Van der Waldt, GerritFourie, D.J. (David Johannes)Malan, Cornel2025-03-042025-03-042024Van der Waldt, G., Fourie, D. J., & Malan, C. (2024). Conducting tracer studies to assess work-integrated learning programs. Corporate Governance and Organizational Behavior Review, 8(1), 232–242. https://DOI.org/10.22495/cgobrv8i1p20.2521-1870 (print)2521-1889 (online)10.22495/cgobrv8i1p20http://hdl.handle.net/2263/101327Tracer studies are research investigations that are designed to track the outcomes and experiences of participants in learning programs. In the case of work-integrated learning (WIL) programmes, tracer studies can be used to probe the perception of learners who have completed the programs (Dela Cruz, 2022; Winborg & Hägg, 2023). Following a qualitative research design using a questionnaire as a data collection method, a cohort of learners (n = 179) who have completed Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority (EWSETA) WIL programmes were used to gauge the perceived strengths and weaknesses of these programs, including the skills and knowledge they gained, the quality of the training, and the overall impact of the programs on their career development. It was established that WIL programmes generally lead to benefits such as increased employability, gaining of work-related skills, greater job retention, career advancement, continuous learning, and improved self-esteem. WIL programs are, however, hampered by employer-related factors such as limited mentorship and career guidance, financial limitations, and poor working conditions.en© 2024 The Authors. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).Tracer studiesEducation and trainingEnergy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority (EWSETA)Employment impactStudy program relevanceWork-integrated learning (WIL)SDG-04: Quality educationSDG-08: Decent work and economic growthArticle