Created to serve the Strategic Infrastructure Projects, the Centres of Specialisation Programme is a Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) initiative designed to meet two objectives simultaneously: firstly to address the demand for priority trades needed for the implementation of government’s National Development Plan in general and its National Infrastructure Plan more particularly; and secondly to contribute towards the building of the capacity of its public Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College system to deliver trade qualifications with employer partners.
The latter is in line with the Minister of Higher Education and Training’s ‘White Paper for Post-School Education and Training: Building an Expanded, Effective and Integrated Post-School System’.
Thirteen priority trades were identified to serves the SIPS and with the aim of ensuring that the SIPS projects are constructed and maintained by highly qualified staff. These trades included: bricklayer, electrician, millwright, boilermaker, plumber, mechanic including automotive mechanic, diesel mechanic, carpenter and joiner, welder, rigger, fitter and turner, mechanical fitter, pipe fitter.
Ms Christiana Nel, Deputy Principal: Innovation and Development, said, “False Bay TVET College is dedicated to implement the Centre of Specialisation in partnership with industry and to deliver qualified artisans in Mechanical Fitting and Rigging through QCTO accredited occupational programmes. Over the years, the College developed sound partnerships with industry for work integrated learning and employment opportunities for its students and will indeed strengthen and build on these partnerships for the Centres of Specialisation.”
A multi- phase vetting approach, the DHET followed a rigorous review process before the announcement. The National Oversight Structure for the Centres of Specialisation programme and the Director General was the final endorsement.
False Bay TVET College is exceptionally proud of this acknowledgement, more so that the one Centre of Specialisation will be housed on the new Swartklip, False Bay TVET College Campus.
For more information about False Bay TVET College and its programme offerings, please visit their website www.falsebaycollege.co.za.
For more information on the DHET Centre of Specialisation, you may download the proposal from http://www.dhet.gov.za/TVET%20Conference/TVET/Centeres-of-Specialisaiton-in-the-TVET-College-Sector.pdf.
