GDE launches new skills programme

The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) launched a new skills programme, which will see pupils acquire 13 certified practical skills by the end of grade 12.

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GDE MEC ON THE NEW PROGRAMME

The GDE MEC Matome Chiloane says all the skills will be certified by different SETAs and organisations. The programme consists of more than 20 accredited skills and it will be available from grade R to grade 12.

Chiloane adds that the new programmes will form part of the government’s goal for a more “productive economy”. 

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MULTI-CERTIFICATION SKILLS PROGRAMME

Chiloane said that they are launching a multi-certification skills programme, which means they will be giving “learners in-between grades certificates that are qualified and certified for different skills.”

“So today we are showcasing the work that they’re doing. All these learners that you saw today are certified from different SETAs and organisations so we are launching it to ensure that we are rolling out across the province for the majority of the schools.” 

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Some of the accredited skills will include driving licenses, bricklaying, robotics, sign language, and first aid courses. Chiloane says that what the department is trying to do, is move away from an era where pupils get a certificate when they pass matric.

He adds that the department wants to make sure that learners get certified for every grade until they get to matric.

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“More importantly is that we are broadening their thinking, broadening their minds. It’s also part of our strategy as a government to have a productive economy. For that to happen it must begin at school age.”