Employers are beginning to see the value of vocational training
THE TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) Work-based Experience Project funded by Fasset has provided employers with “aha!” moments.
They now realise TVET learners are wellsuited to support-type functions in their organisations and this is a total mind shift as employers in the finance and accounting services sector have historically employed only university graduates.
This is according to Fasset CEO, Cheryl James, who explains that Fasset’s TVET Work-based Experience Project is aligned to Minister of Higher Education and Training Dr Blade Nzimande’s White Paper for Postschool Education and Training and the recently released proposal for the New National Skills Development Strategy and Sector Education and Training Authorities Landscape.
The minister envisages closer relationships between TVET colleges and employers, with Setas bridging the gap between education and the world of work.
Deloitte has participated in the project since 2013 and has assisted more than 150 TVET learners to obtain work experience.
Deloitte solutions consultant Jimmy van der Merwe is overseeing the project.
“When we started the programme at Deloitte, we were unsure of the level of technical capability of the TVET learners, but with the right support and well defined functions, they have exceeded our expectations,” he says.
Learners are mentored and they emerge well-rounded and appropriately skilled at the end of the period.
“Employers such as Deloitte are adding considerable value by teaching learners a good work ethic, establishing quality as the benchmark, and inculcating a sense of pride in everything the learners do,” James says.
Learners have opened employers’ eyes to the fact that they constitute an important talent pool, which can be developed.
“Many learners view their National Diploma as a stepping stone,” James explains. “With a National Diploma under their belt, they intend completing a degree or a professional qualification. This makes them a very attractive employee proposition.”
Project beneficiaries are not guaranteed employment at the end of the programme. However, many learners have proved their mettle and have been offered permanent employment.
Jonas Mvundlela, 25, is a case in point. He was one of the top learners in financial management at the Tshwane North FET College, Pretoria campus, and completed his 18-month internship in the finance department at Deloitte.
He considers himself extremely fortunate to have been given this opportunity. “Teamwork is one of the most important lessons I have learnt,”he says.
“I have learnt how we assist each other. We have each other’s back. I can work under pressure. I can work independently, with motivation and confidence. I respect deadlines. When I have a lot of work on my plate, I make sure that I get to work early, so I can submit my work on time.”
His work ethic and attitude have impressed and after completing his internship, he was offered (and accepted) a position at Deloitte. He plans to further his studies in financial management.
Fasset is currently recruiting another 200 TVET learners for the 2015/16 financial year in specialisations such as financial management, business management, marketing management, HR Management and management assistant.
Requirements are that: learners must be black Africans; South African citizens; have completed the theoretical component for N6; have achieved a minimum pass of 50 percent.