury

Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury also has responsbilities:

• Provide clear and comprehensive information and requirements for your WIL experience, including health and safety information and supports available to you
• Provide confirmation of the WIL experience and required documentation
• Provide support and pastoral care to you during your WIL experience
• Be available to you for advice and advocacy regarding any aspect of your WIL activity
• Provide timely and relevant communication as required
• Provide support to the Host Organisation
• Hold in confidence all information which is not in the public domain, and which is reasonably regarded by your organisation as confidential.

Where to find the right information

Being in a WIL activity is complex and there are many moving parts. There are three key mechanisms to provide information, which are:

1.      AKO | LEARN

AKO | LEARN will continue to be your main source of course-related information and learning materials, and will be your first point of contact for required information. This should also link to the online version of this Guide.

2.      Your Guide to WIL (this document)

To provide information, tips and support before, during and after your placement, as well as to outline your responsibilities, health and safety information and how to make the most of your WIL activity.

3.      UCPlacements

This is UC’s system for managing your WIL activity, including where all documentation relating to your WIL, where you can log your hours, and all communication will be stored. You will be able to link to this from LEARN, as well as access directly online, or through the mobile app.