Part 2: Honouring VUT Alumnus, Walter Mgiba, and JEDD WIL Graduates

The four Vaal University of Technology (VUT) graduates and now staff members at JEDD Civils (Pty) Ltd, www.jedd.co.za, Thandeka Mkhwanazi, Tiyiso Maluleke, and Marcia Masia, the experience as WIL students and their transition from the institution of learning to the world of work. They studied engineering at VUT, did their P1 and P2 work-based training at JEDD Civils (Pty) Ltd, and started their careers there. Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) is a structured programme that introduces graduates to the world of work. It is a requirement for the students to graduate from the Universities of Technology (UoTs). It is run by the UoTs Cooperative Education Divisions or Departments, which are charged with establishing relationships with the industry and sourcing work-based learning vacancies as part of the completion of their studies. The benefit for the companies is that they can develop future talent without the risk of employing the graduates upon completion of their studies. However, if the students perform well, the companies have a preemptive advantage over non-participating companies.