1. Title: Experiential Learning Policy of the Fashion Institute of Advanced Learning

2. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to establish a consistent and structured fair approach for the development, approval, communication, a framework for implementing experiential learning at FIAL, along with policy for recognizing and Recognition of Prior Learning. The policy ensures that these learning opportunities contribute to educational quality, practical exposure, and professional readiness while maintaining compliance with FIAL’s standards and integrate Credit Accumulation and Transfer.

3. Scope

This policy applies to:

Students
All faculty
Mentor
Company supervisor
Lecture Work Integrated Learning.
Support staff.
All students involved in an internship

4. Introduction

This Policy Framework includes the following components and must be read in conjunction with FIAL's, policy on assessment and evaluation process and procedure on RPL and CAT, Quality Management System Policy, code of practice, the higher education act 61 of 2008 the National Qualifications Framework Act 67 of 2008 South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) guidelines, FIAL’s academic policies.

5. Definitions

Policy Statement
Rationale
Process and Procedure
Responsibility
Compliance
Impact Assessment and Revision
Approval

Experiential Learning are critical components of FIAL’s curriculum, which aims to provide students with comprehensive, hands-on experiences in the fashion industry. This policy ensures that prior learning—whether gained through professional experience or academic coursework is appropriately recognized and accredited.

5. Definitions:
✓  This/ the policy: experiential learning policy.
✓  Distance Learning: Any education provided without the teacher and student being physical present together.
✓  LMS: Learner Management System.
✓  Deregister: The act or process of removing oneself from a register ✓ Enrolment: Order or allow to leave.
✓  WIL: Work Integrated Learning.
✓  Internal Experience Learning (IEL): work integrated Learning conducted in the advance workshop/factory own by FIAL.

External Experience Learning (EEL): work integrated Learning conducted with an external partner via internship or work placement.

✓  RPL: Recognition of Prior Learning
✓  Malpractice: Improper, illegal, or negligent behaviour.
✓  Accreditation: The act of granting credit or recognition, especially to an educational institution that maintains suitable standards.
✓  Affiliate: Officially attach or connect to an organisation.
✓  Experiential Learning: Practical learning activities, such as internships, placements, or projects, where students apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings.
✓  RPL: Recognition of Prior Learning.
✓  CAT: Credit Accumulation and Transfer.
✓  SLT: Senior Leadership Team.

Immerse learning (IL): A teaching method where learners are fully engaged in a realistic or simulated environment, allowing them to experience and interact with content in a hands-on way. IL happens for experiential learning conducted in FIAL’s Advanced Workshop.

6. Policy Statement

Experiential Learning is mandatory for all FIAL diploma programs, and no diploma shall be granted without completion of experiential learning as outlined of each field outcome.
FIAL is committed to providing a high-quality experiential learning environment that integrate practical work into the curriculum. This approach will ensure students learn by actively engaging in direct experiences. Instead of passively receiving information, learners participate in hands-on activities that simulate real-world scenarios, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings. Experience learning also known at FIAL as IL, encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, and personal reflection.

7. Rationale
Experiential learning in education, especially in fields like fashion design, lies in its ability to integrate theory with real-world application. By engaging in hands-on activities, students can apply classroom knowledge to practical situations, deepening their understanding and enhancing their skills. This approach fosters critical competencies like problem-solving, teamwork, adaptability and increase employability.

Experiential learning also increases student engagement and retention, as active participation creates a more immersive learning experience. When students work on real-world projects such as designing garments or collaborating with industry professionals, they not only grasp theoretical concepts but also gain practical insights that prepare them for the job market.

Another significant benefit is personal and professional growth. Experiential learning encourages selfreflection, helping students build confidence and develop their professional identity. It also provides networking opportunities, enabling students to connect with industry professionals and potential employers, thereby opening doors for internships, collaborations, and future career paths.

Additionally, experiential learning aligns with industry needs by exposing students to industry-standard practices, materials, and technologies. This hands-on experience is critical in industries like fashion, where technical skills and creativity are equally important.
Incorporating experiential learning also promotes a focus on sustainability and ethical practices.

8. Process and Procedure

8.1 General Guidelines

The Head of Academics will appoint a lecturer for each program that requires experiential learning. The appointed lecturer will be responsible for overseeing and managing the experiential learning process for that specific program and lecturer shall seek approval from the Head of Academics of major decision.

The appointed lecture must have a minimum experience of three years in the relevant field.

Experiential learning is a mandatory component for the Higher Certificate, Diploma, and Occupational Qualification programs. The duration and placement requirements for experiential learning will be outlined in each program’s outcome document.

For the Diploma Program, experiential learning (both external and internal) must be completed within two years from the date the student receives their Higher Certificate, marking the successful completion of the initial phase of the program.

Note: Internal experiential learning (IEL) cannot exceed six months and must be continuous, without interruptions. This internal component will be conducted at the FIAL Advanced Workshop.

