Meeting geared to close gap between the college and high schools

On Friday, 10 May 2019, the College’s Communication and Marketing department hosted a Stakeholder Engagement Meeting. The meeting with Life Orientation educators from various high schools across Mopani District were invited to intensify that there is an understanding of the TVET sector amongst stakeholders.

The College senior management led by Ms Botha AJ ensured that there was a clear explanation of what Mopani South East TVET College is all about and the purpose of having these kind of interactions with the educators.

Botha pleaded with the educators to encourage and support learners to further their studies in TVET Colleges.

The stakeholder engagement meeting was successful as many important issues including student opportunities in the College and challenges faced by teachers in high schools were addressed.

The College’s Deputy Principal: Corporate Services said “the meeting was important and helpful when it comes to getting high school teachers to constantly inform learners about the successes and career choices in TVET Colleges” concluded Baloyi.

College hosts Labour Forum

On 23 May 2019, the College hosted a Labour Forum at Sir Val Duncan Campus.
The forum which was attended by all seven Limpopo TVET Colleges was designed to share best practices and consultations amongst the colleges.

Mr Nthangeni TC, the Assistant Director: Labour Relations from Limpopo Regional Department of Higher Education And Training was the main speaker and assisted the colleges to understand more about labour practices.

The College’s HR Manager Mr Mhlongo FA said these formal dialogues have become an integral part of the TVET sector in the province. “These kinds of platforms are useful for the TVET Colleges as we exchange views on topics that are common interest and identify areas where we can deepen our relationship” concluded Mhlongo.

The forum concluded in a high note and it was clear that the colleges have mutual understanding and the commitment is to build a stronger relationship.

In May, the College joined the Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training Mr Buti Manamela and Construction SETA (CETA) in career exhibitions in Mokopane and Thabazimbi respectively.

The exhibitions which catered for the grade 9 -12 high school learners were held at Mahwelereng Stadium in Mokopane and Shongoane Stadium in Thabazimbi.

The Deputy Minister used the opportunity to interact with high school learners and encouraged them to choose TVET Colleges as their destinations for higher education and training.

Manamela encouraged learners to apply on time to the colleges of their choice to secure admission space and to avoid stampede and long queues which normally take place during registration period.

The College through its Marketing Officer, Mr Mabasa TG alerted learners to the “Apply Now Campaign” and advised them on admission requirements, study programmes, opportunities and financial aid available to students.

CETA said it was important that learners know what careers are available to them and this was the reason they collaborated with DHET and TVET Colleges to inform learners about many careers available to them.

Pipe Fitter apprentices kick start CoS Programme

Another aspired group of apprentices in Pipe Fitter recently kick started their artisanship journey with Mopani South East Technical and Vocational Education and Training (MSE TVET) College as part of the College’s Centre of Specialization (CoS) Programme. This becomes the second group of the CoS intake after the first cohort commenced with their Diesel Mechanic Programme early this academic year.

As the first phase of the CoS Programme these 30 young apprentices were officially welcomed and attended induction at MSE TVET’s Sir Val Duncan Campus (Namakgale) on Monday, 3 June 2019. This is where their theoretical component will be offered.

The CoS training, which is similar to the dual system programme intends to bridge the skills gap, came its realization after this institutions was certified by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) among other 50 TVET Colleges to offer the CoS in two trades, namely Pipe Fitter and Diesel Mechanic. MSE TVET College proud itself to be the only TVET College approved to offer two these specialized training whereas Sekhukhune TVET College offers only Carpentry within Limpopo Province.
The aforesaid apprentices will be trained in a block realize approach between this learning institution (training provider), wherein they will complete the theoretical training, and Lepelle Northern Water (lead employer), for the practical component for the duration of three years.

In addressing this new group apprentice during the induction, Sir Val Duncan Campus Manager, Mr Mabuza Jafta welcomed them and continuously encouraged them to roll-up their sleeves and work tirelessly during this brand new programme.

“This programme is designed to prepare you for the workplace and/or your self-employment. It is critical that your focus be on acquiring as much skills as possible in pipe-fitting from the lecturers and also during your stay at the lead employer.” remarked Mr Mabuza“

The Campus Manager also thanked Lepelle Northern Water Board for a close working partnership with the College. “I thank you for your willingness to place our students in your organization. Without your assistance and inputs, our students would not be getting opportunities to learn new skills in different trades. Upon completing their qualification, our students are already ready for workplace environment and that is thanks to you and other industries in our vicinity” said Mabuza.

One of the Pipe Fitter apprentices, Ennie Mandzama said she was happy to be part of this programme and she willing to learn as much as she can during her stay at this College.

College Spokesperson, Ms Given Sebashe said that the programme is important for the College as it seeks to train artisans for trades that are in demand, to place the Colleges in a better partnership with local employers, to build a better apprenticeship system and to lay a foundation for College differentiation.

“We wish to thank all the partners (employers) who willingly opened their doors to afford these aspiring youth an opportunity to train in their space. We truly appreciate the partnership,” said Sebashe.

In March, the Diesel Mechanic apprentices commenced with their programme and are currently alternating between the College and different employers namely, Great North Transport, LA Crushers, Palabora Mining Company, PP Mare, Dreyer Earthworks and Skoon Maker.