Johannesburg - Artisans emerging with certificates from Further Education Training Colleges (FETs) are, in many instances, simply not employable, according to Sean Jones, a director of the Artisan Training Institute (ATI).
“There are claims being bandied about that there is a shortfall of as many as 50 000 artisans in South Africa," he said.
"But, besides questioning this number – which I believe is very much on the high side – the question we are faced with is not quantity, but quality.”
According to Joe Samuels, CEO of the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA), vocational and occupational education and training is “key to taking the economy forward".
Samuels emphasised that colleges must focus on quality qualifications.
He sees a need for advocacy within industry and in the broader community on the quality occupational qualifications.
Samuels also noted that key to turning FET Colleges around is that “lecturers need to really understand what industry needs so that their output can meet its needs".
The latest statistics show that there are currently 650 000 learners at FET colleges.
Samuels said the mindset of people about FET Colleges must be changed, quality must be ensured and third there must be capacity building for the FET lecturers.
- Fin24
“There are claims being bandied about that there is a shortfall of as many as 50 000 artisans in South Africa," he said.
"But, besides questioning this number – which I believe is very much on the high side – the question we are faced with is not quantity, but quality.”
According to Joe Samuels, CEO of the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA), vocational and occupational education and training is “key to taking the economy forward".
Samuels emphasised that colleges must focus on quality qualifications.
He sees a need for advocacy within industry and in the broader community on the quality occupational qualifications.
Samuels also noted that key to turning FET Colleges around is that “lecturers need to really understand what industry needs so that their output can meet its needs".
The latest statistics show that there are currently 650 000 learners at FET colleges.
Samuels said the mindset of people about FET Colleges must be changed, quality must be ensured and third there must be capacity building for the FET lecturers.
- Fin24