Technical and vocational education and training (TVET) colleges and industry: Strengthening partnership-building practices

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14426/jovacet.v7i2.418

Keywords:

TVET college; college–industry partnerships; Activity Theory; expansive learning; transformative agency

Abstract

 

Partnerships between technical and vocational education and training (TVET) colleges and industry play an important role in enhancing the quality of TVET education, both in South Africa and globally. Effective college–industry partnerships enable TVET colleges to stay abreast of technological advancements and changing practices, ensuring their relevance in a time of rapid technological, social and economic change. This study was guided by the research question: How can TVET college– industry partnerships be strengthened to benefit students, colleges and industry? The research aimed to identify strategies for initiating and sustaining mutually beneficial partnerships. Using Activity Theory and a responsive evaluation methodology, the study uncovered challenges in building, maintaining and expanding TVET partnerships but also highlighted successful practices and examples of emerging transformative agency among management teams. 

Author Biographies

Ms Tuletu Njengele, Lovedale TVET College, King William’s Town, South Africa

Tuletu Njengele is the deputy principal in charge of registration services at the Lovedale Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College in the Eastern Cape. In her previous position at the Buffalo City TVET College, she was the deputy principal overseeing partnerships. She is currently engaged in doctoral studies in the field of business administration with a focus on TVET college and industry partnerships.

Prof. Penelope Engel-Hills, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, South Africa

Penelope Engel-Hills is an adjunct professor in the Professional Education Research Institute at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology and serves on the council of a technical and vocational education and training college. She is an active researcher and supervisor with international, national and regional collaborations in which she contributes research skills and experiences gleaned from a wide range of environments.

Prof. Christine Winberg, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, South Africa

Christine Winberg holds a South African National Research Foundation Chair in Work-integrated Learning and is the director of the Work-integrated Learning Research Unit in the Education Faculty of the Cape Peninsula University of Technology in Cape Town, South Africa. Her research focus is professional and vocational education. She was director of the Fundani Centre for Higher Education Development at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology and chairperson of the South African Association for Applied Linguistics. 

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Published

16-12-2024

How to Cite

Njengele, T., Engel-Hills, P., & Winberg, C. (2024). Technical and vocational education and training (TVET) colleges and industry: Strengthening partnership-building practices. Journal of Vocational, Adult and Continuing Education and Training, 7(2), 23. https://doi.org/10.14426/jovacet.v7i2.418

Issue

Vol. 7 No. 2 (2024): Journal of Vocational, Adult and Continuing Education and Training, Volume 7, Issue 2, 2024. Special Issue.

Section

Articles