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
Co-operative Education
Co-operative Education offers a distinctive learning experience that provides a specific level and type of knowledge, understanding, and skills development through the application of theory in practice. The University collaborates with industry to enable this unique learning process.
The term Co-operative Education serves as an umbrella encompassing all activities such as the placement of Work Integrated Learning (WIL) students, internships, and similar initiatives. As a pedagogy, Work Integrated Learning consists of various modalities. At VUT, Workplace-Based Learning is utilised as a compulsory modality across most academic disciplines.
Strategic Goal, Objectives & Priorities
Co-operative Education aligns with the University’s Strategic Objective 1: Techno-Entrepreneurial Graduates and Innovation – Quality Student Experience. The strategic priorities of Co-operative Education include the placement of students, establishing and strengthening relationships with industry, sourcing funding for students, forming strategic partnerships, and preparing students for the realities of the working world.
VISION
Co-operative Education aligned its Vison and Mission with the Vision and Mission of VUT. Co-operative Education’s Vision is to provide Co-operative Education services to the students 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 to increase visibility and support.
- Participating in research in Co-operative Work Integrated Education (CWIE).
- Collaborating with stakeholders both national and international to build capacity of Co-operative and Work Integrated Education (CWIE).
VALUES
- Excellence
- Professionalism
- Integrity & honesty
- Transparency
- Mutual respect
- Tolerance
- Creativity
- Collegiality
- Diversity
SERVICES OFFERED
- Forging relationships with industry, commerce and SETA’s
- Sourcing possible funding for students and graduates
- Receiving CV’s of students for placement opportunities
- Database for eligible, placed and unplaced students
- Company requests
- Schedule interviews on campus for companies
- Placement of students (WIL, Internship and permanent opportunities)
- Placement on campus
- Orientation of students
- Awareness campaigns
- Employability Workshops (Job Search Skills, CV Writing Skills and Interview Skills)
- Submission of WIL reports
- Work Readiness Programme
- Company presentations
- Annual VUT Career Fair
- Annual Employer Awards Function
DIPLOMA APPLICATIONS
- Students have to apply at the Examinations department before 31 January for 1st semester and before 31 July for 2nd semester graduations.
- Please contact the Examinations department for the required documentation.
- Diploma application processing can take 4 – 5 weeks.
- Students have to confirm approval of diploma application at the Examinations department.
PLACEMENT OPPORTUNITIES
- Students and graduates can contact Co-operative Education for available placement opportunities.
- Employers that are looking for students and graduates for placement opportunities can contact Co-operative Education. Some students are funded by SETA’s.
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!
Work Integrated Learning
Contact Us
Co-operative Education Reception
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
Fax: +27(0)16-950-9759
