An analysis of TVET NQF level 4 learnership curriculum in relation to workplace requirements

Abstract

The research undertaken involves an exploratory research approach in analysing the NQF Level 4 Learnership Curriculum in meeting workplace requirements. Government’s ambitious expectations of the TVET colleges to increase enrollments thereby alleviating the skills shortage, prompted this research to critically explore and interrogate the capacity of TVET institutions to carry out this mandate. In addition, personal experience with the NQF Level 4 learnership programme where learners were deemed unproductive in the workplace necessitated the need to critically explore the relationship between the curriculum and workplace expectations. Data on the NQF Learnership curriculum was obtained from curriculum developers and lecturers. Performance of NQF Learnership graduates was obtained from workplace employers. Questionnaires and semi structured interviews were utilised as research methods. In addition, reports pertaining to the said curriculum were examined. Recommendations include the emphasis on strengthening partnerships with employers and placing employers in a position to advise the college system and individual colleges around curriculum issues. Allowing experts from industry to teach at colleges on a part time or occasional basis. Having SETA’s play an integral part in promoting and facilitating links between colleges and employers. Sourcing funding to upgrade the resources and facilities at the colleges to make them more in line with industry. Finally, exposing lecturers to the workplace and undergoing relevant training on an ongoing basis thus ensuring that they keep abreast of structural and technological changes in the workplace, able to adapt their training accordingly