College of College of Graduate Studies

The need for partnerships between universities and TVET Colleges

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Relationship building and strategic partnership between Universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges will contribute to the development goals of higher education and the country.

Professor Gezani Baloyi, a professor from the College of Graduate Studies has been actively involved in the TVET colleges’ conversations since the year 2019. With the recent release of grade twelve (matric) results, the interview was about the state of affairs in terms of how universities are supporting the TVET colleges. Prior to the democratic transition, not much attention was paid to these colleges, but universities are now expected to support them. The interview took place at Unisa’s Winnie Madikizela-Mandela Building.

Commenting on the TVET colleges, Prof Baloyi mentioned that, according to his observations, there is nothing wrong with what the colleges are doing presently. He further mentioned that it is unfortunate that these colleges are not properly marketed and reaching out to the youth. However, the TVET colleges’ curricula should be responsive to the market. Furthermore, TVET colleges have a great deal to offer potential students and they should be marketed as a viable and attractive option to potential students.

Prof Baloyi also touched on German education and TVET colleges. German education has been said to have high regard for TVET colleges. There is great value in finding a proper balance between general education and vocational education and training. In Germany, businesses and factories are supportive of TVET colleges. They offer support to students and offer work-integrated learning opportunities.

TVET Colleges and universities serve different social needs and they train different students to fulfil those needs.  On the topic of changes that can occur in South Africa with regard to colleges and them being more appealing to young people, Prof Baloyi advised that the private sector should support TVET colleges and offer internships or similar support to students. With the government also supporting TVET colleges, innovation will increase.

   

The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) encourages cooperation between TVET colleges and universities.  Unisa has agreements with various TVET colleges to offer tuition for selected qualifications, but primarily higher certificates.  These classes have proved to mostly improve the throughput rate of students who enrol for them. Successful completion of the higher certificates may give you a better chance to qualify for degree studies at Unisa.

Unisa has an agreement with TVET colleges and can be find here:
https://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/corporate/default/Apply-for-admission/TVET-colleges/TVET-colleges-that-have-an-agreement-with-Unisa

You can watch the interview by clicking on the link:  https://youtu.be/srhKPX8gt1I

*By Hanli Wolhuter, Communication and Marketing Specialist and Musa Buthelezi, Intern, College of Graduate Studies

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Publish date: 2023/04/25

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