Centre of Specialisation Programme (COS)
The prospects of South Africa’s economic growth are poor. Besides the high unemployment rate, especially amongst the youth, the country is facing a shortage of skilled workers.
To address this, the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) has been exploring options to strengthen the capacity of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Colleges. One solution, conceptualised in 2016, the introduction of centres of specialisation (COS) at TVET Colleges to contribute to the development of a model titled “Artisans for the 21st Century”
It is to this effect that the college appointed and accredited CS Barlow Campus as the Centre of Specialiation in Carpenters and Joiners. The first and the only COS in the Limpopo Province. The centre is currently accredited to be trade test centre for the Carpenters, Joiners and Electricians.
The programme informs TVET college differentiation, promotes quality teaching and learning, facilitates responsiveness and provides a model for the implementation of trade qualification of the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) whilst developing artisan skills needed for economic growth, starting with strategic integrated projects (SIPs).
The programme is novel and unique. Each TVET college specialises in one or more apprenticeship relevant to the local industry in that area. Qualification are refreshed and reflect occupational competence. Curricula are designed by industry experts. Theory, practice and experience are tightly interwoven. Employers select and manage their own apprentices. There is close interaction between TVET Colleges and employers throughout the training, with workplace schedules setting the tone.
The system combines trade theory and simulated practical training at the TVET college workshop with on-site experience in the workplace with employers being fully involved. There is close engagement between TVET colleges and employers throughout the three-year training period, with work experience planned and scheduled.