FOUR strategies to create more interest in trade and vocational professions.

As part of 2025 Grade 11 Life Orientation Source-based Task Term 1, we guide students in terms of suggesting the FOUR strategies that the Department of Higher Education and Training can put into place to create more interest in trade and vocational professions.

This is due to the most common misconceptions that students are faced with when attending the TVET colleges.

FOUR strategies to create more interest in trade and vocational professions

Below we discuss the main FOUR strategies that the Department of Higher Education and Training can put into place to create more interest in trade and vocational professions.

1. Advertise the TVET Colleges using TV, Radios, and Online adverts – The Department of Higher Education and Training can run TV and radio campaigns showcasing successful TVET graduates. Use social media platforms (Facebook, TikTok, Instagram) to target the youth. Partnership with influencers and TVET graduates can offer many advantages, including sharing real-life success stories.
2. Introduce Vocational Career Guidance Programmes in Schools – Many high school learners are only exposed to university and private college courses, and lack information about vocational careers through TVET colleges. The DHET could fund these career outreach programmes for TVET colleges
3. Increase the funding for TVET colleges – To create more interest in trade and vocational professions, the DHET can increase its funding:
   • Expand NSFAS funding to cover more TVET courses and living expenses.
   • Offer bursaries and scholarships for high-achieving TVET students.
   • Partner with companies to provide sponsorships and learnerships.
4. Strengthen Industry Partnerships for Job Placements – The DHET could increase its efforts towards Industry Partnerships for TVET colleges by creating graduate placement programmes that guarantee employment after studies.