Implementing Demand-Led Skilling through Technical and Vocational Education and Training Colleges

The National Business Initiative (NBI) and Absa are collaborating to demonstrate a model of vocational skills development aligned to skills demand in Small and Medium Enterprises (SME). The model aims to respond to the urgent need to address youth unemployment and enable economic inclusion by working on both the demand and supply side, unlocking demand for skills in SMEs and supporting Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Colleges to respond to and serve such demand. Through this intervention, the NBI seeks to expand the number of SMEs, particularly those in township communities, that are able to train and employ young people by addressing the barriers to growth and sustainability.

The model is currently being tested through the Installation, Repair and Maintenance (IRM) Initiative, which seeks to expand learning and employment pathways for marginalised youth that are unable to access formal apprenticeships, with a particular focus on the green economy. The IRM General Repairer (Assistant Handyperson) skills programme, registered with the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations, combines technical skills with work readiness, entrepreneurial education and skills for sustainability. In addition, the programme works with growth-oriented property maintenance SMEs in local townships to support them on their growth journey, on condition that they train and employ young IRM students.

We invite you to join us as we unpack the lessons learnt from the Absa and NBI partnership, on how TVET Colleges can better position themselves to work with, and respond to SMEs in township communities, in order to increase workplace training and employment, or self-employment opportunities for students.

This Thought Leadership Dialogue will provide a platform for engaging with these lessons and understanding:

• How TVET Colleges work within the broader township ecosystem to identify, engage with, and support entrepreneurs to grow and create demand for skilled labour.
• Shifting the focus of colleges towards flexible, demand led skills training, which ensures trainees are work ready and can be trained in an SME environment.

We look forward to your attendance.

Please click here to register for this Zoom event.