Work Integrated Learning (WIL)
Work Integrated Learning (WIL)
Bridging the gap between academic knowledge and industry readiness
At VGL Dimensions, we understand the critical role that Work Integrated Learning (WIL) plays in preparing students for the demands of the modern scientific workplace. With customised, fully supervised WIL programmes, we equip final-year students with the practical experience, technical skills, and professional insight they need to transition confidently from the classroom into industry.
The WIL program is tailored specifically to meet the minimum academic requirements that is mandatory for the completion of qualifications as set out by South African academic institutions. The WIL program is aligned with the requirements of various professional registration bodies in South Africa.
Qualifications included in the WIL program:
Biotechnology
Environmental health
About Work Integrated Learning (WIL)
Key Features of Our WIL Programme:
- Coordinated and supervised by industry experts
- Exposure to real-world laboratory practices and workplace culture
- Integrated training on industry-relevant standards and systems (e.g. ISO/IEC 17025)
- Structured guidance in compiling Portfolios of Evidence (POE)
- Record-keeping support for professional body registration
- Access to a dedicated e-learning platform for additional support and knowledge reinforcement
Biotechnology
Biotechnology WIL Programme at VGL Dimensions
VGL Dimensions (Pty) Ltd proudly operates a South African National Accreditation System (SANAS) Accredited Microbiology Laboratory (Accreditation No: T1056).
As part of our mission to build and nature young talent in the laboratory sector, VGL Dimensions laboratory offers a 12-month structured WIL programme designed to offer students a comprehensive, real-world laboratory exposure and practical work experience.
What Students Will Learn and Experience:
Under the full-time supervision of seasoned laboratory analysts, WIL students will gain exposure to the full spectrum of microbiological testing and laboratory operations, including but not limited to:
- Health & Safety practices
- Laboratory equipment use, calibration, and checks
- Environmental monitoring
- Glassware cleaning and housekeeping
- Media and reagent preparation
- Sample receipt, identification, and condition evaluation
- Sample preparation, testing, and quality control
- Interpretation of results and recordkeeping in line with the ISO/IEC 17025 Quality Management System
Students will also engage with the lab’s documented QMS procedures, learning how quality and technical standards intersect in real-time laboratory environments.
To enhance the learning experience, all WIL candidates will receive access to our in-house e-learning platform, offering theory modules, digital resources, and assessments that reinforce key learning areas and technical competencies.
Outcome-Driven, Industry-Ready
This WIL programme is designed not only to meet graduation requirements, but to provide graduates with:
- A strong technical foundation in laboratory science
- Practical experience aligned to national and international quality standards
- Confidence and competence to enter the laboratory workforce or pursue professional registration
Environmental Health
Environmental Health WIL Programme at VGL Dimensions
VGL Dimensions inter alia with academic institution. The program can cover different levels of the degree with specific requirements for each.
This program is designed to meet the requirements of Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). It covers all mandatory aspects of WIL in the field of Environmental Health. Students are required to complete and submit a portfolio of evidence (PoE) to VGL Dimensions facilitators and that will be assessed as part of continuous evaluation.
What the program offers to the students and academic institution
Offers customised a tried and tested WIL program for academic students in the field of Environmental Health degree that is fully supervised by HPCSA registered. The WIL program is supervised by HPCSA registered facilitators, environmental health relevant industry experts at a ratio of 1:10 per students, for maximum exposure. By the time of completion of the WIL program, student evidence is ready for submission to the HPCSA.
Student benefits include:
- Fulltime supervision for evidence related tasks.
- Access to industry experts to facilitate the required outcomes of the WIL programme.
- Customised for each subject to be mandatory covered as per requirements of HPCSA.
- Assistance with mandatory WIL logbook completion.
A tailor made and peace of mind program that will ensure academic institutions due diligent in respect to student WIL is full complied with. To ensure compliance by academic institutions the practical tracking and evidence capturing forms part of student activities during WIL period. This includes:
- Expertly designed portfolio of evidence (POE).
- Indemnity contract compliance requirements by HPCSA.
- Student and facilitator ratio compliance requirements.
- Full practical days of the program.
- Industry experts to facilitate and supervise the students.
- To cover all practical HPCSA days with POE for each segment of scope of work.
- Diligent student attendance record keeping, monitoring and intervention.
Environmental health aspects covered by the VGL Dimensions academic WIL program:
- Food Safety Management
- Project management
- Disaster management
- Air quality management
- Occupational health and safety
- Waste management
WIL outcomes:
- Entire scope of work aspects is covered.
- HPCSA compliant report to be given to the university at the end of program.
- Environmental Health (EHP) functions ready students.
- Full understanding of legislative mandate of environmental health functions by students.
Send Us A Message
Ready to Start Your Professional Journey with VGL Dimensions?
Get in touch to enrol in our Work Integrated Learning (WIL) programme — designed to equip final-year students in Biotechnology and Environmental Health with real-world skills, expert guidance, and career-ready confidence.