Corporate SA Needs to Get Involved in the Growth of TVET Colleges

Developing artisans in South Africa is crucial for the country's economic growth, infrastructure development, and social stability. Artisans play a vital role in various industries such as construction, manufacturing, and engineering, and are essential for the implementation and maintenance of key infrastructure projects. By developing artisans, South Africa can reduce its reliance on foreign skilled labor, create employment opportunities, and address the critical skills shortage in key sectors.

Artisans are key to driving innovation, entrepreneurship, and small business development, which are critical for economic transformation and job creation. Investing in artisan development also aligns with the country's goals of promoting vocational training, skills development, and youth empowerment, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and prosperous future for?South?Africa.

If corporate companies in South Africa support TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) colleges, they will ultimately contribute to the development of artisans, which is crucial for the country's economic and infrastructural growth. By supporting these institutions, companies can ensure a steady supply of skilled artisans, who are essential for maintaining and developing the country's infrastructure, industries, and economy.

In order to give some direction, here are five ways corporate companies in South Africa can support TVET colleges to produce quality artisans:

1. College Soft Skills Development Initiatives: While TVET colleges provide technical skills to students, there also needs to be support in other areas of career development. I did an article about workplace tours in this newsletter previously. Such initiatives can help the students understand that they can grow into higher positions. Also, other professional development avenues that teach interpersonal skills to balance the technical skills are important. This could form part of CSI or Socio-Economic Development.

2. TVET College Entrepreneurial Development: Every students who is studying towards being an artisan should be given an option to explore the business side of things. This has already been advocated for by government and now we need to see strong implementation. Corporate SA can invest their Enterprise and Supplier Development funds into teaching Entrepreneurship Skills to TVET College students.

3. Bursaries and Scholarships: I think corporate SA could invest more into Bursaries for TVET colleges. This is a requirement in the B-BBEE codes, however everyone wants to fund students to study at the "recognised" institutions of higher learning. We need to shift that mindset.

By supporting TVET colleges in these ways, corporate companies can help produce skilled and industry-ready artisans, addressing the country's skills shortage and driving economic?growth.