Gauteng education MEC Matome Chiloane has launched the multi-certification skills programme at Katlehong Engineering School of Specialisation.
The programme, he said during the launch on Wednesday, will ensure that Gauteng learners obtain an accredited skill from grade R to grade 12.
In partnership with Sci-Bono, the learners will get a chance to learn and obtain a certificate in rocketry and will be able to obtain drivers licences in grade 11.
The department said the programme will guarantee learners in primary and secondary schools accreditation in the following skills: coding robotics; swimming; entrepreneurship; sign language; peer mediation; microsoft digital; rocketry; artificial intelligence; K53; first aid; drone technology; values and diversity; and music enhancement.
“At our technical schools, the multi-certification skills programme will provide learners [from grade 10-12] accreditation in the following skills: plumbing; woodwork; bricklaying and plastering; electricians part-qualification; electronics and digital security installation; electronic appliance repair; automotive repairs and maintenance; welding; fitting and machining; basic CAD competency; elevator installation, maintenance and repair; forklift operation, maintenance and repair,” said Chiloane.
Alison Bengston, department’s deputy director-general curriculum, said the education system has been focusing more on academics, resulting in learners leaving school without skills to empower them.
“We now are focusing on the vocational and occupational component, and this programme gives effect to that,” said Bengston.
“The programme is located within the priorities between both the province and GDE [Gauteng department of education].”
Chiloane said to ensure the efficacy of the programme, the department has partnered with numerous companies that provide invaluable expertise in each skill.
“During the launch, learners demonstrated their diligence in each of these skills alongside our partners,” said Chiloane.
The MEC said the department is excited to having introduced such an innovative programme that will give learners practical skills which are credible to use in South Africa’s vast economy.
Added Chiloane: “We want to ensure the public that this programme will be rolled out at all our schools, and we are working with various SEAs [school evaluation authorities] to ensure the credibility of the certificate obtained for each skill.
“We are grateful to all our partners for their immeasurable support and contribution towards this initiative, and for helping us grow Gauteng together.”
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