Question NW75 to the Minister of Higher Education and Training
19 February 2019 - NW75
Van der Westhuizen, Mr AP to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training
(1)With reference to her reply to question 297 for oral reply on 21 November 2018, what number of the 614 candidates, who were allowed by the Institute for the National Development of Learnerships to undertake the trade tests after the implementation of the Artisan Recognition of Prior Learning programme in April 2018, have already completed their trade tests; (2) what number of the specified candidates (a) undertook and (b) passed their trade tests; (3) what advice would she give to those candidates that would like to qualify as artisans, but who were unable to progress to the trade test phase, after being provisionally assessed as not having the necessary skills to successfully complete the trade test?
Reply:
1. Of the 614 Artisan Recognition of Prior Learning (ARPL) candidates evaluated and granted access to a trade test, 514 candidates continued to register for a trade test at the Institute for the National Development of Learnerships, Employment Skills and Labour Assessments. (INDLELA). Once a candidate receives confirmation of access to a trade test, they may register to undertake a trade test at any accredited trade test centre in the country.
2. (a) Of the 514 candidates that registered for trade test at INDLELA, 460 candidates undertook and completed the trade test.
(b) 349 Candidates were found to be competent (75.9% pass rate) while 34 candidates’ results are pending subject to the verification of their trade test results. 77 Candidates were found to be not yet competent. 54 Candidates were absent on the day of the trade test.
3. The ARPL process is designed in such a way that it does not discourage candidates who are deemed not to be ready for a trade test. Instead, it seeks to evaluate and establish the levels of knowledge and skills which a candidate possesses. Where a knowledge and/or skills gap is identified, the candidate is supported through focused interventions to address the deficiencies identified, and when ready, is re-evaluated.
Candidates who are evaluated and are deemed not to be ready for a trade test are encouraged to stay within the ARPL system while being assisted in addressing identified knowledge and/or skills gaps, as the ARPL process is designed to promote lifelong learning.