22 FEATURES
The issues around education and training of artisans can be fixed
Compiled by
Tanya Olckers
What are the obstacles facing artisan education and what are the solutions ?
Images by Freepik
Stats SA has reported that there is a decline in individuals who only have a primary school education . In 1994 , at the dawn of South Africa ’ s democracy , the number of people with only a primary school – or less – education stood at 59 %. In 2022 , the number has dropped to 22 %.
According to a media release from Stats SA , youth unemployment climbed in the fourth quarter of 2023 to 44.3 % from 43.4 % in the third quarter . Other sources place that percentage significantly higher .
School learners are a different kettle of fish when it comes to education , however . For those seeking training in plumbing and other trades , there is greater access to pursue these careers . However , skills gaps , out of date curricula and mentors who have no real trade experience can be seen as part of the issues these potential artisans face . Then there ’ s the issue of cost of training , unaccredited or fly-bynight trade colleges and lack of on-site work experience opportunities for learners .
“ One obstacle is access ,” says Sherrie Donaldson from Harambee . “ How do you find out about opportunities ? There is a cost involved to a young person from printing CVs to transport to interviews or classes . This is what is being addressed with platforms such as SA Youth .”
“ We have observed that the gap between education and the private sector Kreishandwerkschaft is enormous ,” says Katja Lommetz . She is convinced that cooperation between colleges and private economy must be improved on a sustainable scale to create practical employment opportunities for skilled craftspeople .
There are other issues , too . TVET colleges typically offer three-year learning programmes . These learning programmes should be centred
Apprenticeship is a way to get experience and learn . around theory and practical , however , not all TVET colleges are created equal .
It could be difficult for some colleges to invest in machinery and equipment , and some lecturers in these colleges may not be exposed to the industries that they are teaching in .
“ Access to experiential learning is vital , but we see a number of factors like access to workplaces that prevent that from taking place ,” says Mookapele . “ For example , TVET colleges have learners that are waiting to placed , but the colleges may not be aware of which industry partners are willing to take apprentices in for their practical training requirements . This speaks to the need for private sector and public colleges to work closer together . Another factor that limits access to workplaces is the distance between the available workplaces to rural areas , making it difficult for learners from rural villages to access these workplaces .”
Financial constraints on colleges and students could also be a contributing factor .
“ What seems to be prevalent is businesses not offering internships because of the cost of providing the intern a salary ,” says Katja Lommetz . “ Students then end up staying at home or continuing their studies instead of gaining experience in practical work .”
This is echoed by Sherrie Donaldson of Harambee . “ There is a government focus on increasing work experience opportunities . In the long run however , the bigger issue lies in work readiness that enables young people to grab opportunities .”
“ Over 300 young people are currently enrolled in our apprenticeship programme , gaining relevant skills and workplace exposure ,” says Dan Kabongo , marketing associate with BluLever Education . “ We have a shortfall of 40,000 qualified artisans , with a national target to produce 30,000 per year by 2035 . Currently , just 13,000 students graduate from government TVET colleges yearly , with less than 5 % of these actually qualified as artisans . We are not educating enough artisans to meet the demands of the industry .”
“ The other aspect that is a continuous concern is that new technology , products and materials are regularly integrated or introduced into the plumbing industry and the curriculum is not frequently updated to incorporate these items or technology which causes the apprentices or learners to be at a disadvantage when exposed to these in the workplace ,” says Gerrie Botha , National Training Manager with IOPSA .
www . plumbingafrica . co . za @ plumbingonline @ plumbingonline @ PlumbingAfricaOnline July 2024 Volume 30 I Number 5