18 Feb 2015

The Assistant Minister of Education and Skills Development Dr Unity Dow has confirmed that brick laying and auto mechanics (both Trade C courses) are the only two courses offered at Kweneng Bophirima Development Brigade (KBDB) in Takatokwane.

She stated that a study of the elevation of the status of programmes in brigades and vocational colleges nationwide was done and completed last year.

She said the aim of the exercise was to rationalise programmes offered in their vocational institutions. The assistant minister further stated that stakeholders consultations at which recommendations from the study would be shared are planned from April to August 2015.

Dr Dow said KBDB has two workshops with the capacity to offer training up to Trade Test B in Brick Laying and Plastering and auto mechanics. However she stated that due to limited resources it had not been able to offer more than what it currently does. 

She said TVET programme rationalisation plan would be implemented from January 2016 and would advise on the upgrading of existing programmes at KBDB and other institutions and the time frame of the whole exercise including up skilling of the lecturers.

Dr Dow said the proposed study programmes for KBDB are borehole mechanics, auto electrics, welding and fabrication and renewable energy. However she stated that these were subject to interrogation through the upcoming stakeholder consultations and availability of resources.

Takatokwane MP, Mr Ngaka Ngaka had asked her if she was aware that bricklaying and auto mechanics are both Trade C courses and they were the only courses offered at Kweneng Bophirima Brigade in Takatokwane. 

He also asked her what plans were in place to introduce Trade B national craft certificate courses, the time frame of this plan and if any when would other courses be introduced such as textiles, Information Communication Technology and Tourism.  ENDS