The Skills Development for a Green Economy (SD4GE) Programme focuses on supporting the Dual System Pilot Project (DSPP) to help the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) to replicate dual occupational programmes. It is a pilot of an integrated dual training programme for electricians and plumbers: it will combine learning at TVET colleges (theory and simulated practicals) with structured workplace-based training in companies, just like an apprenticeship. Training will be based on the newly revised QCTO curriculum. Successful learners will undergo a trade test upon completion of the programme. The basis is a bottom-up approach initiating a change process at the micro and meso level. Based on the lessons learnt from the implementation, mechanisms and procedures are established to set the framework for the successful replication of dual occupational programmes. The underlying understanding is that the DSPP serves as a ‘trail blazer’ for an artisan development approach based on dual occupational programmes. The DSPP is meant to prepare, implement, monitor and evaluate the first dual occupational programme. An occupational programme falls under the category of a skills development programme in the South African TVET programmes.
The programme’s objective is: In the selected provinces of Gauteng and Eastern Cape, a pilot measure has been established for a skills development programme for training qualified skilled labour in South Africa. The measure is both practice-oriented and geared towards the needs of business and industry, and is one in which companies play a major role.
In a multilevel approach, the project supports the strategy of the South African Government to establish training for qualified skilled labour that is geared towards the needs of business and industry, and which strengthens existing TVET colleges, integrates periods of practical in-company training and involves more companies in skills development. In five fields of activity, it will concentrate on (A) Establishing mechanisms and procedures for a South African dual occupational programme; (B) Strengthening management capacities in TVET colleges and companies; (C) Improving the quality of training at TVET colleges; (D) Establishing assessment procedures with the involvement of companies and (E) Improving the service delivery capacities of TVET colleges. The lead executing agency of the project is the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). The DHET initiated the Dual System Pilot Project (DSPP) which is supported by this programme.