Question NW529 to the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
28 March 2024 - NW529
Chirwa, Ms NN to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
Following the launch of the National Artisan Development Academy by the Motheo Technical and Vocational Education and Training College on 1 March 2024, (a) what direction is the specified facility taking in ensuring that the supply of qualifications matches the requirements of a growing economy and (b) how will the students be accommodated regarding residency?
Reply:
(a) During the conceptualisation phase of the National Artisan Development Academy, a research committee was established with members from the University of the Free State (UFS), Central University of Technology (CUT), Services SETA and Motheo TVET College. The study employed a qualitative research design that involved desktop analysis of supply and demand of trades and related occupations.
The analyses involved:
1) the review of the Sector Skills Plans of six Sector Education and Training Authorities that provide funding for trade and related occupations (with particular attention paid to PIVOTAL lists, scarce and critical skills lists),
2) DHET’ s list of priority occupations and Department of Trade (DTI) Sector Strategic Integrated Project (SIP) scarce skills as well as applicable policy and legislative framework. The research activities described above resulted in a combined list of 36 possible trades. These were further grouped according to their levels of similarities. Based on these analyses, a total of 23 trades were extracted from scarce skills. Sixteen trades were common across scarce and pivotal lists. Seven trades were listed as scarce and not pivotal. Nine trades were listed as pivotal and not scarce. The trades were grouped according to similar practical equipment requirements. Nine groups could be identified, covering 31 trades. Five trades could be allocated into any group. The study recommended that Groups 1-6 be accommodated at the Academy, in addition to Hairdressing and Beauty Treatment which fall within the scope of the Services SETA is accommodated at the Academy.
(b) The National Artisan Development Academy have 3 hostels on the campus where we can accommodate a total of 192 students. Students who are in programmes which are funded by NSFAS like the Occupational Certificate: Hairdresser and Visual Art & Design N4 to N6 will be accommodated in these hostels. The Student Support Services (SSS) Unit is assisting the college with student housing at the Academy for students resides from outside Bloemfontein.