Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) has kicked off the campaign for the launch of 26 Centres of Specialisation (COS) aimed at prioritising 13 occupational trades in high demand to curb trade skills shortages as well as reduce unemployment and poverty in the country.
The COS are located at 26 Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges across the country.
The colleges have been selected through a vigorous process undertaken by teams of education and industry experts to identify trades that are in demand for the infrastructure programmes as well as for other strategic programmes such as the ocean economy programme.
The selected colleges will be provided with resources to upgrade workshops and equipment to deliver effectively on these much needed skills.
The Centres are also positioned to prepare students for the workplace or self-employment through the maintenance of close working relationships with employers in their areas of study.
Partnerships between colleges and employers will assist the institutions to locate opportunities for work-integrated learning and help them to place students when they complete their qualifications.
The trades which are highly needed to grow the economy include: Electricians, Millwright, Boilermakers, Plumbers, Diesel mechanics, Fitter and turner, Pipe fitters and Welders, Riggers and Mechanical fitters among others.
For more information:
Madikwe Mabotha
Lehlohonolo Mphuthi
Tel: 012 312 5024
E-mail: Mabotha.M@dhet.gov.za
