TIME FOR CHANGE

by Maritjie Cornelissen and Nizha Zana

TThe Learnership Programme is a one-year programme consisting of work-based learning and theoretical components. This programme was created to assist learners in preparing for the workplace, thereby expanding their employment opportunities and allowing them to seek higher education prospects.

The National Certificate in Plant Production and the National Certificate in Animal Production, both recognised under the National Qualifications Framework at level 4 (NQF4), are being phased out by the Elsenburg Agricultural Training Institute (EATI). The qualifications indicated above are referred to as “learnership programmes”, and they are currently accredited by AgriSeta.

Occupational qualifications, accredited by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO), which was founded in 2010 under the Skills Development Act (Act no. 97 of 1998), will replace the aforementioned learnerships. Its task is to manage the Occupational Qualifications design, implementation of framework, assessment and certification of occupational qualifications, including trades (OQSF).

The QTCO curriculum for plant and animal production will incorporate intensive work-based learning, theory and practicals. The transition is necessary since the QTCO stresses learning through experience (workbased learning) while still incorporating practical (formal assessment) and theoretical components in the syllabus. As a result, students will gain access to a more comprehensive and upgraded qualification, which will automatically boost their employment and education prospects. AP

For more information, contact Maritjie Cornelissen: