Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges will play a critical role in addressing South Africa’s skill shortages. The programmes offered provide graduates with the specific skill sets and knowledge required to not only secure jobs in various technical and vocational fields but also to potentially launch their own businesses.
According to the National Development Plan (NDP), the government wants to expand the college system with a focus on improving quality. They believe better quality will build confidence in the college sector and attract more learners.
To achieve the enrolment targets set out in the NDP, the government will need to improve on what works in the college sector and well as addressing the challenges plaguing the sector. Work is currently being done to ensure this.
The release of the Committee Legacy Report presented to the Committee on Higher Education, Science and Innovation chronicled the recent successes and challenges in the TVET college sector.
Successes of South Africa's TVET Colleges
A significant achievement for the TVET sector was the elimination of the backlog in issuing certificates for qualifications like the General Education and Training Certificate (GETC), National Certificate Vocational (NC(V)) and Report 191 Diplomas.
This accomplishment stemmed from the Committee's dedicated oversight of the certification process, which included monitoring the implementation plan and procuring a suitable information and communications technology (ICT) system for examinations.
The safety and security of students and staff have been a major concern in the sector. The Committee's recommendations for improved standards were well-received by the Department.
As a result, the Department's 2023/24 Annual Performance Plan now includes new output indicators and targets focused on the phased implementation of Safety and Security Minimum Norms and Standards at TVET colleges.
The TVET sector has seen a positive development in the form of increased partnerships with industry stakeholders and funding organisations. This collaboration is crucial for ensuring that TVET programmes align with industry needs and provide graduates with better employment prospects.
While audits of TVET colleges have shown improvement, these improvements fall short of the desired pace for the DHET.
In response to concerns about an outdated curriculum, the Department is actively revamping TVET programmes. The phasing out of N1-N3 Engineering programmes and the introduction of new offerings like the NC(V) IT and Computer (Programming and Robotics) stream are positive steps towards ensuring that TVET qualifications remain relevant to the evolving workplace.
Challenges of South Africa's TVET Colleges
A major obstacle for the TVET sector is a lack of sufficient funding. These financial constraints often hinder a college's ability to provide quality education, maintain infrastructure and offer competitive staff salaries.
Delays in the disbursement of National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) allowances were also flagged as a major challenge for the committee. These delays disrupt the academic experience for students and in some cases lead to student protests and hinder students' ability to focus on their studies.
Poor integration between TVET college's information systems and NSFAS further creates hurdles in processing student financial aid applications. The committee indicated that this disjointedness can cause delays and make it difficult for students to access the financial support they need.
The TVET sector also struggles with inadequate infrastructure for teaching and learning. This includes a lack of up-to-date ICT resources, student accommodation and essential equipment for practical training.
It was also revealed that TVET college students often face difficulties transferring their qualifications to higher education programmes. This can be a barrier for students who wish to pursue further academic studies.
The presence of under qualified lecturers and inadequate safety measures raise concerns about the quality of education and the well-being of students and staff within TVET colleges.
Low student enrolment in some occupational skills programmes is a concerning challenge for the department. They said these low enrolment figures could be the result of a lack of funding to support these programmes or a shortage of qualified instructors.
TVET colleges grapple with low completion rates for some programmes. This can be attributed to various factors, including academic challenges, financial constraints, and a lack of support for students.
The placement of students in work-integrated learning opportunities is proving to be a challenge for TVET colleges. Failure to place students could mean they miss out on valuable practical experience and delay their career progression.
