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The Association of Childrens Welfare Agencies (ACWA) developed a work based learning (WBL) partnership with the School of Community and Organisational Studies, University of Western Sydney Nepean (SCOS UWS Nepean) in 1988 and delivered the first full time Graduate Diploma in Social Sciences (Community Services) in 1999. The course has been highly successful and the first cohort of students graduated in April 2000, with the second year of the partnership successfully under way in 2000. This paper explores the partnership from the perspective of ACWA as the industry partner. It reports on the issues around development, delivery and operational experiences which have evolved and impacted on the relationship. Particular learning experiences have included the development of a truly collaborative approach, where the partners have a strong sense of joint ownership. Issues in relation to recognition of prior learning (RPL), the relationship with employer organisations and employees, development of the core subject materials and teaching and assessment have all presented new challenges and learning opportunities for the partners. The authors also discuss structural arrangements which have impacted on the partnership arrangements including the everyday operational aspects of the course. This includes student support, block co-ordination, promotion and publicity and administrative requirements. A further aspect in relation to the management of a collaborative, entrepreneurial process is also discussed