An evaluation of the implementation of the learnership programme within the Public Service Commission

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Nine years after the launch of the Learnership programme, considerable efforts have been undertaken by various organisations to implement the programme. However, the implementation of the programme is still faced with various challenges which hamper the overall goal of obtaining a formal registered qualification and maximising the employment opportunities of the learners through the combination of vocational education and training.The study focuses on the evaluation of the implementation of the Learnership programme within the Public Service Commission. By nature, evaluations play a critical role of determining the worthiness of a programme or its shortcomings. The study provides a detailed account of the Learnership programme, its design, and the implementation thereof. Furthermore, the study highlights the need for a transparent, non-discriminatory legislative and policy context, as well as sound institutional mechanisms for supporting the implementation of the programme. Based on the evidence gathered, it appears that there is little appreciation of the concept of skills development through the Learnership programme.The implementation of the programme has been marred by coordination and management challenges and as a result, the acquiring of skills or skills transfer through the programme remains a challenge. Overall, the lack of institutionalising the programme has rendered it an ad-hoc activity as opposed to a strategic investment of addressing skills shortage. A number of recommendations are provided for improving the implementation of the programme and to contribute towards resolving the pervasive skills constraints in South Africa through the Learnership programme.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University