Wintec has developed the Wintec Industry Sharing Experience (WISE) program to enable staff and students to form valuable partnerships with employers, as well as increase their knowledge and industry currency, through industry secondments and teaching partnerships.
WISE took the form of a professional career break, enabling staff to undertake a secondment to an external organisation. This was launched alongside the company’s formal flexible working and career break processes, which aimed to support staff wellbeing, morale, engagement, and retention. The initiative has resulted in 45% of Wintec’s academic staff being industry active.
“Ninety-six per cent of respondents to our Wintec Experience survey… have rated our flexible work practices as good or excellent,” said Katrina Van de Ven, executive director people and culture. “87% of staff took part in our annual employee engagement survey, with 76% favourable rating for diversity and inclusion. Employers who were surveyed responded positively, with almost 60% agreeing that our academic staff are industry current, and 75% agreeing that Wintec keeps employers informed of changes relative to their industry.”