BELLVILLE – More than 6 600 learners across six Western Cape technical schools will benefit from a R127 million programme aimed at equipping young people with practical skills and improving their chances of finding employment after matric.

Premier Alan Winde and education minister Jaco Londt officially launched the Western Cape Education Department’s (WCED) Technical Schools Revitalisation Programme at Bellville Technical High School on Thursday 22 October.

The three-year initiative aims to bridge the gap between classroom learning and the workplace by giving learners access to industry-recognised qualifications, practical training and modern technical equipment.

Bellville school to benefit

Bellville Technical High School is among six schools participating in the programme, alongside Proteus Secondary, Joe Slovo Technical High School, Eden Technical High School, Oude Molen Technical High School and Drostdy Technical High School.

The programme currently involves 6 699 learners and 137 teachers.

Of the participating learners, 2 390 are in grade 10, 2 499 in grade 11 and 1 810 in matric.

Through a partnership with Certify Academy, a division of the CAD4ALL Institute of Architecture and Digital Arts, learners will have an opportunity to earn additional technical certifications while completing their National Senior Certificate.

Certify Academy’s Jody van Heerden said the programme would allow learners to build qualifications and gain practical experience before leaving school. “Through our innovative multi-certification model, learners in grades 10 to 12 can obtain multiple industry-relevant and internationally recognised skills certifications, supported by practical experience and a digital portfolio of evidence showcasing their competencies and achievements.”

R127m upgrade

The funding will go towards upgrading school workshops, equipment and technology to bring technical training closer to current industry standards.

Teachers will also receive specialist training and additional support.

The WCED plans to strengthen partnerships with businesses, technical and vocational education and training (TVET) colleges and tertiary institutions to create more opportunities for learners to enter the workforce or pursue further studies.

Londt said technical education had a crucial role to play in preparing young people for life after school.

“This is a significant investment in the future of this province and the country. When our learners succeed, businesses gain access to better skills, communities become more resilient, and the economy grows. Everyone benefits.”

Focus on youth employment

Winde said the programme formed part of the provincial government’s efforts to tackle youth unemployment and address the skills shortage facing businesses.

“This programme will also help us address the challenge of youth unemployment. We will keep investing in equipping more young people with the skills they need to thrive in our economy.”

He said skills development remained a key priority of the province’s Growth for Jobs strategy.

The programme will run for three years, with its first cohort of learners expected to matriculate in 2028.

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