Kagiso Trust, in partnership with Sasol Foundation, is pleased to invite all to the second day of the virtual Annual Technical Teachers Conference to be held on 20 June 2023, from 09h00-18h00.

Day one of the 7th Annual Technical Teachers Conference which took place on Tuesday, 13th June 2023, offered a platform for educators, industry partners, government departments, universities, and artisan training agencies to gain valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities within our technical education system. The presentations delivered during the conference shed light on crucial aspects of our education system and the need to prepare students for the ever-evolving world.

During the first day of the conference, Dr. Moses Simelane, Chief Director of Curriculum Implementation and Monitoring at the Department of Basic Education drew attention to the limitations of the current schooling curriculum, which focuses primarily on academic and theoretical learning. This approach overlooks vocational and occupational learning, limiting the choices available to learners. Furthermore, it fails to address technological advancements and emerging industries driven by the Fourth Industrial Revolution. This has led many learners to believe that success is measured solely by gaining admission to universities, neglecting the potential of vocational and occupational pathways. As a result, South Africa's youth population faces a high not engaged in education, employment or training (NEET) rate, exacerbating the unemployment crisis.

In response to these challenges, Dr. Simelane discussed the Three Stream Model (TSM), which advocates for a more responsive schooling system. The TSM aims to align education with national development imperatives, employer demands, graduate aspirations, and local community needs. Adapting the education system to these demands is crucial in preparing students for the job market and the changing landscape of industries.

Nick Joubert, a Training Manager from the Institute of Plumbers in South Africa highlighted the damaging consequences of unqualified plumbers on municipal infrastructure and emphasised the need for qualification and regulation in critical infrastructure sectors. He also shed light on how the use of substandard imported products by unqualified plumbers undermines local manufacturers, leading to job losses and reduced competitiveness.

Rapaleng Rabana, an executive Chair at Imagine Worldwide, introduced the power of virtual reality (VR) and immersive experiences in education. VR offers lifelike scenarios and dynamic experiences that capture learners' attention and provide unlimited practice opportunities. Incorporating more experiential learning into technical and vocational training is crucial to enhancing its quality.

Rabana stressed that higher-order skills and behaviours cannot be developed through theory alone. Cultivating the right mindset, values, and behaviours requires rich and varied life experiences.

Mathew Cruize from HOHMemphasised the essential skills required for future solar installers and the need to incorporate them into the electrical curriculum. With the solar industry playing a vital role in South Africa's transition to renewable energy, vocational career paths must align with the evolving needs of this field. A comprehensive understanding of solar photovoltaic systems is crucial for successful installations and equipping future solar installers with the necessary expertise.

Sipho Mtombeni, the Government Affairs and Public Policy Manager for Google, highlighted the increasing importance of cybersecurity in today's world and the need for robust cybersecurity measures. Many organisations lack the tools and expertise to combat cyber threats, emphasising the importance of collaboration and support. The comprehensive approach to cybersecurity adopted by Google served as a powerful example of innovation and collaboration.

As we reflect on the insightful presentations from day one of the 7th Annual Teachers Conference, day two will continue to address the latest technological developments impacting the technical vocational sector and the expectations for practitioners in this field.

“The 7th Annual Technical Teachers Conference remains committed to shaping a responsive and effective education system in South Africa”. Says Mankodi Moitse, CEO of Kagiso Trust. “By generating best practices and building a skilled vocational workforce, Kagiso Trust and its partners aim to foster excellence in technical schools and prepare students for the challenges and opportunities of the future”.

"We look forward to welcoming you all the second day of the conference".

To register for day two of the virtual Annual Technical Teachers Conference: https://app.flockplatform.com/ep/?event=7th-Annual-Technical-Teachers-Conference&mod=rsvp&fbclid=IwAR0RmQhhJXnBYAnygsp6U0SXWjATq5CHS5Znn-TzO0fIJ0ProyFjXPEb-bQ

Kagiso Trust work to overcome poverty by developing and implementing scalable, replicable, sustainable development programme models in the areas of education development, institutional capacity building, socio-economic development and financial sustainability. For more information see www.kagiso.co.za

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Sipho Mofokeng
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