Connectivity

Engaging with Industry in the Creation of Student Placement Opportunities

Authors

  • Monica Short  School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Australia 
  • Erica Russ University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia
  • Scott Gartshore University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia
  • Natalie Morton Australian Catholic University, Strathfield, NSW, Australia
  • Dalia Pisk University of New South Wales, NSW, Australia
  • Robyn Fitzroy University Centre for Rural Health, University of Sydney, Lismore, NSW, Australia
  • Sara Hitchen University of Stirling, Faculty of Social Sciences, Scotland
  • Sheriden Fyson Victims Services, Department of Justice, NSW, Australia
  • Davinia Jones Charles Sturt University, NSW, Australia
  • Bec Burrowes Australian Catholic University, NSW, Australia
  • Angela Whitby CatholicCare Diocese of Broken Bay, NSW, Australia

Keywords:

Social work, Field education, Partnership, Engagement, Connectivity, Collaboration, Non-traditional placements

Abstract

Innovation in placements is challenging stereotypes in social work field education. This article presents a Co-operative Inquiry between industry and university stakeholders, located in Australia and Scotland, about their experiences of non-traditional social work placements, and whether connectivity promotes such placements. Co-operative Inquiry, a participatory research methodology, involves researching and writing with people rather than about people. Our inquiry led us to consider connectivity (differing from collaboration) to be about engagement, relationships and partnerships with agencies and colleagues that create and impact practice learning opportunities. This article posits that interprofessional connections drive collaboration and quality learning outcomes for students, staff and educators across university and industry. Interprofessional connectivity can lead to future placements, improved placement capacity and possible expanded employment opportunities for social workers. 

Author Biography

Monica Short ,  School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Australia 

 

 

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Published

2021-03-24

Issue

Vol. 22 No. 2 (2021): Advances in Social Work and Welfare Education

Section

Full Articles

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