Benefits

Benefits for students

• Intergration of the knowledge and skills required for real-world applications
• Clarification of career options and more directed study towards final choices
• Increased retention of learning and improved academic performance
• Development of motivation, maturity, confidence and interpersonal skills
• Improved employability through the resultant record of work experience, the opportunity to be previewed by potential employers and the development of a network of professional contacts

Benefits for employers

• Cost effective labour for the duration of work-intergrated learning
• A source of skilled employees who better fit organizational needs
• A better screening process for potential employees
• Reduced recruitment and induction costs
• Job enrichment and improved morale for permanent staff who are assigned to mentor trainees
• Development of a culture of learning within the organization
• Opportunity to influence college curricula and be influenced by it in terms of new ideas, systems, processes and technology.

Benefits for colleges

• Increased alignment of college programmes with current industry practice and skills needs
• Continuous feedback from employers on the performance of students and currency of college curricula
• Increased motivation for students, leading to higher pass and throughput rates
• Enhancement of the college’s reputation by providing high -quality training that leads to employment
• Additional human and material resources arising from closer linkages and partnerships with employers