Work Integrated Learning

The Conservation and Marine Sciences department offers career-orientated training that consists of a theoretical and practical component. The practical training component is known as the Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Programme. The programme's primary objective is to expose the student to the field of nature conservation and provide the chance to gain valuable experience in this field. The student will be familiarised with the nature conservation industry and get the opportunity to apply their knowledge in practice.

What is WIL?

The basic principle of WIL is that personal growth and professional development are best achieved by an educational method that combines classroom learning with practical experience. WIL more effectively prepares the student for living in an adult-oriented world because it provides them with meaningful interaction with the total environment. It gives reality and relevance to the theoretical knowledge they have already gained.

Students work for ten consecutive months in an appropriate workplace such as a protected area, nature conservation-orientated farm, or industry. During their tenure, they must identify, plan, and execute a research project. They also need to expose themselves to and participate in activities related to resource management, general administration and maintenance, conservation compliance, and conservation communication. The level of involvement is such that the student can demonstrate insight and understanding by providing a critical written assessment of the actions executed.

Does WIL provide practical career experience and education?

WIL provides a career-related experience that extends the learning process beyond the limitations of the lecture room. The student will understand more about the expectations and requirements of their professional field. A WIL experience allows the student to learn about the expectations of employment and the level at which they will be required to function once qualified. It also allows them to apply what they learned in the lecture room. The student can test academic skills and knowledge through application in the largest laboratory available – the industry of their choice.

How does WIL benefit my career choices and development?

The WIL experience will enable the student to evaluate and assess the suitability of their career choice before entering the workforce full-time. This increases the likelihood that they will be satisfied with their chosen career. The work experience gained during WIL will be of value when the student tries to obtain permanent employment by providing them with useful employment contacts and marketable experience.

Employment advantages

WIL provides contacts for graduate employment. The student will be able to establish themselves in the workplace, obtaining work experience and employment references in their chosen career. This experience provides a head-start in salary and a position for permanent employment after graduation for many students. Most employers require employees who have relevant work experience.

Learners are expected to work for five months at an appropriate workplace, e.g. a marine protected area, marine company, research institution, or laboratory. The techniques utilised at the workplace must be from any one of the following fields: aquaculture, marine conservation, marine environmental consultancies, oceanography, or marine companies.

Students will participate in the day-to-day work practices of their workplace supervisors and will learn and understand how to problem-solve in real-world settings using the skills acquired during the program. In addition to the learner’s normal duties at the workplace, he/she must conduct a mini-research project on a topic/problem allied to any of the industry’s fields of operation. The research project's findings must be reported according to the report format provided and presented orally as a symposium held annually by the department.

The workplace mentors and CPUT academic staff will continuously assess Marine Science Industry Practice on actual performance.

By the end of the WIL period, students should be able to:

• Write four reports related to marine science using integrated knowledge acquired during the course of the qualification. This includes a Proposal, Innovation, Community Engagement and Technical Report.
• Provide evidence of detailed knowledge acquired in the areas of marine science;>
• Be able to evaluate types of knowledge within marine science;
• Be able to apply a range of methods to resolve problems;
• Be able to identify, analyse and reflect on complex problems by applying evidence-based solutions applicable to marine science and related fields;

A mark will be allocated after a final assessment of the above and the projects submitted.

A 50% pass mark is applicable to complete the program.

Remuneration during Work Integrated Learning

WIL may provide an opportunity for the student to earn an income, manage finances, and contribute to the cost of his/her education. However, WIL is still part of the training period, and to be remunerated, it must be considered a bonus and nothing more. This stipend will depend on the particular organisation