Centre of Specialisation at Northlink College – Encouraging industry and TVET Colleges to work together

Northlink College, hosted its Centre of Specialisation Roadshow at its Wingfield Campus on 7 March 2018. It was the initiative of the Department of Higher Education and Training to pilot a project (2019-2021) in which they aim to develop and implement a new curriculum for 13 identified trades. The Wingfield Campus of Northlink College has been identified at the Centre of Specialisation for the Fitting and Turning trade and will see the College recruiting the first group of students for the new QCTO qualification in 2019.

Northlink’s aim is to strengthen their relationship with industry and it was evident in many prominent and influential stakeholders in the business and construction sectors attending the event.

“…we (business and industry) need to ensure active partnerships in the Post School Sector for the development of skills. These partnerships include healthy relationships with the relevant SETAs, the Department of Higher Education and Training, and our TVET Colleges. By ensuring an integrated ecosystem, industry is of the opinion that this will contribute to the skills level of the country as a whole,” said Janine Myburgh, President of the Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry during her Keynote Address at the Roadshow.

Eugene Vermaak, the Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of Southern Africa (SEIFSA) representative, briefed the attendees on what DHET envisages to achieve with these Centres of Specialisation project.

“Northlink College is honoured to have so many interested partners willing to take on this journey with us. The College believes that this Centre of Specialisation project will be able to allow us, as an Education and Training provider, to deliver graduates with skills that are relevant to the current industry needs,” said Leon Beech, Northlink College Principal.

Northlink College extends an invitation to all companies in the Fitting and Turning sector to contact with the College and enquire how they too can get involved with the Centre of Specialisation.