Department of the Premier, Public Service Sector Education and Training Authority (PSETA) and CUT have recently launched the induction of CUT students into the Work Integrated Learning programme (WIL). This launch gives effect to the implementation of the national skills development strategy which is intended to expose students to experimental training opportunities in relation to knowledge and competence they can contribute to their development. 

When addressing the new intake, Prof. Henk de Jager, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic said, “Through this initiative we are investing in you our graduates, because you are the future leaders who are destined to make a difference and create a better life for all.  CUT also values this partnership as very important and very dear to us as it forms part of CUT’s placement strategy of our graduates to acquire skills.  We also appreciate the critical role that each of all partners have played to bring about this remarkable outcome to the full realisation.” “This is a pilot project that we are launching today with CUT and Free State Provincial Government and I would like to commend CUT for being on the forefront of this initiative, for supporting public service as training and learning space, as well as the development of a qualified workforce.” said Ms Morongoe Nkabinde, Learning Programme Manager from PSETA in her address to learners.   

About 26 students from Faculties of Management Sciences and Engineering and Information Technology at CUT will be placed within respective Departments of the Premier; Public Works and Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation as the first intake of this pilot project.   A Memorandum of Understanding was also signed between PSETA and CUT. A few of the specific initiatives that will be pursued the course of three years through this agreement include: skills transfer and student readiness for work; internships for CUT students and alumni, bursaries for graduate students to conduct PSETA related research and Work Integrated Learning (WIL). 

Pictured is Mr Abbey Kgaile, Director: FSTDI, Department of the Premier; Ms Morongoe Nkabinde: Learning Programme Manager from PSETA; Prof. Henk de Jager, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic and Prof. Mabokang Monnapula-Mapesela: Dean of Academic Development and Support at CUT during the signing of MOU between CUT and PSETA.