CAPE-VET

In this research project, a team consisting of German and South African academics would like to examine a possible convergence of the education systems of both countries. Many German companies have settled in South Africa. The prerequisites for dual vocational training are provided by the so-called TVET colleges. However, there is still a lack of qualified training personnel. The focus of the project is therefore to investigate the country-specific requirements for the establishment of a higher education qualification programme for vocational school teachers.

The South African education system lacks qualified training personnel. German and South African researchers are jointly analysing the different levels of development and decision-making in South Africa's so-called TVET system. The aim is to develop a higher education qualification programme for future vocational teachers. Companies based in South Africa are involved as important stakeholders.

In order to determine the development perspectives of the TVET sector with regard to the qualification of teachers, qualitative surveys will be conducted by means of accompanying observations and interviews at the TVET colleges. The pilot region is the Western Cape Region. The project team wants to gain more insights into the availability of qualified workers, current training needs and the availability of own training capacities.

Based on the research results, recommendations for action will then be jointly formulated for the development of demand-oriented study programmes for the training of TVET teachers at the partner university in South Africa. In the long term, the project aims to transfer knowledge and transfer the research results to other education and business partners in Southern Africa.

Due to the pandemic, only some of the important data could be collected in personal interviews. Alternatively, questionnaires were sent to companies based in South Africa and analysed. The project consortium is planning another series of interviews in South Africa for the first quarter of 2022, which will be evaluated by the middle of the year. Based on this, there is now a joint publication by all partners (Europa University Flensburg, Flensburg University of Applied Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology (SA) and Wismar University of Applied Sciences), which can also be downloaded from this page.

On a distribution trip to four countries in Southern Africa: Namibia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and to the partner university in the project (@CPUT) in Capetown, discussions were held with interested partners at the beginning of November 2022 about possible implementation of the results in the respective countries through a new project application in 2023. A continuation of this educational project, which contributes to increasing the professionalism of technical teachers at vocational schools in Southern Africa, was welcomed by all.

Project page
Joint Publication 2022