The implementation of an effective
career guidance and management system for trade occupations is essential
to ensure that persons wishing to become artisans, especially young
people,
fully understand the possibilities, scope and activities of
artisans within industry. A system has been implemented to provide
information and market artisan careers amongst South Africans
to ensure sufficient entrance of learners into artisan trade occupations.
Effective career guidance ensures that
entrants will have made informed career choices and career management
will facilitate progression to artisan status and beyond into technician
and engineering related occupations. As part of the career
management, a professional registration process to enhance the status of
artisans will also be implemented allowing artisan
career development opportunities.
Career guidance will include
applicability, aptitude and sustainability which is amongst other things
medical examinations since many artisan trades are physically
demanding.
This will ensure a maximum throughput for each of the three
occupational learning steps – occupational knowledge, practical and
workplace. Furthermore if supported by
entrepreneurial and business management skills, qualified
artisans are able to start up their own small businesses that could have
a large impact on unemployment and job creation.
The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) is the
coordinating agency for the national artisan advisory and career
guidance services, utilizing the Further Education and
Training (FET) Colleges and other partners' infrastructure on a
national basis to ensure effective reach and accessibility to all
citizens. As the national system is implemented
resources in a variety of media will be developed for each and every artisan trade in South Africa.