ICMS WIL Leader joins National WIL Australia Committee

ICMS Professional Placement Manager Natalie Harrison will represent ICMS as the NSW/ACT chapter member of Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Australia. 

This appointment highlights ICMS’s commitment to giving students real-world opportunities and a strong start in their chosen careers. 

Harrison, who has long been involved in brokering industry connections through ICMS, is no stranger to WIL Australia.  

She’s previously shared her expertise at the association’s conferences and meetings. Her position on the committee comes at a pivotal time for ICMS, as the college continues to advance its WIL program and strengthen its University College application. 

“I’m looking forward to using ICMS data to help identify what employers are looking for in entry-level roles, and where we can better prepare our students,” Harrison said.  

“Advocating for paid professional placements across New South Wales and Australia will be a big focus for me. I want to make sure students are valued for the contributions they make while they learn on the job.” 

The push for Australia-wide paid placements is being discussed at government level. The recent introduction of paid clinical placements in some fields of study has recently been implemented.  

Offering some remuneration for students on placement will enable students to focus on their placement without having to juggle additional casual employment and studies, assisting in a successful transition from study to work. 

Spotlight on Work-Integrated Learning Australia

WIL Australia is the national body for work-integrated learning, uniting university specialists, industry leaders, and government partners.  

Its goal is to support quality and inclusive WIL experiences for students across the country, helping bridge the gap between theory and practical skills through collaboration and professional development.  

ICMS: Industry Experience at the Core

ICMS has built a reputation for equipping students with hands-on industry experience during their studies.  

Every degree includes a professional placement – often exceeding 600 hours – matched to the student’s chosen field. This approach keeps coursework relevant and ensures graduates can step directly into their industries with confidence. 

Recent achievements show how the WIL program contributes to student success and employability.  

ICMS was named a finalist for the AFR Higher Education Awards in the ‘Employability’ category in both 2025 and 2023; a reflection of the strong focus on real-world outcomes and preparing students for life after graduation. 

In 2024, 96% of ICMS graduates were employed upon their November graduation, with 76% of graduates reporting that the company where they completed their placement wanted them to stay on*.

In 2023, one in three graduates secured a job at their WIL placement company, and every March 2023 graduate was already employed at the time of commencement. 

With over 1,000 industry partners, ICMS connects students to leading Australian and international companies. 

Mentoring Future Careers

The Work-Integrated Learning team at ICMS, led by Harrison, acts as a bridge between academic learning and the workforce.  

Harrison’s new committee position means she’ll have a voice on an influential membership association for ongoing improvements in the WIL and Career development environment. 

With a focus on paid placements and staying in tune with employer needs, ICMS is well-placed to keep delivering graduates who are confident, capable, and ready for their chosen professions. 

*Disclaimer: Internal November Graduate Survey 2023. Please note that the employment statistics provided in this article are based on a survey of graduates who are in the labour force and have completed the survey. This excludes individuals who are not in the labour force, including those who are unable to work, as well as those who choose not to work. Placement opportunities and career outcomes are subject to individual performance, program requirements, and industry availability. ICMS does not guarantee employment or specific placement outcomes.