The role of Work Integrated Learning (WIL) on student readiness for the working environment in the department of human resources management at the Durban University of Technology

Abstract

Work Integrated Learning (WIL) has surfaced as a process that involves the transfer of theoretical knowledge to the actual practical application in the working environment. It is a pedagogical approach to placing students in touch with the realities of the working environment. Hence, the role of WIL is to develop student readiness for the working environment. The study explored the influence of WIL on student readiness for the working environment of the final year students in the department of Human Resources Management at the DUT. The objectives of the study were threefold: (i) to establish whether there is a relationship between WIL and student readiness of third year HRM for the working environment (ii) to ascertain the perception of third year HRM students regarding WIL, and (iii) to identify the factors that influence the effectiveness of WIL. The study adopted the positivist research paradigm and used the quantitative approach. A structured closed-end questionnaire was used to gather data which was analysed using SPSS version 30. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were conducted to draw deductions. The study used consensus sampling and a total of 80 responses were received. The results of the study indicated that student readiness exhibited a strong positive correlation with the WIL programme effectiveness. Furthermore, readiness showed a moderate positive correlation with the preparation programme. A weaker yet statistically significant correlation was observed between readiness and support.

Keywords: {'name': 'Human Resources Management (HRM), preparation programmes, student readiness, working environment, employability, Work-Integrated Learning (WIL)'}

Authors & affiliations

Ashnee Rajlal
Durban University of Technology

Tatenda Chikukwa
Durban University of Technology

Lungisani Webster Hlophe
University of South Africa

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