Co-operative Education

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.