This chapter presents a case study research project conducted in a vocational college in Northwest China, focusing on work-integrated learning (WIL) and its impact on adult learners’ soft skill development. Using experiential learning theory, the study provides an in-depth analysis of the learners’ perspectives on their work-integrated experiences. These experiences, which included hands-on tasks and reflective observations, were closely examined to understand their role in fostering deeper learning and personal growth. The participants in their second and third years of the business courses taught in English engaged in various WIL activities, such as mentorship, business field trips, and internships. WIL is highly valued for its ability to provide students with practical industry experience and better prepare them for the workforce. However, the literature lacks sufficient evidence on how WIL contributes to developing soft skills concerning student agency and how these programs are assessed in terms of student efficacy. The findings of the study, based on three focus group interviews, highlight the positive impact, especially in business and finance areas. The exploration of vocational college students’ experiences and perceptions of soft skill development through WIL showed that many students felt better prepared for their future careers due to these experiences and expressed a desire for longer program durations. This chapter contributes to the existing literature on WIL, assessment, and its role in enhancing soft skills among adult learners. It provides valuable insights for institutions aiming to integrate soft skills effectively into WIL, thereby shaping adult learners’ professional acumen. As institutions grapple with the imperative to equip adult learners with essential soft skills, this study’s insights can contribute to the design of future WIL programs. The study also emphasizes the significance of continuous improvement and innovation in assessment methods for accurately measuring adult learners’ soft skill development. By implementing these enhanced assessment methods, institutions could optimize the integration of soft skills into WIL, shaping effective adult learning strategies in an evolving professional landscape. © 2025 The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.
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