A Leap Forward: IIE Rosebnak College Work Readiness Program

Scholars in education industry emphasize the significance of career services programs in higher learning institutions. According to a researcher Matthew T. Hora, work readiness programs play a vital role in bridging the gap between academic learning and professional expectation, thereby enhancing students’ employability. At the IIE Rosebank College Campuses, which is under the umbrella of the IIE, a brand of The Independent Institute of Education. The Career Service department has been instrumental in hosting a range of work readiness coaching Workshops that cater to students from various faculties. These projects are designed to equip students with the skills, knowledge, and competencies required to succeed in the workforce.

The work readiness projects hosted in all campuses have included a variety of initiatives, such as resume building workshops, mock interviews, and industry networking events. These projects have been well-received by students from different faculties, who have benefited from the practical skills and industry insights gained through these initiatives. “The RC Graduate Empowerment Programme was instrumental in my success. With their support, I was interviewed for two internship positions and received both offers! I'm grateful for their guidance and excited for my new journey at Gravit8”, Cibrian Hofsta an IIE Rosebank College alumni expressed her gratitude.

Quoting a few, several impactful events were hosted recently. On July 3, 2025, the Career Service team in Bloemfontein organized a business breakfast for new and existing clients to forge strong partnerships for job opportunities, bursaries, excursions, and Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) programs. Additionally, the Polokwane campus, in collaboration with ABSA facilitators from Cape Town, conducted a four-day Financial Literacy Event for first-year students, focusing on responsible spending, wise investing, and loan management.

Furthermore, on July 15, 2025, IIE Rosebank College Cape Town Career Services delivered a Work Readiness Workshop for Higher Certificate in Early Childhood Development (ECD) students, aiming to equip them with essential skills and knowledge for workplace opportunities, practical placements, and future employment in the education sector, ultimately building student confidence and competence.

The projects have also facilitated opportunities for students to build professional networks and establish relationships that can be beneficial for future career opportunities. According to Ronewa Ramulifho career services coordinator in the IIE Cape Town Campus, these programs are also valuable to our clients, as they receive work-ready graduates and students who understand what’s expected of them. This not only supports long-term partnerships but also helps establish new alliances with organisations that value well-prepared, capable candidates.

The impact of these work readiness projects extends beyond individual student success, contributing to the broader goals of the IIE Rosebank Campuses. By producing work-ready graduates, the institution can enhance its reputation and strengthen its relationships with industry partners. The success of these projects is a testament to the dedication and expertise of career services coordinators, who have worked tirelessly to support students in their transition from academia to the professional world. As the IIE Rosebank Campuses continue to prioritize work readiness, it is likely that the institution will see increased job placement rates, higher graduate satisfaction, and greater recognition as a leader in career education.