African Journal of Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure Vol. 3 (1) - (2014) ISSN: 2223-814X Copyright: © 2014 AJHTL - Open Access- Online @ http//: www.ajhtl.com 1 Work Integrated Learning in Higher Education: partnerships: a continuing evolution. *PH v/d Westhuizen The University of Johannesburg PO Box 17011 Doornfontein, 2028 Johannesburg Republic of South Africa Email: jamaica@uj.ac.za Tel: (27) 11 559 115 & Dr. Hema Kesa The University of Johannesburg *Corresponding author Abstract The aim of this paper is to examine the use of Work Integrated Learning (WIL) in higher education and identify the role industry plays in the need for educated workers and citizens who can meet the challenges of a new world economy. WIL allows students to acquire essential practical skills through exposure to the real world. Industry has always been the strong link in this necessary and appropriate instructional component of higher education. A qualitative approach was used in this study on a sample of second level students who participated in a WIL programme at one specific service provider. WIL education in the context of this paper is defined as a unique form of education, which integrates classroom study with, planned, and supervised WIL in the private and public sector (Arnold and Nicholson, 1991; Andrisari and Nestle, 1976). This study was conducted by second year students, (n=37) finishing a 6 months WIL component in industry. The implications of these findings for career development are discussed. In recent years, there has been an increase in research that examines careers and career development in the hospitality industry (Guerrier, 1987; Riley and Turam, 1989; Baum, 1989; Williams and Hunter, 1992; Antil, 1984; Ross, 1995). Some of this research has focused on issues relating to career paths and career development (Riley and Ladkin, 1984; Ladkin and Riley, 1996). A key issue in this research has been to attempt to determine the various factors which influence length and development. This research aims to build on this and explore the student perceptions Keywords: Work experience, students, WIL, career development, training, education The current debate Any initial exploration into the literature regarding the training and education for careers in hospitality reveals a lively debate effect of vocational education and hospitality experience on career development. Career development refers to the career outcomes for individuals and organizations, and encompasses important issues such as economics, job transitions, mobility, career withdrawal, career compromise and career stages (Riley and Ladkin, 1994). It has been suggested that a paradigm shift is occurring in higher education in response to the realization that traditional teaching approaches are not adequately equipping students with the range of theoretical and technical skills required