The National Skills Fund (NSF) recently participated in an exhibition to mark the new National Artisan Development Academy opening at the Motheo TVET College in Bloemfontein on 1 March 2024.
The exhibition served as a platform for showcasing the NSF’s skills development funding, encouraging interaction with stakeholders, and gathering information on emerging skills requirements and trends.
The new facility was officially opened by the Director-General of Higher Education and Training, Dr Nkosinathi Sishi, on behalf of Minister Prof Blade Nzimande.
The academy’s establishment aims to train and certify artisans and offer financial support to individuals who cannot afford the high costs associated with artisan qualifications, as highlighted by the director-general in his keynote address.
“We are here to witness the opening of the National Artisan Development Academy. It is meant to benefit the people of the Free State… everyone in the country. We are inspired by this message because it is not about what we plan to do /with the resources that we have at hand but about what we have done. This is also a commitment to do more and ensure that similar institutions are built,” said Dr Sishi.
The event brought together students, educators, and employers to explore the offerings of the state-of-the-art facility and engage with various stalls at the exhibition to gather information. One of the exhibition’s highlights for the NSF was directly engaging with students by showcasing their programmes and initiatives.
Highlighting the NSF’s commitment to skills development initiatives, the entity has approved R32 million to the Motheo TVET College from 22 July 2022 to 31 January 2027 through the Public TVET Colleges Capacity and Occupational Programmes Phase III. The initiative aims to support 410 students at the college.
Part of the funding will be used to fund the beauty and nail technology leadership programme currently being presented at the new centre.
The newly established NADA offers 13 vocational qualifications such as boilermaker, electrician, welding, solar and renewable energy, beauty and nail technology, jewellery manufacturing, bricklaying, pottery, and hairdressing.
It is equipped with 12 workshops, a trade centre, seven classrooms per building with a capacity of holding 35 learners per class, 16 computer labs, a hostel, and an admin office.
The academy’s commitment to vocational training and developing skilled artisans aligns with the goal of the National Development Plan to produce 30 000 artisans per year by 2030. The commitment highlights the critical role in nurturing and empowering the next generations of artisans.
Picture: Motheo Tvet College Principal Prof Dipiloane Phutsisi and DHET Director General Dr Nkosinathi Sishi at the official opening of the National Artisan Development Academy.
By Lebeko Morema, National Skills Fund intern
