Co-operative Education
Facilitates a unique learning experience which delivers a specific type and level of knowledge, understanding and skills development through learning by applying theory in practice.
Co-operative Education
Work Integrated Learning
Co-operative Education facilitates a unique learning experience which delivers a specific type and level of knowledge, understanding and skills development through learning by applying theory in practice. The University movement sees itself as a partner with industry in the development and delivery of high-level human resources, which will contribute to the South African economy through its innovative approach to education.
Co-operative Education is the umbrella term that is used to summarise all activities such as placement of WIL students and Internship. Work Integrated Learning as a pedagogy of learning, consist of four modalities namely, Workplace Based Learning, Project-Based Learning, Problem-Based Learning and Work Directed Theoretical learning. In VUT, Workplace Based Learning is used as a compulsory component in most disciplines offered.
Apart from the placement of WIL and Graduate students, the department is also running activities such as: employability workshops, awareness campaigns, career fair on campus and employer function to acknowledge our industry partners as well as other activities. The department has also stretched its wings to prepare the students before they go out to industry using the JICA and DHET Employability Improvement Programme as a work-preparedness programme.
Vision
To provide Co-operative Education services to the students in order to enhance their employability in the industry and entrepreneurship capabilities.
Mission
To promote and extend the academic learning process into the workplace through Co-operative Education for the benefit of employers, students and the University by:
Establishing Co-operative Education partnerships with host employers aimed at providing suitable learning opportunities for students.
Establishing mechanisms to promote Co-operative education both internally and externally in order to increase visibility and support.
Participating in research in the area of Co-operative Work Integrated Education (CWIE) and engaging in community engagement projects.
Collaborating with stakeholders both national and international in order to build capacity of Co-operative and Work Integrated Education.
Amongst other services, the below is a summary of the services offered:
How we assist students
The Department assist students in searching opportunities for WIL/WBL and graduate placement. Students should submit their CV’s at the Co-operative Education Department (N108). It is important to note that CV’s must be updated every 06 months.
As soon as the Department is contacted by a company, the relevant CV’s will be sent to the company as per the company’s request. The company can then contact the student directly or the student will be contacted by the Co-operative Education Department on the outcome.
How we assist companies
Selection & placement of studentsCompanies can contact the Department if they are looking for students for placement opportunities
The Department will provide relevant CV’s.
The Department can contact the students on behalf of the company
The Department can facilitate the interview process
Company presentations Companies can contact the Department to coordinate company presentations to students
Career Fair The Department hosts an annual career fair (free of charge) during which companies are invited to set up exhibition stalls
Summary of Services
Company presentations to students
Company requests for students
CV submission
Scheduling of interviews
Placement of WIL/WBL students & graduates
WIL/WBL reports submission
Employability workshops (Job Search Skills, CV Writing Skills, Interview Skills)
Work Readiness Programme
Annual Career Fair
Annual Employer Awards Function
Placement of students on campus
In 2008 Management approved the placement of students on campus for the purpose of completing their Work Integrated Learning (WIL). The project was assigned to and is managed by the Co-operative Education Department. A specific budget is provided by Management in this regard.
The placement process is strictly to accommodate students that are still in need of WIL, in other words, they need WIL in order to attain their qualification. Therefore, ONLY the following students that have courses with compulsory WIL are eligible to apply:
| ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY (NATIONAL DIPLOMA) | |
| Chemical Engineering | 12 Months |
| Computer Systems | 12 Months |
| APPLIED & COMPUTER SCIENCES (NATIONAL DIPLOMA) | |
| Biotechnology | 12 Months |
| HUMAN SCIENES (NATIONAL DIPLOMA) | |
| Fashion Retail Management | 06 Weeks |
| Hospitality Management | 06 Months |
| Public Relations Management | 06 Months |
| MANAGEMENT SCIENCES (NATIONAL DIPLOMA) | |
| Sport Management | 06 Months |
The necessary forms can be collected from the Co-operative Education Department (N108). The authorisation form should be completed electronically and signed by the Line Manager and NOT by the student.
