Technical training at TVET colleges is a ‘great option’
Citing the need for artisans, the education department said technical and vocational training offered opportunities far beyond just landing a job.
Image: Artisan Training Institute/
The department of higher education and training is highlighting the technical and vocational education and training (TVET) sector as a good option for the youth.
Citing the need for artisans, the department said technical and vocational training offered opportunities far beyond just landing a job.
Matriculants around the country received their National Senior Certificates last week and are currently weighing up their options. Their decisions will affect the rest of their lives.
Department spokesperson Lunga Ngqengelele condemned the “irresponsible and dangerous” calls for matriculants to flock to universities and demand entry, saying it was unwarranted and could disrupt the system.
He added: “It is quite unfortunate that many more are considering university than TVET colleges.
“We should be at a point where TVET colleges are the first choice and not a substitute. I believe the TVET sector offers a promising future to the youth.
“The department is working on modernising the sector by ‘up-skilling’ its teachers, replacing equipment and getting the relevant industries more involved.”
National Youth Development Agency spokesperson Sifiso Mtsweni added that TVET colleges were more accessible than universities as they were located in most townships in the country.
“The reality is that we have a lot of unemployed graduates in the country. The economy cannot afford to pay more graduates and at the same time there is a pressing need for technical and vocational skills.
“Learning technical skills will enable you to get a job and even start your own business regardless of if you have a matric or not.
“The government needs to communicate this better so that people do not look at TVET colleges as a less viable option. They need to do better marketing to ensure the message of the benefits of TVET colleges is communicated more clearly.”
Ngqengelele admitted that the department had not done enough in this regard but that it was carrying out campaigns to create more awareness.
He said parents should also play a role by advising their children to see technical and vocational training as a viable option.
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