Civil engineering employers’ engagement in work-integrated learning

In this paper, two case studies of enhancing undergraduate students’ learning through work-integrated learning are presented. Both interventions involve university–industry partnerships with local and regional civil engineering employers. Industry Mentoring (2010–2024) is a curricular activity with an authentic assessment. Third-year student mentees (n = 1130) were mentored by 298 practising civil engineers, representing 80 employers. Civil Engineering 4 Real (CE4R, 2012–2024) is a co-curricular hybrid programme of problem/project-based evening workshops (n = 133), attended by 594 students with around 2867 student attendances, supported by 218 engineers, representing 76 employers. Industry Mentoring and CE4R support students to network with employers, enhance their employability skills, and shape their professional identity. Through their free assistance, employers have established a talent pipeline, recruiting students for summer placements and graduate jobs. For employers, their engagement provides evidence of enacting their corporate social responsibility through providing a social value contribution to a local university.