By Shalate Davhana
In a decisive step towards enhancing student employability and graduate success, the Directorate of Cooperative Education, the Institute for the Future of Work (IFoW) , and the Advancement and Partnerships Office at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) have formalised a collaborative partnership through a newly signed Service Level Agreement (SLA).
The agreement marks a strategic shift towards breaking down institutional silos by aligning efforts across the three departments. This alignment is aimed at optimising output, reducing duplication and streamlining processes that support student development and job readiness.
“This partnership is about synergy. By leveraging each other's strengths and pooling our resources, we can more effectively prepare students for Work Integrated Learning (WIL) and help graduates transition smoothly into the workforce,” said the signatories to the tripartite.
The collaboration adopts a skills-driven and evidence-based approach, ensuring that both student support and employer engagement remain relevant in the face of rapidly evolving job market demands. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, the initiative aims to strengthen student readiness and improve graduate employment outcomes.
Key success indicators will include WIL placement rates, graduate employment statistics and direct feedback from industry partners. Progress will be reviewed bi-annually, allowing for regular assessment and agile refinement of strategies to ensure maximum impact.
This initiative underscores TUT’s commitment to creating future-ready graduates and forming robust partnerships that drive positive change across academia and industry.
Dr Roelien Brink, Director: Cooperative Education, Tseliso Motlhomi, Senior Director at IFoW;
and Dr Eric Pule, Director: Advancement and Partnerships Office.
L to R : Dr Mumthaz Banoobhai, Senior Director: HEDS; Dr Roelien Brink, Director: Cooperative Education;
Tseliso Motlhomi, Senior Director at IFOW; and Dr Eric Pule, Director: Advancement and Partnerships Office.