Technical and Vocational Education and Training
Bridging the gap: The transformative power of applied skills training in South Africa’s employment landscape
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losing the skills gap is essential in tackling the rapidly rising unemployment rates. By doing so, it will not only address the immediate employment challenges but also pave the way for significant economic growth as a catalyst for the development of a thriving and robust economy. Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges provide an excellent opportunity for young people who may not have access to traditional universities. These colleges empower them to acquire practical skills, enhancing their employability and enabling them to start their own companies. A staggering 32.6% of South Africans are currently unemployed. 50% of those without jobs do not have a matric certificate; 40% had in fact completed matric and 2.4% are university graduates. As the government strives to combat these high unemployment rates and bridge social class disparities, there is a push for learners to consider vocational education as a viable alternative to traditional universities. The demand for artisans in South Africa is particularly high, and TVETs could emerge as the superheroes in addressing the unemployment crisis and in helping the country to meet its target of producing 30 000 artisans a year by 2030. Unlocking the potential between education and employment In a system where academic qualifications often fall short, assisting young people in low- and middleincome countries to achieve quality education and employment opportunities seems like a no-brainer. However, a significant gap exists between the TVET systems, meant for this purpose, and job markets, preventing the full realisation of the TVET potential.
This ‘disconnect’ undermines the ability of TVET to empower youth and drive sustainable economic transformation. With over 50 TVET colleges and more than 300 campuses in South Africa, each specialising in various fields, many students still await university placements due to the misconception that TVET is a less desirable option compared to traditional academics, unfairly casting doubt on the intelligence and capability of students who attend technical and vocational training colleges. More options for empowering school leavers School leavers in South Africa require a clearer understanding of TVET education’s opportunities. Zamokuhle Sam Zungu, Deputy Director-General responsible for the TVET sector at the Department of Higher Education and Training, believes that TVET colleges offer a wide range of vocational skills that can reduce unemployment and equip learners for immediate employment or entrepreneurship. However, there is an “inverted pyramid” with more school leavers aspiring to attend universities rather than TVET colleges. The historical belief that TVET colleges, seen as a less preferred option, needs to change. Technical and vocational training can be a powerful pathway to employment and socioeconomic advancement for communities. The benefits of TVET colleges in South Africa, each specialising in various fields, are enormous. They recognise the significance of vocational education in shaping the future of young people and equip them for personal and professional growth by offering a wide range of vocational skills that prepare learners for immediate employment or entrepreneurship. Artisans are trained to perform specific tasks such as fault finding, manufacturing, repair and servicing.
November 2023 | Public Sector Leaders 47
