Still feel like the educational treadmill is not quite equipping you for the real world? We get it, and that’s why the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) is breaking the mould with R127 million being ploughed into high school learners to acquire skills that will make them work-ready.
Designed in collaboration with Certify Academy, this innovative programme is focused on bridging the divide between what you learn in college and what an employer needs. More than a matric certificate, it’s about developing practical skills, studying industry professional certifications, and creating portfolios to demonstrate what you can do.
The first cohort of learners in Grades 10 to 12 in six pilot schools within the Western Cape are on track to complete this programme by 2028. Are you feeling hopeful?
The truth is that South Africans young and old are feeling the pressure to create opportunities for themselves in either employment, further education or skills development after leaving school. And by integrating skills development into high school activities, we hope to start preparing you for life after the classroom.
What does the R127 Million investment include?
The Technical Schools Revitalisation Programme was launched by the Western Cape Government on 22 October 2026 at Bellville Technical High School.
Well, what is it about? It’s about strengthening technical training so you can graduate with skills that count alongside your academic certification.
What the money will be used for:
– Industry recognised certifications: InGrades 10–12, you’ll have access to one or more industry recognised certifications as well as the opportunity to create a digital portfolio of your skills.
– Enhanced workshops and equipment: Schools taking part will have improved facilities, technology and equipment to support practical training.
– Teacher development: Your teachers will receive training and ongoing development opportunities, with some additional staff to support.
– The programme aims to establish closer ties between schools, employers, TVET colleges and other tertiary institutions.
– Industry exposure: You’ll be exposed to industry and participate in workplace-based learning activities.
The programme will run for three years, with the first matric class expected to be matriculating in 2028.
Which Schools Are Participating?
The Western Cape Education Department has identified six schools for this pilot launch. They are:
1. Bellville Technical High School
2. Joe Slovo Technical High School
3. Proteus Secondary School
4. Eden Technical High School
5. Oude Molen Technical High School
6. Drostdy Technical High School
These are the schools listed in the provincial government announcement: Note: This is not an open application programme available to all learners across South Africa.
How Many Learners Will Benefit?
Want to know the number? According to the provincial government, there were:
– 2,390 Grade 10 learners
– 2,499 learners in Grade 11
– 1,810 Matric learners
– 137 Teachers
All in all, that’s 6,836 learners and teachers participating. These numbers are directly from the Western Cape Government’s launch release.
What Does This Mean for Learners After Matric?
Curious about what all of this signifies for life post school? Although a matric certificate is still vital, a skills and experience portfolio may give you an advantage when meeting with future employers. These can be online and contain all your finished projects and learning activities.
This project hopes to enable:
– Positions that are available to you in the beginning because you fulfill the requirement.
– Further technical training at TVET colleges.
– Additional studies at tertiary institutions.
– Entrepreneurship and skills-based business ventures.
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There are no guarantees, just possibilities. The true value of any particular certification will be based on its value and the needs of the employer or school.
Can Learners Apply for the Programme?
Are you considering to apply? However, it says there are six schools involved, and there’s no system to apply in for the other schools.
(If you want to get involved, you can ask the principal at your school or the Western Cape Education Department if your school is participating, and how learners are selected to take part.)
Official updates can be found on the Western Cape Education Department.
Why This Programme Matters
If you leave school without practical experience or hard skills, getting into work can be a real challenge. Technical education can be the bridge, getting you into contact with the machinery, skills and techniques of your industry.
The R127 million investment will go a long way towards upgrading technical schools and enhancing the education and labour market linkages. The overall success will depend on how well the project is implemented, the standards in training and the recognition of certification and access opportunities for learners post-matric.
The programme is a great three year opportunity for the participating schools to combine a little bit of studying while you go out into the world of adulthood.
References and Validation
– Western Cape Government: Technical Schools Programme Intent for Learners in the Workplace – official release, government investment, participating schools, number of learners and aims of the programme.
– Western Cape Government: 2026/27 Education Budget – education priorities at the provincial level (beyond the South African experience) – technical education.
Editorial note: Investment, participation figures and implementation details are in line with government announcement 22 October 2026. The scheme is based on six selected schools, with no open, national application process announced.
TL’s Corrections policy: Please ensure that you verify any information provided below, such as location changes, on the WCED website, as updates occur regularly.