For the Higher Certificate and Occupational Qualifications, experiential learning is also compulsory, but with different criteria based on program outcomes.

8.2 External Experiential Learning:

External experiential learning takes place after the student has successfully completed all their knowledge modules and successfully completed all summative assessments. The student will be placed in a relevant department at a company for a specified period, as outlined in the course outcome criteria.

✓ The credit allocation for EEL will be specified in the program document. It is the student's responsibility to familiarize themselves with the required credits for program completion.

Students may suggest a company where they would prefer to complete their experiential learning, but the lecturer reserves the right to approve or reject the choice based on the following criteria:

Inadequate infrastructure.
Health and safety concerns.
The company lacks a relevant department.
The company is not adequately equipped for proper training.

If a student requests an interruption in their EEL, they must obtain written approval from FIAL. However, this interruption may not extend beyond the timeline outlined in this document.
Full credits will be awarded once the student successfully completes the experiential learning as stipulated in the program outcome and policy documents.

8.3 Internal Experiential Learning:

IEL is primarily required in specialist programs, with the duration and specific requirements outlined in the course outcome document.

The assigned mentor or supervisor at the company will monitor the student's activities and sign off on a weekly report to track their progress.
The credit allocation for EEL will be specified in the program document.
Students will receive a list of tasks to be completed accurately monthly, and practical assessments will be conducted through projects to ensure that the necessary specialist skills are acquired.

9. Responsibility

This policy shall be managed and overseen by the Head of Academics, who will be responsible for its implementation and compliance.

The student is responsible for applying for EEL from a list of approved companies, not limited to those with an agreement with FIAL.

The lecturer responsible will conduct a desktop evaluation or perform a site visit to approve the company for experiential learning, ensuring it meets the necessary standards for providing a valuable learning experience. A report of the evaluation will be written and filed for future reference.

Students are responsible for arranging their own transportation to ensure they can travel to and from their selected experiential learning provider for the entire duration of the program.

Although FIAL will conduct a safety assessment of potential service providers, it is the student's responsibility to always prioritize their own safety. FIAL is not liable for any safety breaches committed by either the student or the employer during the experiential learning period.

The company mentor or supervisor will monitor the student's activities and sign a weekly report card to track their progress.

The student’s responsibility to familiarize themselves with the required number of credits for the completion of the WIL programme.

10. Compliance

All guidelines and procedure as stated in this policy shall be complied with.

If a student does not comply with the experiential learning requirements, the following consequences may apply:

Failure to Complete the Program: The student will not be able to graduate or receive their qualification until all experiential learning components are successfully completed, as they are a mandatory part of the program.
Delay in Program Completion: Non-compliance may lead to delays in the student's progression through the program, which could extend the time required to complete their studies.
Potential Disciplinary Action: Repeated or intentional non-compliance may result in disciplinary action according to the FIAL’s academic policies, which could include warnings or other penalties.
Loss of Credits: If the student fails to complete the experiential learning within the allocated time frame, they may lose the credits associated with the experiential learning component and may have to retake or extend the experience.
Termination from the Program: In extreme cases, persistent failure to comply with experiential learning requirements could lead to termination from the program, depending on FIAL’s academic policies. This will result in the student not receiving their certification due to the incomplete mandatory component that is part of their qualification

If the lecturer responsible for the experiential learning policy fails to fulfil their duties, the following actions may be taken:

Internal Investigation:

An internal review may be conducted to assess the reasons behind the lecturer's failure and determine the extent of the issue. This will help identify if it was due to negligence, lack of resources, or other factors.

Student Support:

Immediate steps will be taken to minimize any negative impact on students. This may include assigning a new lecturer or mentor to oversee the experiential learning process to ensure students are not disadvantaged.

Performance Review:

The lecturer may undergo a performance review or evaluation by the Head of Academics or relevant authority. This review could lead to additional training or support to help the lecturer meet their obligations.

Disciplinary Action:

Depending on the severity of the failure, disciplinary action may be taken against the lecturer, in accordance with the Institution’s employment policies. This could range from formal warnings to more severe consequences.

Policy Adjustments:

If the failure is linked to gaps in the experiential learning policy or process, adjustments may be made to strengthen oversight, accountability, and ensure that the learning experience is not compromised.

The Institution will aim to resolve any such issues swiftly to maintain the integrity of the experiential learning program and protect the interests of the students

11. Impact Assessment and Revision

All experiential learning projects, processes must undergo an impact assessment to ensure that they do not negatively affect students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds, in line with FIAL’s commitment to inclusivity and fairness.
As part of the review process, an impact assessment will be conducted to ensure that the experiential learning is in line with FIAL mission and vision while consider the interests of the student.
This policy must be reviewed every three years or more frequently as required. The review process will consider evolving industry standards, regulatory changes, and FIAL’s academic policy and operational needs. Any revisions must go through the same approval and consultation process and impact assessment as outlined in this policy framework. and comply with FIAL policy on institutional policies.

12. Approval and Effective Date.