Question NW518 to the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
27 March 2023 - NW518
Shaik Emam, Mr AM to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
What steps is his department taking to address the high drop-out rate of first-year students at technical and vocational education and training colleges which comes at a very high cost?
Reply:
The Department of Higher Education and Training has various strategies in place to improve retention of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college students. In respect of student admissions, the Department has developed the Policy Framework on Administration and Management of Student Admissions in TVET Colleges to facilitate access to young people, particularly from disadvantaged backgrounds to TVET college programme offerings. Furthermore, administration of the student selection and placement tests is compulsory in all colleges to ensure that students are appropriately enrolled in programmes aligned to their cognitive abilities. To promote student access, financially and academically deserving students may apply for the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) which covers tuition (inclusive of textbooks, consumables, and safety gear), personal care allowance, living allowance, and transport or accommodation.
Students who do not meet entry requirements for a particular programme as outlined in the college’s admission policy may be enrolled into the Pre-Vocational Learning Programme (PLP) which is a one-year academic programme intended to bridge the gap in students’ foundational knowledge in subjects such as English, Mathematics and Science, and over and above includes computer literacy and life skills. In respect of on-course support, the Department has developed the Academic Support Guidelines to assist colleges to develop their own academic support programmes and interventions for underperforming students in order to improve their retention and academic performance.
The physical, emotional, social health, and well-being of students have a bearing on their retention and academic performance. In this regard, the Department, in collaboration with Higher Health is offering health, wellness and psychosocial support to students with socio-economic challenges ranging from gender-based violence, substance abuse, health care, STD and HIV/AIDS screenings, and mental health to enable them to adapt to the demands of college life and their studies.