9 June 2024
In September 2023, the Deputy Director General of Technical and Vocational Education and Training announced the phase-out schedule for NATED report 191 N1-N3 programs in all TVET colleges, effective January 2024. The final exams for these courses will be held in 2024-2025. This phase-out plan accommodates the last cohort of N1-N3 students, transitioning to the new QCTO-supervised occupational qualifications.
The shift to occupational qualifications has faced complications and delays, unsettling stakeholders. The rigorous quality assurance process for developing and accrediting these qualifications is time-consuming, and there are concerns over the disorganised learning material provided by DHET.
DLonra Publishers, in collaboration with QCTO stakeholders, researched to assist in creating high-quality content for TVETs. It was found that:
- There is an opportunity to enhance the organisation of learning materials.
- DHET’s booklets for facilitators could benefit from more systematic organisation.
- Facilitators rely on old notes, making instruction challenging.
- Not all institutions have the resources to implement QCTO qualifications.
To address these issues, DLonra Publishers launched a pilot project to develop standardised learning materials for electrical and bricklaying fields, aiming for curriculum alignment across all TVET colleges by the first trimester of 2025.
Collaboration is crucial in developing occupational qualifications, which include knowledge, practical, and work experience unit standards. Engaging industry, academic institutions, students, and government bodies ensures the acceptance and successful implementation of these qualifications.
In an interview with Mr. Mihle Mvelakubi, a WorldSkills Champions Trust Ambassador and former College of Cape Town bricklaying facilitator, he emphasised the importance of continuous training for facilitators to support the transition process and ensure uniformity in the program.
Mr. Takura Chikurunhe, a bricklaying author at DLonra Publishing, noted that private organisations are quicker to adapt to changes, which is concerning as most learners are in public schools. He is pleased with the emphasis on practical training, as it enhances employability both locally and internationally.
The Occupational Qualifications Sub-Framework (OQSF) Policy, part of the National Skills Development Plan 2030, aims to improve education and economic opportunities. DLonra’s standardised learning materials will be available by the end of 2024, benefiting all TVET colleges.For more inquiries on the progress of these and other learning materials in progress, you can reach out to us by emailing: marketing@dlonra.co.za.