Elephant in the room: Placing of Technical and Vocational Training College students for work-integrated learning in Eastern Cape Province

Abstract Upon passing matric, countless students choose to study further at Technical and Vocational Training Colleges (TVETs). Nevertheless, some of these students seem to be unable to attain the qualification that they studied for as they struggle with placements for Work Integrated Learning (WIL), which is a requirement for completion of the qualification. Various research has been done investigating the importance of WIL in enhancing student employability and the acquisition of practical skills; however, few have focused on the placement of students in employment centers. This study’s objective was to investigate the challenges that the selected TVET college faces when placing students. This research study adopted a qualitative research methodology. A case study design and constructivism approach were used. Data were collected through open-ended interviews and focus groups. Purposive and snowball sampling techniques were used. The study revealed that there was an elephant in the room. The students faced challenges such as a lack of funding, personnel shortages, geographic location of the colleges, etc. that led to other challenges, as explained in the study. The study concluded that the college had various challenges in placing students for WIL, and thus they had a huge backlog. These range from inconsistency in placement, the inability to prepare and guide students before and during placement, a lack of support, and a lengthy waiting period. A number of recommendations, such as a complete overhaul of the WIL placement process, the recruitment of competent personnel, and widening the pool of funders to fast-track the process and minimize the backlog, are suggested.