Ekurhuleni aviation school to propel pupils to new heights

Tuesday, July 31, 2018

The ribbon has been cut and the doors to the Rhodesfield Engineering School of Specialisation (SoS) in Ekurhuleni are now open to pupils with a passion for aviation.

“It is an honour and a rare privilege to speak at this auspicious occasion, namely the official opening of the Rhodesfield Engineering School of Specialisation. I am certain that this ground-breaking initiative will grow the skills base of our learners beyond Gauteng.

“Various studies have agreed that as a country, we need to focus on technical and vocational training needs,” said Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga.

The Minister was speaking at the official opening of the school on Tuesday.

The school, which has been selected to be an Engineering School of Specialisation with a special focus on aviation, is strategically located in the aerotropolis of Ekurhuleni.

In 2017, the Airlines Association of Southern Africa (AASA) warned of a calamitous future if the skills pipeline is not strong enough.

AASA said it needs around 60 000 new pilots, technicians and engineers. Globally, some 480 000 additional technicians will be needed by 2026 to maintain the growing aircraft fleet. Over 350 000 pilots will also be needed to fly them.

“Success in the school subjects of languages, mathematics and science, forms the basis for participation and success in technical subjects in post-school education and training institutions as well as the workplace. Presently, each year around 140 000 grade 12 students complete the matriculation examination with a bachelor’s pass, and of these only around 50 000 students pass mathematics with a score higher than 50%,” said Motshekga.

But with only a handful of students making the cut for access to university and science based Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes, the need for such schools, is even more urgent.

“These skills of the future have the potential to transform lives and drive economies. However, in many countries, South Africa included, imbalances between supply and demand for skills lead to significant skills mismatches and shortages. It is time for South Africa to get skills mix right! I am glad that the Gauteng Education Department is a pioneer in this regard,” said Motshekga.

The Schools of Specialisation are part of the Gauteng Education Department’s Reorganisation of Schools Programme, which takes its lead from the National Development Plan (NDP).

According to the NDP, for the country to stop poverty, reduce inequality and ensure that all citizens have better working and living conditions by 2030, South Africa needs to produce over 30 000 qualified artisans a year to meet the labour demand.

“The SoS will focus on maths, science, engineering, commerce, entrepreneurship, sports, arts and culture. This is in line with the NDP injunction that we must meet a target of 450 000 learners being eligible for a Bachelors programme with Maths and Science every year till 2030,” said the Minister.

According to the expat and international mobility group Xpatweb, which recently published the results of its critical skills survey, engineers, ICT specialists and specialised technical skills are the ‘most needed’ skills. 

“We hope that by honing skills in these areas, it will be able to transform schools in Gauteng and help grow the skills base needed for economic growth in the country at large. I am certain that this ground-breaking initiative will grow the skills base of our learners beyond Gauteng,” said Motshekga. - SAnews.gov.za