Host Application Form for Work Integrated Learning Programme

ACCESS TO THE WORLD OF WORK
Access to the world of work is an important and integral part of the government’s attempts to address the challenges of skills provisioning and unemployment. As a vocational institute West Coast College has a responsibility to ensure our students are exposed to their chosen industry and provide them with practical skills.

In this respect the college works closely with various Sector Education and Training Authorities (Setas), the National Skills Fund (NSF) and other agencies to provide our graduates with work experiential learning opportunities.

The college’s Work Integrated Learning Programmes are directed at on-course as well as exiting students, and range from day excursions, five days’ observation, 3-12 months experiential learning, 18 months internships or engineering apprenticeships.

WORKPLACE BASED EXPERIENCE (WBE)
The DHET places great emphasis on practical work and students have set tasks/projects to cover whilst in the working environment, on which they must report and are assessed. WBE is structured so that students in their first year are introduced to the workplace, first with a Survey, then at least three group excursions, which then result in a question and answer task of a professional in the relevant industry. This task is used as part of summative assessment.

Second year students (NC(V) Level 3) are continuing with another two group excursions, followed by two days’ of observation and shadowing and result in the writing up of a report on the workplace. This report contributes to a year mark.

Final year students (NC(V) Level 4) are expected to be placed in the workplace for five days consecutively or structured over weeks. They have a WBE Icass Taskbook to perform specific tasks, which contributes to a year mark.

WBE is compulsory for all NC(V) students and is intended to prepare them better for the world of work. Because of the huge volumes of students expected to be exposed to work places, either in groups or as individuals observing or performing menial duties, the college will always need industry partners especially in the communities where the students reside.

we are currently integrating WBE as part of the curriculum. Students are encouraged to volunteer during college holidays as well or as negotiated with Host Employers.

Internships

Some study programmes require a period of practical work in order to obtain the full qualification. For example, the Report 191 programmes (Nated studies) offer students an N4, N5 and N6 certificate.

What you need to know:

In order to obtain the National N Diploma, the student must perform 2,000 hours or about 18 months of practical work relevant to the vocation. For Engineering Studies the applicant must complete relevant practical work for two years or 2,670 hours in the workplace.

Typically during this period a mentor is assigned in the workplace to coach the student how to do the work and to track their progress.

Learnerships

Learnerships are a combination of on-the-job-training and related classroom instruction, in which the student apply theoretical aspects in practice in the designated vocation.

What you need to know:

Typically a logbook is kept with experiences gained recorded during this period. It is not a full-time job but rather experiential learning. During this period you will receive a stipend, which may vary depending on the funding agency, qualification and trade

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are a combination of on-the-job-training and related classroom instruction, in which apprentices learn the practical and theoretical aspects of the designated trade.

What you need to know:

Apprenticeships are limited to technical trades, based on the Competency Based Modular Training (CBMT) system, meaning that an apprentice must pass the relevant modular and phase tests.

An Apprentice needs to work for the employer for a prescribed period, and they need to do Trade Test at the end of their training, after which they will be certified if successful, and be recognised as Artisans within the relevant industries.

LECTURER WORKPLACE BASED LEARNING
Industry based workplace learning for lecturers is a form of initial and continuing professional development that takes place through periodic placement and other forms of on-site engagement with employers. Main purpose is to expose lecturers to current technology, processes and systems in the industry they are training for.

It also serves to update their knowledge and skills in line with industry practice. The overall goal is to provide quality education and training that is aligned with industry practice. Typically most of this happens during the college holidays.

ADVANTAGES FOR BUSINESS
Getting involved in college workplace integrated learning programmes can be a strategic way for companies to recruit potential staff. There is no financial obligation on companies whilst students are hosted.

Upon successful completion of their studies, the students can go back to the companies and work for 12-18 months as an Intern or engineering apprentice for the company with no cost to the company.

Effectively used, these Internship opportunities can lead to an increase in the bottom line especially for SMMEs just starting out. Corporates who take on Apprenticeships also qualify for tax rebates.