Journals Information
Universal Journal of Educational Research Vol. 8(12), pp. 6394 - 6404
DOI: 10.13189/ujer.2020.081205
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Embracing the Fourth Industrial Revolution: The Effectiveness of Work Integrated Learning
Obianuju Ebele Okeke-Uzodike 1,*, Emem Anwana 2
1 Department of Applied Management, Faculty of Management Sciences, Durban University of Technology, South Africa
2 Department of Applied Law, Faculty of Management Sciences, Durban University of Technology, South Africa
ABSTRACT
Work Integrated learning within the South African purview was introduced into the Higher Education system not only to align students to the world of work, but also to address the skills gap and shortages within society. The emergence of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and its perceived challenges, require not only the government but various stakeholders to explore innovative and creative ideas and ways of thinking aimed at managing the technologically-driven business environment. In view of this, this article examines the extent to which work integrated learning prepares students in terms of readiness for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The article adopted a qualitative research approach using structured interviews with students and focus group from a workshop engagement involving three identified stakeholders: a University of Technology, students, and the Department of Education. The findings of the study demonstrated the positive impact of Work Integrated Learning in students' work preparedness and further, provided in-depth knowledge on various challenges detrimental to students' skills and knowledge development for the world of work. The implications of this study impact the effective roles of key stakeholders in addressing the required competencies needed in readiness for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The study recommends, amongst others, aligning the education system to the needs of the economy.
KEYWORDS
Work Integrated Learning, Higher Education, Fourth Industrial Revolution, Skills/Knowledge, Employability
Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Obianuju Ebele Okeke-Uzodike , Emem Anwana , "Embracing the Fourth Industrial Revolution: The Effectiveness of Work Integrated Learning," Universal Journal of Educational Research, Vol. 8, No. 12, pp. 6394 - 6404, 2020. DOI: 10.13189/ujer.2020.081205.
(b). APA Format:
Obianuju Ebele Okeke-Uzodike , Emem Anwana (2020). Embracing the Fourth Industrial Revolution: The Effectiveness of Work Integrated Learning. Universal Journal of Educational Research, 8(12), 6394 - 6404. DOI: 10.13189/ujer.2020.081205.