WIL adds a dimension to a student’s education that cannot be acquired in the traditional lecture room setting as most students who have completed WIL assignments testify.

Benefits for the Student

• Gain practical experience by applying lecture room learning in a “real world” work environment; this involves observing theory-in-action and the opportunity to integrate theory as well as receiving feedback on the ability to apply it
• Experience the realities of the workforce and business environment and in the process have an opportunity to acquire adaptable work habits
• Utilise the workplace employer’s educational resources, that is, equipment, laboratories, training materials, databases, for example, that may be unavailable on campus
• Refine existing and developing new professional skills
• Learn the criteria for the success of and continued work in the commercial and industrial environment

Student, Breakfast, answering community questions, whilst Ms B Gcaba, student Dwayi and Mr Ndudula (Master’s office) look on

• Opportunity to investigate/explore, test, identify and establish career choices and paths
• Opportunity to define personal areas of interest, values, strengths and aptitude thus experiencing professional development and personal growth
• Obtain feedback on interpersonal skills.
• Develop a relationship with employees and mentors that provide an opportunity to start developing a network of professional contacts within one’s field hence obtaining referees and references
• An opportunity to identify professional role models in the business environment.
• Be more sensitive towards different learning styles, expansion of previous learning experiences and negotiable learning methods that suit the individual
• Opportunity to develop responsibility
• Gain an edge in the job market
• Take a break from school but retain the "full-time" student status
• Earn money (where possible).

Advantages for the Employer

Students seeking WIL positions provide employers with a pool of prospective employees who can benefit from employing organisations.

• Students are a source of low-cost temporary, motivated employees who are able to contribute to the organisation productively and are available to meet fluctuating workloads.
• Improved staff efficiency, as students can be used to relieve higher-paid permanent staff from routine tasks, to handle peak workloads and to carry out special projects.
• Employers and students are provided with an opportunity to determine, in a non-threatening situation, a suitable "match" for permanent employment, a cost-effective method of staff recruitment; a student's work performance is evaluated during the co-op assignment and successful students are hired upon graduation.
• WIL offers an ideal opportunity to assess the potential of employees for further development and advancement.
• The employment of students can increase the motivation of permanent staff with whom they work.
• WIL strengthens the relationship between employers and educational institutions.  Advantages include cross-pollination and improved career-directed education as employers contribute to curriculum design.

Advantages for the University

• A better-qualified graduate
• A more attractive programme for new students
• Provides both theoretical and practical skills development
• Opportunities for more creative programming to accommodate the needs of commerce and industry
• To collaborate with commerce and industry to develop young people’s maturity and interpersonal skills for them to be successful in chosen careers
• To keep students motivated and to regard the opportunity as a challenge
• An opportunity for academics to forge links with commerce and industry.
• University’s students market the programme during WIL.