The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has allocated R127 million in a new initiative aimed at strengthening technical education and preparing learners for the world of work.
Premier Alan Winde and Western Cape Minister of Education Jaco Londt officially launched the WCED’s Technical Schools Revitalisation Programme at Bellville Technical High School on Thursday, 22 October 2026.
The programme, implemented in partnership with Certify Academy, a division of the CAD4ALL Institute of Architecture and Digital Arts, aims to give learners access to practical training, providing them with a little more than just a National Senior Certificate (NSC).
Certify Academy’s Jody van Heerden says the initiative would give learners opportunities to gain additional qualifications while still at school.
“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 at six technical and secondary schools across the province: 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, with 2 390 Grade 10 learners, 2 499 Grade 11 learners and 1 810 matriculants participating in the programme, along with 137 teachers.
Over its three-year implementation period, the initiative will focus on improving technical training facilities, strengthening teaching capacity and creating closer links between schools and industry.
Teachers will also receive specialist training, professional development opportunities and additional support. The programme will further promote industry exposure, workplace-based learning and partnerships with Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges and tertiary institutions.
Londt says technical education plays an important role in connecting classroom learning with the practical skills employers need.
“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.”
He described the investment as significant for both the province and the country, adding that improved skills development could benefit businesses, communities and the wider economy.
“When our learners succeed, businesses gain access to better skills, communities become more resilient, and the economy grows. Everyone benefits.”
Meanwhile, Winde says the initiative forms part of the provincial government’s efforts to tackle youth unemployment by ensuring young people had skills that matched the needs of the economy.
“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.”
