The perspectives of new student enrollees regarding the vacation work program

Samuel Loyiso Gqibani, Albert Maile

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

In South Africa, Universities of Technology and some Comprehensive Universities used to offer a three-year diploma, which was two years of theory and a year of Work Integrated Learning. Recently, a three-year degree was introduced that did not have the Work Integrated Learning component. Work Integrated Learning is defined as a form of workplace experience that incorporates both the formal and practical aspects of education within a structured work environment. The absence of Work Integrated Learning in the curriculum for the degree has created a gap because graduates were no more exposed to Industry. The Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Technology facilitated negotiations with industry for students to spend time in the workplace during vacation. Vacation work is a program aimed at equipping students with some industry-relevant practical skills via exposure to the work environment. As a result of the intervention, a group of five students were placed in one of the Mining Companies for vacation work. The aim of this study is to investigate the perspectives of these students regarding the vacation work program. Using qualitative research methods, the participants were asked to share their perspectives. Data shows that vacation work is ideal for the integration of classroom theory with practical work. It can also be concluded that the perspectives of students regarding the vacation work, has an impact on how they adapt to the workplace, and therefore their performance and ability to acquire useful skills during their placement.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication2022 IEEE IFEES World Engineering Education Forum - Global Engineering Deans Council, WEEF-GEDC 2022 - Conference Proceedings
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
ISBN (Electronic)9781665475280
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2022
Event2022 IEEE IFEES World Engineering Education Forum - Global Engineering Deans Council, WEEF-GEDC 2022 - Cape Town, South Africa
Duration: 27 Nov 20221 Dec 2022

Publication series

Name2022 IEEE IFEES World Engineering Education Forum - Global Engineering Deans Council, WEEF-GEDC 2022 - Conference Proceedings

Conference

Conference2022 IEEE IFEES World Engineering Education Forum - Global Engineering Deans Council, WEEF-GEDC 2022
Country/TerritorySouth Africa
CityCape Town
Period27/11/221/12/22

Keywords

  • Bachelor of Engineering Technology
  • Institutions of Higher Learning
  • internship
  • vacation work

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Engineering (miscellaneous)
  • Developmental and Educational Psychology
  • Education

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