Experiential Learning
A co-operative education program is one in which academic study for entry into a profession is usually combined with an experiential period of learning in industry in such a way that they supplement each other. The experiential period involves the solution of real problems, giving practical experience of the application and usefulness of knowledge gained at the Mechatronics Development Academy. Experience shows that the integration of theory and experiential learning creates diplomats who are more mature and hence readily employable. Work experience encourages students to develop a greater sense of responsibility, place more reliance on their judgment, and find greater meaning in their studies.

Students become involved with people from different spheres of life and develop a greater confidence when working as part of an engineering team.  Electrical  student must complete two semesters of applicable Experiential Learning. 

It is imperative for students to register for the experiential learning component using the registration form that is obtainable from the Experiential Training Administrator of the Department or which is available on the Internet at www.mechatronicsdevacademy.co.za

Although the Department of Electrical Engineering of the Mechatronics Development Academy will help as far as possible to arrange placement for experiential learning, in the final instance the onus in this respect will be on the student. The experiential learning modules, namely, Engineering Practice I (P1), Electrical Engineering Practice II (P2) and Electronic Engineering Practice II (P2), is a minimum of 24 weeks in duration or a minimum of 800 notional hours. The learning differs in that P1 focuses on developing hand skills by participating in physical work while P2 requires a much higher level of synthesis, responsibility and accountability as would be expected of an engineering technician. This would be done under supervision of a mentor, but facilitating some independent work by the student.

The Department of Co-operative Education and Graduate Placement assists with student placements and provides the following services to students and potential employers or training institutions:

• Job adverts.
• Facilitating Interviews.
• Assisting with contracts.

The Experiential Learning Assessor is responsible for the guidelines for experiential learning, monitoring, assessment and accrediting the training.

t is the student’s responsibility to present and discuss the guidelines in the Logbook with the mentor or applicable company representative prior to engaging in any learning to ensure that the scope of learning proposed by the employer/training institute meets the guidelines in the Logbook.

The Head of Department (HOD) of the Department of Electrical Engineering or Experiential Learning Assessor may be consulted for any clarifications needed