Industry-Based Learning Objectives

The overall objective of Industry-Based Learning (IBL) is educational. This will be achieved as students integrate theories learned in the classroom with ‘real world’ applications and experiences in a commercial environment. The integration of theory and experience is supervised by professional practitioners, which results in enhanced learning. IBL is education through the cooperative action of industry, educational institutions and students.

In an IBL program relevant productive work is an integral part of a student’s academic program. This type of program exposes students to the real application of the theory to which they are introduced during the on-campus components of the course. It provides opportunities for practical application, and hence enhanced understanding of knowledge in ways that cannot be adequately provided within the educational institutional environment.

Industry-Based Learning is a structured program designed to develop and improve work-related skills. The period in industry demonstrates to students, as no class exercises can do, the inter-relation of most disciplines and skills within the business environment. Also, the importance of inter-personal skills is made visible to the student in ways that cannot be effectively replicated within the educational institution.

The objectives of the period in industry relate particularly to:
Growth and Personal Development
Building a Real Life Understanding of the Organisational Environment
Acquisition and Enhancement of Technical Skills
Building Understanding and Cooperation between Industry, the University and the Student.

It has been found important to ensure that the student is undertaking a real, productive job. This is the only way that the student can experience and learn the consequences of actions/decisions taken in real work environments.

The full benefits of IBL can only be realized with the goodwill and commitment of the three groups concerned with it: the University organizing the program, the organizations providing the practical experience, and the students who participate in it.