UNISA : Unpacking Articulation Opportunities Between TVET Colleges And Universities
The distinct roles of technical vocational education and training (TVET) colleges and universities were unpacked at a recent academic symposium hosted by Unisa Western Cape at the George Municipality on 22 July 2024. Stakeholders and representatives from a range of platforms in the Southern Cape, including Basic and Higher Education, TVET colleges, and students (including representatives of the Unisa Western Cape RSRC), were all in some way invested in broadening and strengthening alternative pathways between school and the world of work for the TVET college student.
The objective was to create a platform for academics, teachers and educational managers to debate the role of TVET colleges in expanding the career possibilities of the TVET college student.
Elsie Potgieter, Principal of South Cape TVET College, provided an excellent overview of the role of TVET colleges in broadening alternative pathways for students. Dr Jo Zeelie, HoD: Management Practice in the Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences at Nelson Mandela University (NMU), insightfully analysed the complexities of the enrolment of TVET learners at NMU.
Tercia Terblanche, Deputy Principal : Academic at South Cape College and Nandipha September, a student at both TVET college and university level briefly explored the psycho-social challenges and resilience of the TVET college student.
Professors Oupa Lebeloane and Mago Mndawe from the College of Education at Unisa provided a distance education perspective on Unisa’s interaction with TVET colleges.
The Circuit Manager for the Eden and Central Karoo Education District (WCED), Rozelle Smith-Neethling, shared strategies to create awareness amongst educational institutions and students.
The Principal of Great Brak River Secondary School, Angela Muller, reflected on the impact of the TVET-school partnership for the school, the student, educators and the surrounding community.
Lively discussions among the participants ensued, facilitated by Felicity Scholtz, Programme Manager of South Cape College.
