Dr Mantlhake Julia Maboya, MEC for Education, will officially inaugurate the initiative at HTS Louis Botha, marking a new chapter in equipping learners with essential, industry-specific credentials.

According to the department, the innovative programme aims to provide Grade 12 learners with additional certifications upon leaving school, significantly enhancing their readiness for the job market and offering valuable credits towards further qualifications.

“By integrating these certifications into the curriculum, the Department of Education is striving to deliver a comprehensive, future-ready education that directly addresses the demands of a dynamic workforce,” the department stated.

Focus on industry-specific skills

This comprehensive programme will concentrate on key areas, giving learners the opportunity to develop expertise in fields such as technical trades, hospitality and tourism, agriculture and finance and information technology.

Certificates will be awarded upon successful completion of the courses.

According to the department, these credentials are designed to provide learners with real-world, hands-on experience, ensuring they are not only academically equipped but also skilled in vocational competencies valued by employers.

The launch will coincide with the commencement of a welding course, a key component of the programme. The department confirmed that 45 selected Grade 12 learners from across the province will participate in this intensive training. The course will be offered by SA Truck Bodies in Bloemfontein and will run from 14 to 22 July.

The official launch event will include a walkabout at SA Truck Bodies, followed by a formal programme at HTS Louis Botha, where Maboya will deliver the keynote address.

“By implementing multi-certification courses in schools, educational institutions can provide learners with a well-rounded, future-ready education that enhances their career prospects and prepares them for the dynamic workforce,” the Free State Department of Education’s press release stated.

Broader youth development efforts

Meanwhile, the Free State is also aiming to further youth development through a range of other initiatives driven by government departments, educational institutions, and non-profit organisations. These programmes aim to equip young people with critical skills and create meaningful opportunities.

One prominent initiative is the recent launch of the CUT STEM Centre, which took place on 6 June. The Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT), described it as “a dynamic new hub for education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics”.

This centre serves as a dedicated space for advancing STEM learning and innovation across the province.

OFM News/Refilwe Bekane cg