– by Samantha Higgins
UKZN Extended Learning (UEL) in collaboration with The Skills Development Institute of Physical Education (SDIPE), The National Skills Fund (NSF) and UKZN School of Education (UKZN SOE), collectively hosted a Workshop: TVET Colleges Physical Education Capacitation and Articulation Programme, at Unite Building, Howard College Campus on the 20th April 2018.
Due to the lack of Sports Education at school level and Physical Education training for teachers nationally, the Skills Development Institute for Physical Education Training (SDIPE) was established to implement changes. The Institute has proposed a number of programme solutions as a way forward to bridge the skills gap and create employment. A pilot programme was initiated involving 160 students and implemented in the four KZN TVET colleges, accredited by the Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport Education and Training Authority (CATHSSETA). This pilot programme is funded by the National Skills Fund (NSF) and there are discussions for the programme to be introduced in all the TVET Colleges in KZN as well as countrywide.
The workshop was a platform for discussion and interaction from the invested stakeholders attending, including UKZN School of Education, South African Further Education and Training Student Association (SAFETSA), Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO), CATHSSETA, the Department of Basic Education and the South African Local Government Association (SALGA).
The combined contributions, discussions and recommendations from this session added valuable insights into moving this programme forward to the next stage of implementation.
UEL looks forward to engaging further with all stakeholders and is optimistic about the value and success this programme will provide in upgrading Physical Education Training, with the aim to produce specialist sports and physical education coaches.