Work-integrated learning (WIL) is increasingly recognised as a high-impact paedogogical approach in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) higher education, particularly in contexts where graduate employability and practical skills development remain pressing challenges. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a WIL programme implemented in a Plant Biotechnology Honours course at a South African university, with additional focus on the impact of artificial intelligence (AI)-enhanced paedogogical scaffolding introduced in a subsequent cohort.