Exploring the role of a work integrated learning programme in enhancing graduate employment in the Agricultural sector within the Mpumalanga Province, South Africa
Mamogoto Leutle*, and Nico Schutte** and Nicolene Barkhuizen**
Southern Business School, South Africa *
GIFT Research Niche Area, North-West University, South Africa **

Abstract: The past two decades have seen the current South African government trying to transform its economy to access to higher education to better respond to the skills needs of the country. Despite these efforts high levels of unemployment among graduates prevail. Higher education institutions in particular are criticised for producing graduates that are not workplace ready. As a result work integrated learning programmes are implemented in an effort to enhance the employability of graduate interns. This study explored the perceptions of the graduates and the employers on how work integrated learning programmes enhance graduate employment in the agricultural sector (employers) within in a rural area in South Africa. This research followed a quantitative research approach with surveys distributed to graduates (N=150) and employers (N=150) who participated in work integrated learning programmes in the agricultural sector. The findings showed hat work integrated learning programmes are relevant in the agricultural sector and promoted the generic employability skills of graduates. The majority of employers and graduates reported that work integrated learning programmes have a positive effect on the academic performance of the students. Both samples perceived work integrated learning to have a positive effect on the general work performance of students after graduation.

Keywords: Agriculture, Employability, Graduates Internships, Work integrated learning