Ronald Swartz, Head of Education for the Western Cape and Ivor Blumenthal, CEO of the Services Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) have signed an agreement of mutual cooperation on behalf of their respective organisations.

"Industry expects employable skills that will lead to full productivity almost immediately after appointment," said Blumenthal. "Therefore theoretical and practical aspects of training programmes must be integrated to the fullest extent," he added.

According to Swartz, a learner following a specific education and training programme needs the security of knowing that the programme will provide the necessary knowledge, skills, values and attitudes that are required for life-long learning and the workplace.

The SA Human Resources Development Strategy is aimed at skilling the work force to become employable. Individual’s chances of self-employment and employment in the workplace is therefore enhanced.

The mandate of public FET colleges is to offer relevant and flexible programmes that integrate theory and practice to result in life-long learning and employability. Traditionally in South Africa education was separate from practical training. The result was that learners needed retraining on entering the work environment.

The cooperation agreement will have a major positive impact in the creation of many more learning opportunities that directly lead to employment. Demand-led programmes offered at colleges (i.e. training needed by industry) will be jointly approved and quality assured.

Through the initiatives of the Department of Labour (DoL) and the Department of Education (DoE) this scenario is now rapidly changing for the better.

Issued by:
René Bonzet
Corporate Communications Manager
Northlink College - Tygerberg Campus
Tel: 021 558 4289
Fax: 021 558 3809
Cell: 083 303 8567
E-mail:   rbonzet@tygerberg.com
Website:   http://www.northlink.co.za