UMfolozi Launches Centre of Specialization

“To improve the South African economy, there must be an investment in technical skills,” were the words emphasized by the College Principal during the Centre of Specialization launch (CoS) at Richtek Campus on, Thursday 1 March 2018. Centre of Specialization is a national programme aimed at producing a skilled workforce to support inclusive economic growth, increased availability of intermediate-level technical skills, increased delivery of qualified artisans in priority trades and improved capacity of public TVET Colleges to train in skills in demand by the industry.

The aim is to use the dual system apprenticeships that combine technical education at a TVET College with simulated practical training and a lot of authentic work experience in a single, integrated learning programme.

CoS stemmed from a partnership with the Department of Higher Education and Training and business associations from the private sector, focusing on 13 priority trades. The College will offer Millwright and Rigging trades. There will be close interaction between the College and employers throughout the training, with workplace schedule setting the tone.

Addressing a number of host employers, Principal, Sam Zungu went on to say, it is the College’s role to make a difference in the areas where it is operating and therefore urged them to have a joint training committee. In her motivational message, employer representative, Kylie Griffin invited the companies to put their efforts in the future economy of the country by up skilling the youth. “We need to make some changes to reverse inequality, focus on artisans who play a highly important role in industry and to have innovative equipment. We hope the project will be a door opener and have to use the industry for this programme to be effective. Need projects like these to develop, up skill and take them to the workforce. Our goals are to empower and assist TVET Colleges which are the providers of choice and produce a curriculum occupationally designed for industry. We need to change our mindset and engage with College,” said Griffin.

Student represents College in National Competition

“It’s not every day that a student receives an opportunity to represent the College in a National competition. For me this was a once in a lifetime opportunity that equipped me with more knowledge about the business sector,” said a former Transport and Logistics student proudly represented the College at the Awethu Project competition in Johannesburg on 24 and 25 January 2018.

Lucky Mbatha was among 18 other participants from around the country. The Awethu Project partnered with ABSA bank to develop a free Virtual Incubator App that aims to encourage and support young people to establish and grow their own businesses. This project is aimed at assisting students in job creation for themselves through entrepreneurial development.

Awethu started engaging with the students in August 2017 where each interested student was allowed to download and register on the Awethu Project Incubator App on their Android phones. In order to win the students were expected to have this App active on the phones and to perform certain tasks related to running a business. The engagement on the App and learning was measured by entering financials, watching videos, completing action plans and participating in peer - to  peer engagement sessions.

Mbatha is currently doing his internship at Esikhawini Campus and is looking at using his recently acquired skills to start his own business.