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TVET institutions, also known as Further Education and Training (FET) colleges, play a pivotal role in equipping young people with the skills necessary for technical and industrial sectors. South Africa can learn from countries that have successfully leveraged vocational training to boost workforce readiness, writes Ashley Mabasa. Following the matric results announcement, attention has naturally turned to the futures of South Africa's youth and the next steps in their post-secondary education. While universities such as the University of the Witwatersrand and University of Cape Town dominate discussions, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges remain an underutilised resource in addressing critical economic and social challenges. TVET institutions, also known as Further Education and Training colleges, play a pivotal role in equipping young people with the skills necessary for the technical and industrial sectors. Despite this, they are often overshadowed by universities, which are perceived as the gold standard for employability and success. This perception is not only misguided but detrimental to South Africa's workforce development. Bridging the education and employment divide South Africa's 50 registered TVET colleges operate across 250 campuses, enrolling 518 584 students in 2023 - a modest increase from 452 277 in 2021. These numbers highlight the latent potential of TVET colleges to bridge the gap between education and employment, particularly in a country where youth unemployment hovers around 60%. The Department of Education has made notable strides, with the national matric pass rate climbing to 87.3% in 2024 from 83.9% in 2023. However, TVET colleges remain stigmatised as a fallback for students who do not qualify for university. This narrative undermines their ability to address skills shortages and improve economic mobility. To realise the full potential of TVET colleges, systemic barriers must be addressed. These include outdated infrastructure, under-resourced teachers, and weak alignment between curricula and industry demands. Investment in modernising campuses and facilities is critical, as is fostering industry partnerships to ensure graduates possess market-relevant skills. The numbers underscore the urgency. South African universities can accommodate only about 200 000 students annually, leaving hundreds of thousands of matriculants without clear pathways. TVET colleges can fill this void by providing practical education that meets labour market needs and reduces skills mismatches. Global lessons in vocational training South Africa can learn from countries that have successfully leveraged vocational training to boost workforce readiness. For example, Bangladesh's Skills and Training Enhancement Project significantly improved the effectiveness of TVET through targeted reforms and public-private partnerships. Malaysia's collaboration with more than 200 industry players, including giants like Petronas, highlights the importance of aligning vocational training with real-world demands. Germany's Dual System, which combines theoretical instruction with structured apprenticeships, offers another model for South Africa. This approach ensures students graduate with both practical experience and academic knowledge, making them immediately employable. South Africa could replicate elements of this system, particularly in industries poised for growth, such as renewable energy and advanced manufacturing. TVET and the green economy The transition to a low-carbon economy presents an opportunity for TVET colleges to play a leading role in workforce development. As South Africa decommissions coal power stations, the demand for skills in green energy and sustainable manufacturing will rise. TVET colleges are well-positioned to meet this need by offering specialised training programmes that align with the goals of a just energy transition. McKinsey's Climate Transition Impact Framework succinctly highlighted the importance of considering socioeconomic impacts in the journey to net-zero. By integrating green skills into TVET curricula, South Africa can prepare its workforce for emerging opportunities while mitigating the risks of economic dislocation. Like in Mpumalanga, the Nkomati power station that was decommissioned and objectively aimed at being converted to renewable energy to add 150MW of solar, 70MW of wind and 150MW of storage batteries. This will require technical skills and TVETs must take advantage of this opportunity. What can be done? The transformation of TVET colleges requires coordinated action from policymakers, industry leaders, and educational institutions. Policymakers must prioritise funding and regulatory reform to modernise TVET infrastructure. Industries must engage directly with TVET institutions to shape curricula and offer apprenticeships. Communities, in turn, must challenge outdated perceptions and recognise TVET as a valuable and viable pathway to economic mobility. Finally, South Africa's youth is grappling with a staggering unemployment rate of 45.5%. However, by strategically investing in TVET, the country has the potential to tackle urgent issues such as youth unemployment, skills shortages, and economic inequality. TVET colleges are not just an alternative to universities; they are fundamental to building a resilient, future-ready economy. |
