Managing the apprenticeship programme in selected technical and vocational education and training colleges in South Africa

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the management of the apprenticeship programme in selected Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges in South Africa. A qualitative case study was used to examine the role of the stakeholders in managing the apprenticeship programme in TVET colleges in South Africa at the selected TVET colleges in North West and KwaZulu-Natal provinces. This study used purposive sampling to select three principals, three deputy principals academic services, three programme managers, three campus managers, and 18 lecturers. The empirical data was collected through unstructured individual interviews and semi structured focus group interviews. Data analysis followed open coding processes. The findings of this study suggest that the identified stakeholders experience challenges in managing the apprenticeship programme in TVET colleges. There are barriers that hamper efficient management of it. In addition, these challenges or barriers include, inter alia, a lack of monitoring of the apprentices at the workplace, inadequate resources, unavailable training material, shortage of modern technology equipment, inadequate training facilities, poor quality of the learners, insufficient workplace training, inadequate funding, lack of professional capacities of supervisors at the workplace, low-quality curriculum, evolution of apprenticeship legislation, and inadequate physical facilities. Innovative strategies for dealing with the aforementioned challenges are outlined. Strategies to enhance the quality of managing the apprenticeship programme in TVET colleges are also provided. In conclusion, the findings and recommendations in this study provided valuable contributions in managing the apprenticeship programme in TVET colleges.