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EWSETA Supports Diverse Education Pathways for the Class of 2024

by Media Xpose

The Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority (EWSETA) celebrates the achievements of the Class of 2024 while addressing the challenges highlighted by the recent National Senior Certificate (NSC) results. With a pass rate of 87.3% and 47.8% of candidates qualifying for Bachelor studies, the results show both progress and the need for broader educational support. EWSETA remains committed to offering education and bursary opportunities tailored to South Africa’s energy and water sectors, ensuring that every matriculant has a pathway to success.

University Qualifications and Bursaries
For those pursuing university studies, EWSETA has partnered with several Higher Education Institutions to provide bursaries for qualifications that align with the critical skills needed in the energy and water sectors. These include degrees in Environmental Sciences, Engineering, Renewable Energy, and Water Resources Management. These bursaries not only cover academic tuition but also provide access to practical training and industry exposure, preparing students for impactful careers in a sustainable future.

The Value of Vocational and Artisanal Training
While receiving a Bachelor’s Pass is commendable and we congratulate all Class of 2024 students who achieved this result, university studies are not necessarily every young matriculant’s goal or aligned with their inherent competencies.  Technical skills are equally important for the future of the country.   EWSETA emphasises the importance of vocational and artisanal training as viable alternatives to university studies. These pathways provide hands-on experience in areas such as electrical engineering, renewable energy installations, plumbing, and welding. They address the national shortage of technical expertise while offering faster access to skilled employment, often serving as stepping stones to further qualifications.  Opting to study at a Technical and Vocational Education and Training Institution (TVET College) is not settling for a lesser form of tertiary education, it is in fact, setting you up for a bright future as a technically skilled individual whose skills are globally relevant and required.

Learnerships are work-based learning programmes that lead to a nationally recognised qualification that is directly related to an occupation. Learnerships combine a structured learning component with practical work experience that is acquired while being employed in a company, government department, or small business. EWSETA and other SETAs partner with accredited Skills Development Providers who offer SAQA-registered learnerships in which a learner can gain a National Qualification Framework (NQF) aligned qualification which can lead to a full qualification.  This is a good option for unemployed learners and those who perhaps have not completed their Grade 12, as some Learnerships do accept applications from learners with a completed Grade 11 pass.

Empowering All Learners
“The opportunities available to young South Africans today depend on how we prepare ourselves and embrace diverse educational pathways. Education is no longer just about academic achievement; it is about equipping individuals with essential 21st-century skills like critical thinking, effective communication, and problem-solving,” says Robyn Vilakazi, Executive for Skills Development and Quality Assurance at EWSETA. “These skills can be developed not only in formal education settings but also through life experiences and vocational training. EWSETA is committed to ensuring inclusive opportunities for all matriculants to navigate challenges and build meaningful futures.”

Vocational and artisanal training pathways are cost-effective alternatives that alleviate financial barriers, allowing learners to transition quickly into the workforce while contributing to South Africa’s economic development.

Institutional Partnerships
EWSETA collaborates with universities, universities of technology, public TVET Colleges, private training institutions, and industry partners to provide high-quality education and skills development opportunities, ensuring learners are well-prepared for the demands of the workforce.

Building a Sustainable Workforce
By supporting both university and non-university pathways, EWSETA aims to develop a skilled, innovative, and diverse workforce capable of addressing South Africa’s energy and water challenges. Together, we can empower the next generation to drive sustainable development and create lasting change.

Prospective applicants can find detailed information about bursary opportunities on our website: www.ewseta.org.za.

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