Abstract
Work integrated learning (WIL) is designed to align theory to practice, expose future graduates to the workplace,
and enable business and government to engage in a triple helix partnership, viewing future talent, advertising
their employer brand, and meeting their organisational and national targets. Stakeholders in any WIL model or
strategy include students, educators, business and government. Students are key stakeholders and should be
consulted on the effectiveness of the model or strategy used. Empirical mixed-method research was conducted to
determine whether and why students, as key WIL stakeholders, validated their WIL model. A single instrument
was used to gather both quantitative and qualitative data in focus group sessions. The data were analysed
abductively to include both inductive and deductive analysis. The findings reveal that most of the participants
validated the Multi-Stakeholder WIL Model implemented in their study programme. Furthermore, most of the
students validated all the phases and processes in the model, indicating that they found the model comprehensive,
simple to implement and likely to be effective in providing them with a successful WIL experience. This validated
model could be of benefit to all WIL stakeholders, especially educators, and the research method used to validate
the model could benefit WIL project leaders. The study contributes to theory by adding to the body of knowledge
on WIL, especially in Africa and South Africa. The research contribution is the single-instrument mixed method
used to gather rigorous, rich data. The practical contribution is the awareness and strategy that managers and
leaders can utilise in managing their WIL projects.