merSETA manufacturing, engineering and related services SETA

merSETA manufacturing, engineering and related services SETA

Unemployed students can now study engineering at various universities across the country through funding from the merSETA, following our partnership with Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme (ISFAP).

To date, the merSETA has funded over 450 students through this partnership, a 100 of whom have graduated. This partnership is important for skills development and ensuring sustainable employment for the country’s youth.

Through the merSETA funding, ISFAP is able to assist underprivileged students so they may acquire critical skills needed by the country.

The partnership between the merSETA and ISFAP was inspired by, among others, the #FeesMustFall protest, which saw university students across the country protest against the high cost of education at higher education institutions.

It was through this protest that the need to devise more means to support students financially was identified, especially those coming from the “missing middle” income households. Although government had already established student financial aid support institutions such as the NSFAS for the poor household families with incomes between R0-R350 000, funding for the “missing middle” (household income between R350 000- R600 000) is not catered for. The #FeesMustFall movement made it clear that more needed to be done.

Last year alone, through this partnership, about 100 students received funding to study engineering across different universities in South Africa.

The support is both financial and non-financial. It includes psycho-social, work readiness, mentorship, health programmes, financial literacy and time management. Students are also offered support through various means, such as transportation, laptops, data, food and accommodation.

The merSETA remains committed to investing in the future of engineers. It is with such commitments that the bridging of scarce skills can be realised and the future of engineers can be protected.

LEADERS IN CLOSING THE SKILLS GAP

For many learners in townships, their academic journeys end once they finish their final matric exam paper. This is because many lack the financial means to progress to tertiary education.

Through a partnership with the merSETA, the Katlehong Technical High School seeks to alleviate this challenge. The two are collaborating to ensure matriculants enrol in trades within the mersector upon completion of their matric.

In 2017, the school enrolled 20 learners aged 18-24 in different engineering trades. In 2019, 17 completed their theoretical training and were placed at different dealerships in the Volkswagen Hatfield Group and Ford Group for practical training. The learners successfully qualified as motor technicians after they passed their trade tests on their first attempt.

The school also arranged for the learners to obtain drivers’ licences before taking them to dealerships because as a motor mechanic, one is required to move cars around as part of your duties and not having a driver’s licence posed a serious challenge.

This benefit was extended to all matric learners, not only those who participate in the merSETA apprenticeship programme. This means that most learners leave the school with a driver’s licence.

The school has also been able to negotiate employment opportunities for these learners at the dealerships where they do their training. Apart from being fully employable after the training, the learners also receive a stipend during training with which they are able to help provide for their families as most come from disadvantaged backgrounds.

These types of programmes are extremely beneficial to township communities as they advance youth development. They also help reduce the high unemployment and crime rates within these communities. The impact on the lives of school children and their families in the community is immeasurable.

The merSETA and the South African Renewable Energy Technology Centre (SARETEC) are in collaboration for the implementation of the ICT4APP pilot project for the Solar Photovoltaic Mounter part of the Solar Photovoltaic (SPV) qualification. The two will present the first part of the accredited qualification for SPV Technicians in mid-2022.

The pilot project is designed to test the ICT4APP digital teaching and learning platform, and it will be launched in July 2022 for completion within six (6) to eight (8) months. The purpose of the pilot project is to test each digital feature built to guide learners on their journey, whilst monitoring learning achievements for remedial action when required.

Different approaches to assessment will also be validated. At the centre of the learning journey are the learners, the PV Technical Mentors and the workplaces. Each have a unique role to play so that performance of the ICT4APP platform can be measured for impact.

The programme is uniquely based on a repackaged digital teaching and learning pathway using technology to guide the learner through various components of the curriculum. Knowledge components are completed online and when assessments show sufficient theoretical knowledge, learners are then invited to practical workshop training on pre-determined practical topics. The practical training takes place at an approved TVET college uniquely equipped with infrastructure and technical mentorship expertise to complete the prescribed practical projects.

Once practical skills are mastered with the requisite expertise, learners are invited to approved workplaces for the completion of specific workplace assignments.

The first Technical Vocational Education and Training colleges to present the Solar Photovoltaic qualification are in the officially designated Renewable Energy Development Zones (REDZ) of South Africa. They are:

• Goldfields TVET College in Welkom Free State;

• East Cape Midlands TVET College in Uitenhage Eastern Cape;

• Vuselela TVET College in Klerksdorp North West;

• Tshwane North TVET College Mamelodi Gauteng North;

• Ekurhuleni West TVET College, Tembisa Gauteng East;

• False Bay TVET College, Westlake, Cape Town Western Cape; and

• West Coast College, Vredenburg Western Cape.

As far as the merSETA and its development partners are aware, this is the first digital learning experience designed to incorporate the most up-to-date online technologies whilst guiding learners to practical project sites and potential workplaces in order to integrate all three learning components of theory, practical skills and workplace experience in a registered occupational qualification.

Interested parties can play a role in this innovation project by registering as an active company for the hosting of pilot learners. More information and updates can be obtained by emailing: ICT4APP@merseta.org.za or cogillcl@cput.ac.za

Vision

Leaders in closing the skills gap.

Mission

To increase access to high quality and relevant skills development and training opportunities. To support economic growth in order to reduce inequalities and unemployment. To promote employability and participation in the economy.