The Dual System Pilot Project

Author’s Note: The Dual System Pilot Project (DSPP) is an initiative of the Department of Higher Education and Training, supported by the GIZ’s ‘Skills Development for a Green Economy Programme’ (SD4GE). It is implemented on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Co-operation and Development (BMZ). It is a three-year apprenticeship programme. It combines theory and practical training at the TVET colleges with workplace-based training in companies. It is currently offered by Ekurhuleni East, Ekurhuleni West, Port Elizabeth and East Cape Midlands TVET Colleges. The aim is to create employable, competent and confident artisans. The initiative achieves this by equipping the apprentices with trade-specific skills required by the working world.

As an eventful first year of the Dual System Pilot Project (DSPP) draws to a close, it is time to reflect and take stock of what has taken place and been achieved in 2017. Many lessons were learnt, but the DSPP can also celebrate some accomplishments.

Noluphiwa Gcele from Miya Electrical demonstrates the installation of an outdoor socket

Highlights included the electrical apprentices successfully completing Phase 1 of their training; various lecturer capacity building activities increasing competence in technical and pedagogical fields; as well as, overwhelmingly positive feedback from the apprentices and the host employers about their apprentices and the DSPP.

The hard work put in to make the first year of the DSPP a success has certainly paid off!

One of the most critical contributing factors to the DSPP’s favourable reception, proved to be the carefully conducted selection process of apprentices. Applicants undergo suitability tests which include medical and practical assessments before they are interviewed by host employers.

This ensures that only the best candidates are chosen to take part in the DSPP. The exceedingly positive feedback from employers after the first year, reaffirms that this selection process is key to the success of the DSPP.

“The quality of our apprentices is very high. They are committed and always eager to learn. I am very happy and request that this high standard be maintained so that the DSPP can continue successfully,” says Dirk Jansen of Sun International Carnival City Maintenance, one of the host employers.

During their three years of training, apprentices rotate between the companies and the colleges in order to gain real-life work experience. They become employees of the company from the very beginning. They develop their skills under real conditions, which smoothens the transition into the working world. The better the apprentice, the higher the chances are of securing employment upon completion of their training.

Overall, there is reason to celebrate. Feedback from host employers shows willingness to continue engaging in the DSPP. Provided all stakeholders co-operate and keep the approach simple and straight-forward.

Another crucial factor for the success of the DSPP is the TVET personnel. The DSPP has made progress in improving the delivery capacity of TVET colleges to train occupationally competent artisans.

Capacity building initiatives were arranged for lecturers. They attended advanced training courses in electrical engineering, pedagogy and didactics both in South Africa and Germany.

To help them effectively implement their newly acquired competencies, continuous on-site coaching at the TVET colleges is provided.

However, leadership and guidance at TVET college level has to come from college management in order to fully integrate the DSPP into college structures. The DSPP also requires stronger and more co-operative relationships not only between TVET colleges and industry, but also within the TVET college ‘world’. Much work has yet to be done in this regard. This close co-operation is essential to ensuring that what apprentices learn in the colleges is aligned with industry standards and ‘real-world’ practical work.

So, what lies ahead for 2018? First and foremost are the challenges! But it promises to be another eventful year. The first plumbing apprentices are set to start their studies in January while the second intake of electrician apprentices are set to start in March 2018.

To keep up with technological trends, the logbook will be going digital with an app for smartphones. Additional lecturer capacity building measures are on the cards, as well as TVET college management training. With apprentices spending up to 70% of their time at companies learning from mentors, a mentorship training programme is being developed.

Many milestones were reached and many lessons were learnt. But one thing is certain, the DSPP can create opportunities for apprentices.

Feedback from apprentices shows that the DSPP inspires them to work hard and to develop their own career plans. Most importantly, it instils in them hope for a bright future as competent and confident artisan.

Caption for above image: Two proud apprentices at work are Sonwabile Mzaydume and Moegamat Isaacs from Graham Clarke Electrical

Source TVET College Times