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The long-delayed National Artisan Development Academy in Bloemfontein has opened its doors to ensure the development of qualified artisans. Officially opened on 1 March, the institute is deemed fundamental in bringing government’s plan to produce competitive artisans and engineers, to fruition.
Dr Nkosinathi Sishi, director-general of the Department of Higher Education and Training, said government was aiming to produce 30 000 qualified artisans and engineers by 2030. He delivered the keynote address during the opening of the institution, of which the department is a custodian.
The Motheo Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College in Bloemfontein is fully managing the academy, commissioned to cater for 1 000 enrolments per year on artisan-related programmes.
“South Africa is producing 20 000 qualified artisans per year. This signifies our commitment to the National Development Plan (NDP) target to produce 30 000 qualified artisans by 2030,” said Sishi.
“Our department has expanded our centres of specialisation to 34 at 20 TVET colleges. We do this to enhance artisan training, which contributed to the trade testing of 600 apprentices, of which 500 qualified as artisans.”
Sishi explained that the academy was a result of a research partnership by higher institutions on critical skills in demand, aligning to develop South Africa’s socio-economy.
Institutions involved are the Central University of Technology (CUT), Free State; the University of the Free State (UFS); Motheo; and the Services Sector Education and Training Authority (Seta).
Sishi said extensive research had been conducted to determine the programme’s content for the academy.
“The team identified a list of scarce and critical skills, and decided on programmes to include in the academy,” Sishi.
Accredited artisan training programmes will be offered in the following fields: civil engineering, building and construction; information communication technology (ICT); hair care, beauty and nail technology; goldsmithing; electrical engineering; renewable energy studies; boilermaking and fabrication; carpentry; joinery; plumbing; and welding.
“Trade testing will also be offered in all of these trades and learnerships are provided on demand,” said Sishi.
He revealed that the institute was offering ICT-related programmes. The academy offers courses in becoming a computer technician, and international computer courses covering web design, software development, cuber security, artificial intelligence, big data, information technology (IT) software solutions for business, IT network systems administration and robotics.
“To support these programmes, the college has received funding worth R5 310 000 from one of our Setas, MerSeta.
“This includes 15 computer laboratories, a big data laboratory, a robotics laboratory with a 3D printer, and programmable robotic arms,” said Sishi.
