Tshwane’s pilot programme yields great results in improving technical skills of special needs learners’
The learners received training in artisan skills and their schools have expressed appreciation for the programme because of the improvement they have seen in learners.
A pilot project run by the Tshwane metro has yielded positive results in promoting skills improvement programmes for special needs learners.
The project was a commitment to inclusive training and skills improvement within the metro and saw learners receive certification on April 15.
This was according to MMC for Corporate and Shared Services, Councillor Kholofelo Morodi, following the conclusion of an experimental technical skills development programme for learners in special needs schools.
A total of 31 learners with special needs from Mamelodi East Prevocational School and Magalies Special School were enrolled in a structured NQF learnership in which they received practical training in technical skills.
“These learners, who did not meet the traditional entry requirements for artisan training, were accommodated through a special intake to test alternative and inclusive training approaches.”
The learners received training in welding, plumbing, and motor mechanics led by the Tshwane Leadership and Management Academy.
Morodi said the programme ran for 21 months and was fully funded by the metro, covering stipends, training materials and mentorship.
“The learners have shown growth, confidence, and capability in hands-on technical work – proving that barriers to skills development can and must be overcome,” she said.
She added that a certification ceremony was held to honour the learners and their families for their commitment.
The schools expressed gratitude for the opportunity they received and affirmed that it made a difference in the development and improvement of their learners.
Magalies Special School principal Sonét Schad said it was a great privilege that they were approached by the metro in 2022 to identify eight learners for their learnership programme.
“Learners from Learners with Special Educational Needs (LSEN) schools are not often granted opportunities like this. This programme has given our learners the chance to prove that LSEN learners can perform just as well as tradesmen as other learners.”
She further said that doors to the open labour market will be opened by the certificates received, and the school truly hopes that the metro will remember its learners with their next intake of learners.
Mulalo Ratshisuka, an educator at Mamelodi East Prevocational School, said it was a great experience being part of the programme.
“Our learners got more exposure to what they learn at the school level, but this time in a different environment with exposure to several equipment and methods.
He said the improvement has been tremendously rewarding, whereby he saw his learners working by themselves repairing people’s cars at their homes.
“The programme has also taught our learners to always remain disciplined at all times,” he said.
He added that the school hoped to continue working with the metro to improve the development of learners’ technical skills.
Morodi said this was a step forward in building a government that empowers all its residents, and the metro remains committed to inclusive, practical solutions that change lives.
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