The South African government is trying to right the current production rate of qualified artisans in South Africa, which is far shorter than required targets
This is was stated by the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Blade Nzimande, speaking at an address on last week, 5 Narch 2013, at the opening of Imperial Automobile Training Academy in Bellville South industrial area.
According to statistics, South Africa has a shortfall of about 40 000 qualified artisans against the annual production rate of 13 000 qualified artisans.
The National Development Plan, which aims to ensure all South Africans attain a decent standard of living through the elimination of poverty and reduction of inequality by 2030, states South Africa should produce more than 30 000 qualified artisans a year if the labour demand is to be met.
The Imperial Automobile Training Academy, one of three in the country, will focus on meeting the technical needs in passenger vehicles, heavy duty vehicles, auto electrical and auto-tronics through the Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Industries Sector Education and Training Authority (MerSETA) apprenticeship training programme. Sean Fenn, General Manager of Development and Training at the academy, said the pipeline that had produced apprentices in the past was broken. The academy was part of an engagement to repair that pipeline.
In rising to the challenge the government has identified Further Education and Training (FET) colleges as part of the solution. A variety of strategies have been introduced, including: declaring 2013 the Year of the Artisan with the slogan “It’s cool to be an Artisan”; introducing fee-free education for poor and deserving students at FET colleges; to change negative perceptions around FET colleges; and a turnaround strategy to improve the quality of management and teaching at these institutions.
Nzimande said that government had made a firm commitment to implement a funding mechanism to subsidise young people seeking work or placement in various companies.
Funding for loans and bursaries for students wanting to study at universities and colleges has been upped from R2.375 billion in 2008 to well over R6 billion this year. In addition, over the next three years, an amount of R1.7 billion has been set aside for student accommodation, while universities will contribute R600 million to this project.
“This confirms government’s commitment to making fund available to stimulate workplace training and employment opportunities for all our young people,” the minister said.
The government’s response is bearing fruit. Enrollment at these colleges has shot up from 350 000 in 2010 to 650 000 last year. About 42%t of 650 000 students enrolled are studying engineering.
The government’s investments and improvements need to be seen against the background of the growing number of young people aged between the ages of 18-24 who are not in education, employment or training. “A lot is being done to ensure these young people have a second chance to become productive citizens and take their right place in society,” said Nzimande.
News courtesy of SAnews.gov.za
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