WIL Workplacements

Work Integrated Learning / WIL Workplacements

Key Points

Definition of WIL Workplacements

Work Integrated Learning (WIL Workplacements) is an umbrella term for any purposefully-designed learning programme that integrates theoretical knowledge with authentic and/ or practical work. WIL could be described as an educational approach that aligns academic and workplace practices for the benefit of the student.

Purpose of WIL Workplacements

To obtain relevant working experience in a suitable workplace in relation to the course of study as required by Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and the Quality Assurers, the Seta’s. This would confirm students’ competency and enhance their employability skills

Types of placements

Job shadowing

Students from various programmes and intermediate levels require workplace exposure and practical experience for a very short period of time, e.g. 5 days. The intent is exposure to the real world of work. The placement usually takes place during the academic period (in the College recess).

Internships

A substantial period (18 months to 2 years) work experience undertaken after completion of an institutional-based programme of study, for example N6. This exposure enables the student to develop occupational competence through repeated and varied application in the workplace and on completion of this period the student can apply for a National Diploma from the DHET

Apprenticeships

An apprenticeship is an agreement between an apprentice and an employer for a set period of time during which the apprentice works and receives training in the workplace Students are placed in a workplace whereby During the workplace experience students acquire the essentials skills to apply for a Trade Test.

Learnerships

The Skills Development Act of 1998 replaced the apprenticeship model with that of the learnership model. Learnerships are learning programmes that require learning on the job supported by structured or institutional learning. They are generally designed in the SETAs, approved by the Department of Labour, funded from the Skills Levy and must lead to a qualification on the NQF. It is directly related to an occupation or field of work, e.g. electrical engineering, hairdressing or project management. Depending on the model that is followed, students would be required to work 4 days and attend class for 1 day a week.

Occupational placements

Where students who completed a Competency Based Modular Training course are who were either sent by their employers otherwise they would seek work placement to acquire the relevant industry skills for any of the specific jobs, trades and/or professions listed in the Organising Framework of Occupations (OFO codes). It consists of knowledge unit standards, practical unit standards and work experience unit standards such as boilermakers, bookkeepers, chefs, etc.

Lecturer placements

This includes an activity undertaken by Northlink TVET College in conjunction with industry to develop the lecturer’s knowledge and skills in the field of expertise. Through these placements lecturers can receive on-the-job training and enhance their teaching approach in terms of practical and workshop-based components of the programmes. These engagements may include field-trips, workplaces, construction worksites, engineering workshops, offices, factories, meetings, orientation programmes. The duration of the training sessions is between 1-5 days.

Guest lecturers/ visiting industry expert placements

An external specialist who volunteers to lecture or offer practical training to the College. The specialists do not duplicate but rather enriches the programme offerings. The input could include lecturers’ demonstrations, staff development, coaching and/ or mentorship, providing input on current technologies and industry practices.

Benefits of participating in WIL (Placements)

Host Employers

An opportunity to influence academic and occupational delivery
Access to energetic and innovative students
Obtain BBBEE points
Opportunity to establish and build partnerships with TVET Colleges and Public Private Partnerships
SARS tax rebates
Direct impact on the reduction of unemployment
Addressing scarce and critical skills in the sector

Students

An opportunity to engage with WIL
Obtaining respective National N-Diploma’s
Qualifying as an artisan
Develop a positive and professional work ethic conduct themselves in a professional manner
Potential permanent employment – reduce unemployment rate
Privy to professional employment networks and linkages
Obtaining working experience, relevant to studies