AUTOFORUM

RMI supports TVET colleges' Centres of Specialisation - Facilitator Workshop

Feb 18, 2025 RMI, Louis van Huyssteen, TVET colleges, ' Centres of Specialisation, Facilitator Workshop, Tshwane South TVET College, Sabelo Buthelezi, DHET,

RMI supports TVET colleges' Centres of Specialisation - Facilitator Workshop

The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), is hosting a two-day Centres of Specialisation (CoS) Facilitator Workshop at Tshwane South TVET College, Pretoria West Campus, on 18-19 February 2025. The workshop brings together over 70 TVET college lecturers and project managers from across South Africa to enhance the quality and effectiveness of occupational training delivery.

Sabelo Buthelezi, Chief Director for the Special Projects Unit at DHET, emphasised the importance of equipping facilitators with the necessary skills to integrate dual occupational programmes into South Africa’s evolving socio-economic landscape. "This workshop is a vital initiative to strengthen the delivery of Occupational Programmes by equipping facilitators with the necessary skills and techniques for effective training. Through this engagement, participants will gain practical insights into combining theory, simulated practice, and real-world workplace experience, ensuring that occupational training remains relevant, impactful, and aligned with industry needs," he says.

The Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI) is playing a key role in these discussions with RMI National Training Director Louis van Huyssteen, contributing in his capacity as Occupational Team Convener (OTC) for DHET. Van Huyssteen, who held this role during the CoS pilot project (2017–2022), brings valuable experience and industry insight to the workshop, further strengthening collaboration between TVET colleges and the automotive sector.

Workshop facilitator Paulos Mahlangu outlined the core focus areas, explaining, “The workshop covers key aspects of the CoS framework, including accreditation requirements, registration processes, curriculum content, and assessment strategies. Facilitators will also explore best practices in learning support material development, logbook management, and workplace integration - critical elements for ensuring high-quality training delivery. Investing in capacity-building initiatives like this lays the foundation for a robust occupational training system that not only equips learners with essential skills but also strengthens South Africa’s workforce.”

Adding to this, Eugene Vermaak highlighted the broader impact of the initiative commenting, "This capacity-building workshop empowers facilitators with the skills needed to effectively deliver Occupational Programmes. Participants will deepen their understanding of dual occupational programmes, engage with integrated training methods that combine theory, simulated practice, and workplace experience, and gain valuable insights into best practices for collaboration between TVET colleges and industry partners."

Buthelezi concluded by encouraging TVET college facilitators to embrace the opportunity. "This workshop is a chance to refine your facilitation skills, ensuring you can equip learners for the evolving world of work. It is also a platform to connect with experienced CoS facilitators and industry experts, developing valuable professional networks. Through engagement with expert trainers, you will gain practical insights that enhance both teaching and learning. Most importantly, your participation contributes to a culture of continuous learning and excellence in the delivery of CoS training across TVET colleges."

The RMI remains committed to supporting skills development and strengthening the partnership between TVET colleges and industry stakeholders to drive the future of occupational training in South Africa.