WC Government strengthens partnership with Bavaria to roll out dual training

Joint media release: Western Cape Government strengthens international partnership with Bavaria to roll out dual vocational training system to create more jobs.

Today, Premier Alan Winde re-committed the Western Cape Government’s (WCG) resolve in further rolling out the dual vocational and occupational system in the province. Dual training combines theory and practice. Through this system students and apprentices can “learn as they work and work as they learn”. The combination of theory and practice gives apprentices a  huge head start when they enter the workplace. The programme supports our commitment as the WCG to create an enabling and thriving economic environment where our citizens have access to employment opportunities. 

Through the Premier’s Council on Skills (PCS) – a consultative forum that coordinates skills development – the programme has today been given another push with the help of the Free State of Bavaria - to see it further expanded in the province.

“As much as this forum is about skills enhancement, it is also about strong partnerships. Through our ongoing relationship with Bavaria – dating back to 1995 - we have seen exciting and fruitful outcomes. We are now deepening our relationship through dual vocational and occupational training, adding this system to our existing skills training regimen. It perfectly suits our strategic priorities as a government, namely equipping our people with the necessary skills to make them economically active,” said the Premier. He adds: “We must continue to invest in skills development by looking at how other countries are upskilling their populations.”

Under the Joint Action Plan (JAP) between the Western Cape and Bavarian Governments, shared initiatives like this one will flourish due to this long-running partnership.

 The JAP was recently renewed when the Premier led a WCG investment drive to several European countries, including Germany. “The rolling out of the dual vocational training system is yet further evidence of our solid partnership with Bavaria and Germany,” Premier Winde remarked.

Starting in 2019, the system was piloted at Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Colleges nationwide. The PCS is now taking the lead, with the assistance of the Department of Higher Education and Training, to entice more businesses and companies to embrace dual vocational training. The Premier stressed: “The private sector is a vital component in this system and stands to benefit from it as much as the students and apprentices.”

Delivering the opening address, Western Cape Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities, Mireille Wenger said: “Today we gather to not only celebrate the achievements of the long-standing partnership between the Free State of Bavaria and the Western Cape Government, but we also have the opportunity to set the agenda on how we can do even better, on how we go forward to create many more opportunities for young people, and how we can empower our youth with the skills they need to succeed.”

“Without a growing pool of talent, we cannot hope to take full advantage of the immense potential of our economy.  This is why the Department of Economic Development and Tourism works hard, with various partners and stakeholders across all levels of government, as well as international partners, to invest in the right qualifications, the right skills, and the right experience for jobs available now and in the future, so we can create more opportunities for young people,” continued Minister Wenger.

It was apt that the PCS was held at the Nex “Indawo Yethu” in Delft – funded by the Bavarian Government. It is a one-stop shop of sorts in the community that offers an array of skills and entrepreneurial training initiatives.