Technical schools programme geared towards creating workplace-ready learners

Joint Statement by Premier Alan Winde and Minister Jaco Londt, Minister of Education Western Cape

Premier Alan Winde and Western Cape Minister of Education Jaco Londt have officially launched a major new initiative to strengthen technical education in the Western Cape.

The Western Cape Education Department’s Technical Schools Revitalisation Programme was showcased at Bellville Technical High School on Thursday, 22 October 2026.

WCED has allocated a total of R127 million to the programme.

The initiative, implemented in collaboration with Certify Academy, a division of the CAD4ALL Institute of Architecture and Digital Arts, aims to equip learners with industry-relevant technical skills and provide them with opportunities to leave school with more than just a National Senior Certificate.

Certify Academy’s Jody van Heerden said, “Through our innovative multi-certification model, learners in Grades 10 to 12 can obtain multiple industry-relevant and internationally recognised skills certifications, supported by practical experience and a digital portfolio of evidence showcasing their competencies and achievements.”

The programme is currently being rolled out to six schools: Proteus Secondary, Joe Slovo Technical High School, Bellville Technical High School, Eden Technical High School, Oude Molen Technical High School and Drostdy Technical High School.

A total of 2 390 Grade 10 learners, 2 499 Grade 11 learners, 1 810 matriculants and 137 teachers are currently participating in the programme.

The programme will:

• Expand opportunities for learners through industry exposure, workplace-based learning opportunities, internationally recognised certifications and practical skills development.
• Upgrade workshops, equipment and technology to ensure learners train in environments that reflect modern industry standards.
• Strengthen teaching capacity through specialist training, professional development opportunities and additional support personnel.
• Foster stronger partnerships with industry, TVET colleges and tertiary institutions to create seamless pathways to employment, entrepreneurship and further study.

Provincial Minister Londt said, “We are highlighting the importance of technical education as it brings together academic learning with practical, industry-aligned skills training, giving learners a direct pathway from the classroom to employment, entrepreneurship or further technical studies. This is a significant investment in the future of this province and the country. When our learners succeed, businesses gain access to better skills, communities become more resilient, and the economy grows. Everyone benefits. Thank you to our officials and partners like Certify Academy for your hard work in getting this programme off the ground.”

Premier Winde said, “This programme will also help us address the challenge of youth unemployment. We will keep investing in equipping more young people with the skills they need to thrive in our economy. Skills development is a vital part of our Growth for Jobs strategy and through the Technical Schools Revitalisation Programme we are also better preparing our youth with skills that are more relevant for the future.”

The programme is scheduled to run over a three-year period, with the first cohort of learners expected to matriculate in 2028.