A STUDY ON EFFECT OF WORK INTEGRATED LEARNING PROGRAMS AND EMPLOYABILITY AMONG GRADUATES

Abstract

The increasing gap between academic knowledge and practical workplace skills has emphasized the importance of Work Integrated Learning (WIL) programs. These programs, encompassing internships, co-op programs, and industry projects, aim to enhance graduates' employability by integrating real-world experience with academic studies. This study investigates the effect of WIL programs on employability among graduates, focusing on key objectives: evaluating the impact of WIL on employability skills and identifying factors contributing to the success of WIL programs, and proposing recommendations for optimizing these programs. Utilizing secondary data and a comprehensive literature review, the findings reveal that WIL programs significantly improve employability skills and job acquisition rates. Graduates who participate in WIL programs are more likely to secure employment and find jobs relevant to their fields of study. This research underscores the value of WIL programs in preparing graduates for the workforce and provides actionable insights for educational institutions and policymakers to optimize WIL implementation. KEYWORDS: Work Integrated Learning (WIL), Graduates Employability, Industry Partnerships, Career Readiness, Workforce Preparation, Experiential Learning