- Authorisation form for the appointment of WIL students to be completed online by the Line Manager
- VUT biographical questionnaire to be completed by the student
- CV of student
- Certified copy of ID (student)
- Certified copy of Senior certificate
- Certified copy of marriage certificate/complete divorce decree/affidavit for customary marriage
- Proof of residence
It is important to note that students will NOT receive a monthly salary. Students will only receive a stipend at the end of the training. The Line Manager must inform the student about this at the time of offering the student the opportunity for training.
This process does not apply in cases where the specific department wants to pay the student a monthly salary/stipend/honorarium. This is a process between the relevant department and HR. The Co-operative Education Department is not involved in this process at all.
Students are NOT allowed to claim stipends from the department where the student has been placed and from Co-operative Education simultaneously. Only a once off payment and one contract for each student is allowed. Students can be expected to repay the money if the student has claimed from both departments while doing training.
Please note the following:
- The authorisation forms and other documents of students must be sent to Co-operative Education BEFORE the student starts with the training.
- Students can only start with training AFTER the contract has been signed with HR. Students who have started before the contract has been signed will forfeit payment and the contract will not be approved or processed.
- The authorisation form and confirmation letter from the relevant department where the student is placed should only be signed by the relevant authorised lecturer or HoD.
- Students have to stay for their entire training period where the student is placed. NO student will receive the stipend if they did not complete their training.
- The relevant department where the student is placed must write a letter of completion before the student can claim the stipend.
- The student will only receive the stipend during the last month or at the end of the training period.
- Failure to comply with these guidelines will result in NON PAYMENT of the stipend to the student.
- No student will be allowed to claim at the end of the training period if the required guidelines have not been adhered to.
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National Diploma:
- Students must be finished with P2, assignments and theory modules before applying for graduation
- P2 final reports must be first submitted at the Co-operative Education Department (N108) before applying for graduation
- Students must apply at the Examination Department for graduation
- Documents to be submitted upon application:
- Certified copy of ID
- Original covering letter from company
- Form from Examination Department
- Closing dates for April graduation is 31 January and for September graduation 31 July of each year
Diploma:
- Students must be finished with all WBL modules, assignments and theory modules before applying for graduation
- WBL final module reports must be first submitted at the Co-operative Education Department (N108) before applying for graduation
- Students can apply at the Examination Department for graduation
- Documents to be submitted upon application:
- Certified copy of ID
- Original covering letter from company
- Form from Examination Department
- Closing dates for April graduation is 31 January and for September graduation 31 July of each year
Placement Opportunities
Students and graduates can contact the Co-operative Education Department for available placement opportunities:
Employers that is looking for students and graduates for placement opportunities can contact the Co-operative Education Department. Some students are funded by different SETA’s:
Tel: +27(0)16-950-9496/9522/9388
Email:Â wil@vut.ac.za
Co-operative Guidelines
WIL/WBL Report Submission:
Students should submit reports via email to the relevant WIL Coordinator and cc Mrs Dos Santos
WIL/WBL Registration Procedure:
Students MUST register within ONE MONTH from starting with training!
Contact Us
Mrs Annie Moletsane
Director: Co-operative Education & External Liaison
+27(0)16-950-9137
Fax: +27(0)16-950-9759
Mr Edwin Mabelane Industrial Liaison Practitioner +27(0)16-950-9151 Fax: +27(0)16-950-9759
Mr Simon Mohlala Industrial Liaison Practitioner +27(0)16-950-9343 Fax: +27(0)16-950-9759
Mr Themba Molotsi Industrial Liaison Practitioner +27(0)16-950-9804 Fax: +27(0)16-950-9759
Ms Ntebogeleng Digasu (Graduate Placement)
Co-operative Education Reception
Ms Ntebogeleng Digasu (Graduate Placement)
Mr Allen Motlhaping (WIL student in training)
Mr Desmond Mashava (WIL student in training)
Graduates are responsible for the Co-op Reception and is assisted by WIL students in training. Some of the functions of the Reception includes:
·        Students submission of CV’s for placement purposes
·        Sending CV’s to companies that request CV’s from the department
·        Students submission of WIL reports
·        Assist companies with arrangements for interviews
·        Coordinate company presentations to students
Tel: +27(0)16-950-9496/9522
Fax: +27(0)16-950-9759
Email: wil@vut.ac.za