In 2018 ACEDD was involved with scientists from Curtin University, the University of South Australia and Queensland University of Technology in a projected funded by the Australian Technology Network Universities titled Increasing effectiveness in whole-of-curriculum field-based work-integrated learning of the natural environment for improved employability.
The project focused on identifying the employability skills developed in field-based units delivered in undergraduate earth and environmental science programs in response to the demands for the tertiary education sector to provide graduates with improved employability skills through an industry relevant curriculum.
The most significant finding of the project was that field-based units can be designed to meet the needs of WIL. It also found that fieldwork is considered essential for preparing students for the workplace, but it is expensive, risky and for these reasons not supported in some institutions.