The two most recent issues of the Financial Mail refer. Claire Bisseker (Features, November 9-15) and Johann Maree (Letters, November 16-22) touched on education and formal skills development. Technical skills are nothing less than a disaster at the moment. Government keeps reminding us that business must train employees. Sure, but qualified technicians to use as trainers and mentors are just not around any more. How can we train technicians when the majority of school leavers do not have mathematics and science as subjects? These subjects teach one to think and solve problems. We employ youngsters who have passed grade 12, but they have achieved less than 50% for all their subjects. And yet we have to teach them a trade. I am in the heating, ventilation, air-conditioning & refrigeration industry. It takes three to five years at least before a technician can become proficient and be sent out on his or her own. I don’t think technical high schools and colleges exist any more. So how ...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.