Students / Workplace-based Learning (WPBL)
Workplace-based
Learning (WPBL)
Workplace-based Learning (WPBL) institutes partnerships between the college, host employers and funders/stakeholders. The component could thus be described as an educational approach that aligns academic and workplace practices for the mutual benefit of the student and workplace.
The expectations from WPBL are high, particularly to ensure work placement opportunities for all students required to complete experiential learning. The Council on Higher Education (CHE) (2011: 6) cautions as follows: WPBL does not offer a ‘quick fix’ solution to national industry’s lack of competitiveness; nor can it transform a ‘low skills’ society into a ‘high skills’ one overnight. Some of the challenges experienced by the division is integral to the changes in the job market and the economic status of the country.
