A Mentorship Model for Simulated Work Integrated Learning using Windows Phone

The South African competitive economy requires computing graduates to have an ability to apply problem solving skills, knowledge, and experience within a dynamic ICT work environment. The qualifications in computing provide foundation for knowledge and skill development, and its only through Work Integrated Learning (WIL) that students acquire practical experience, entrepreneurship skills and engage in professional computing while preparing for their future career transitions. South Africa has a 25 percent unemployment rate, and the government alone, will not be able to win the battle. The integration of theory and practice in learning can occur through a range of approaches, apart from formal and informal work placements, including Virtual or Simulated WIL. The research article provides a mentorship model in simulated work integrated learning to enable students to acquire practical experience, entrepreneurial skills and engage in professional computing while preparing for career transitions. The research results presents a case study for the Tshwane University of Technology in the implementation of the simulated work integrated learning mentorship model. The intention is to prepare students for the 21 st century challenges in the global economy and becoming responsible citizens in enabling mobile technology to solve service delivery problems.