GRADUATING COS ARTISANS SHOW WHY “IT’S COOL TO BE A 21ST CENTURY ARTISAN”

It was an occasion filled with pride and excitement when, on 29 November 2022 at the Emperors Palace in Kempton Park, the Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) attended the Artisan Graduation Ceremony for Centres of Specialisation (COS) event at the behest of the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), where a total of 350 artisan learners were graduating from the programme.

The MQA, represented by the CEO Dr Thabo Mashongoane, was one of the Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) participating in the COS Programme. Staff members from different MQA departments exhibited various MQA learning programmes. Other SETAs that also attended and exhibited at the event included the Construction SETA; the Energy and Water SETA; and the Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services SETA.

The DHET established the Centres of Specialisation in the TVET College Sector programme to inform college differentiation, promote quality teaching and learning, facilitate responsiveness, and provide a model for the implementation of Quality Council for Trades and Occupations trade qualifications while simultaneously developing artisanal skills in demand for economic growth, starting with the Strategic Integrated Projects.

The programme involves a wide range of stakeholders, ranging from a selected number of TVET colleges chosen to be COS for one or more of the thirteen (13) priority trades to employer associations and ‘occupational teams’ with special expertise in one or other of the priority trades.

The thirteen (13) trades that form part of the COS Programme include:

• Bricklayer

• Electrician

• Millwright

• Boilermaker

• Plumber

• Mechanic, including Automotive Mechanic

• Diesel Mechanic

• Carpenter and Joiner

• Welder

• Rigger

• Fitter and Turner

• Mechanical Fitter

• Pipe Fitter

The status of the learner graduation event was elevated by the attendance of the Honourable Minister of the DHET, Dr Blade Nzimande. The Honourable Minister delivered a keynote address where he passionately urged the graduating artisans to serve as ambassadors for TVET colleges. “TVET colleges are an avenue that provides the space for learners to learn, practice, and acquire skills in critical trades,” he said.

On the COS Programme, the Minister said, “Our Centres of Specialisation have shown the way so, let us now work towards mainstreaming all their experiences and successes into the TVET college system.”

Representatives from the employers also attended the graduation event. Employers form an integral part of the COS Programme; for this reason, the Minister took the opportunity to acknowledge the employers’ contribution towards the programme’s success and to ensure the attainment of a high calibre of artisans. take opportunity thank all the employers who have partnered with us on our COS in our colleges, including those who work with us to provide workplace exposure and experience for both our TVET college students and lecturers,” he said.

Amongst the employers that attended the celebration was Mr Buhle Dlamini from Allan Gray, whose organisation is one of the leading drivers of empowering and supporting entrepreneurship. Mr Charles Smillie, from SCAW Metal, offered the graduating artisans a message of support on behalf of the employers.

As part of their graduation, the DHET Minister presented each deserving learner with a certificate and a toolbox to establish their emerging artisan career.

The MQA was honoured to be part of this important occasion and to witness the notable milestone some of the MQA-linked learners achieved, proving that it is cool to be a 21st-century artisan.