TVET workshop for High School Principals and L.O. Educators

The college hosted a TVET workshop for Amathole East High School Principals and L.O teachers at Butterworth Training college (BTC). This event was hosted to debunk the misconception that schools and the community have regarding TVET colleges offering. With other stakeholders in the sector the event was opened by the college Acting Principal Ms T Zengele who welcomed all our guest and a special thanks to those in attendance for honouring the invitation. The acting principal gave an overview of all courses that are offered by King Hintsa and what each campus specialises in. This background was to give insight on the courses and advantages that would benefit students who study through a TVET college. She highlighted that students from Teko Campus have exhibited, and guests can indulge on their fresh produced cabbage that is from the college farm, there are also students that are studying hospitality who cater at events just to name a few of our success stories. This is an information sharing session for the benefit of our communities and with those words I welcome you all in this TVET workshop.  

This year’s special guest Mr Evans Mmola from INDLELA Chief Directorate (DHET) gave a presentation on the sector wholistically. He emphases that TVET colleges should not be treated as a dumping site for students that are struggling academically, as this doesn’t help students because at college level some of these students perform poorly due to engineering subjects studied. Colleges are the only institutions that are producing artisans for the job market through Nated (Report 191) engineering courses. In his presentation Mr Mmola also touched on the fact that the department has a target of producing 26 500 artisans by 2026 and to archive this, TVET colleges will play an important role. A student needs to study N4 to N6 then do a two-year in-service training, after all of that needs to do a trade test to be a qualified artisan. This can been done to avoid the normal route of studying for 3 years without any skill.  

The country is on a decline when it comes to producing artisans, this as compared to leading countries like Germany and China. Teachers were also made aware that a student can join a college after completing Grade 9 and pursue a course at a TVET where they would study National Certificate Vocational (NCV) and can continue up to NQF level 8 in their chosen field of study. DHET has declared that this is a decade of artisan until 2030 where college should produce more than a million artisans” It is cool to be a 21st century artisan” 

“The college has occupational programmes and learnerships that the youth can apply for. These programmes help students in acquiring the necessary skills in different fields. These programmes are funded by SETAs and are accredited by the relevant authorities. Currently these are programmes are offered: Animal Production, Assistant Chef, Customer Care and Engineering (electrical, plumbing, brick laying)  

The college will be also offering new programmes that are a direct response to the needs of the communities. Hair dressing, chef will be added to these learnerships as the college is currently getting accreditation. At the moment each year we produce 5 entrepreneurs from the college through the entrepreneurship programme in partnership with Allan Gray Makers”. Those were words from Mrs Madaza head of Occupational Programmes.  

 Also in attendance were former students who shared their experience of studying at King Hintsa TVET as a pivotal part in shaping their future. Mr Matomane a former student said that being part of the institution has helped him in his career as an employee. After completing his N6 in Management Assistance his now employed because of the qualification. This was to reassure guests that TVET students and qualifications are recognised and the stigma around TVETs. 

There were questions and comments from the floor, with both Principals and Educators having a bite. They indicated that the workshop had been an-eye opener and further requested for the institution to hold more of these informative and consultative events. They also indicated that they would appreciate Career Guidance assistance from the college.  

Demonstrations done by students from the Teko Campus left all the attendees in awe. From the bricklaying, roofing and plumbing all the way to electrical system and construction. We would like to thank all those that have taken their time to ensure the event was a great success.