PROGRESS ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE “SKILLS PLANNING UNIT” PARLIAMENTARY PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING 06 SEPTEMBER 2017 Dr SNP Sishi 4/19/2018

INTRODUCTION Purpose: To share information about progress regarding the establishment of the skills planning unit Actions required: To note and discuss the presentation, and provide feedback thereon Specific Issues: Vision, Purpose and Functions of unit + outputs + coordination 4/19/2018

BACKGROUND White Paper for Post-School Education and Training (PSET) commits the Department to establish a ‘central unit for skills planning’ as part of vision of ‘building an expanded, effective and integrated post-school system’ for the country.   The skills planning unit (SPU) is expected to facilitate a shift in the Department’s approach to planning, which is currently largely supply-driven, to a more responsive and demand driven model of planning. MTSF commits DHET to establish a mechanism for skills planning 4/19/2018

DHET ACTIONS Research undertaken: LMIP + EU-SA Dialogue Facility on Skills Planning Established Inter-Branch Committee for Skills Planning Developed List of Occupations in High Demand (2014; 2016) Developed Concept Note for establishment of SPU Obtained in-principle funding commitment from NSF Initiated meetings with key government departments on LMIP 4/19/2018

DHET ACTIONS : BUSINESS PLAN FOR UNIT Business Plan for the Unit provides info on ffg: Rationale, Policy imperatives, Purpose, Vision Roles, functions and outputs of the SPU Monitoring of the performance of the SPU Linkages between the SPU and stakeholders Organogram of the SPU Personnel and Operational Budget for SPU Service Delivery Model for the SPU Business Processes of the SPU Detailed Job Descriptions for each post 4/19/2018

VISION, PURPOSE AND FUNCTIONS OF THE UNIT Vision: To improve the responsiveness of PSET System to the developmental needs of society and to the needs of the economy Purpose: To mange planning and monitoring for the post-school education and training system Functions: To conduct research and analysis of the labour market To undertake planning for the PSET system To monitor and report on the performance and funding of the PSET system To undertake strategic planning and reporting for DHET 4/19/2018

KEY OUTPUTS OF THE UNIT List of Occupations in High Demand List of priority occupations and qualifications Recommendations for priority interventions (eg enrolment planning, bursaries, infrastructure support, lecturer development, career info..) PSET System Plan Steering mechanisms for skills planning (eg policies, frameworks, regulations, circulars), Research reports, Policy briefs, sector briefs and policy advice Models for skills forecasting Methodologies to identify skills needs Reports on engagements with national and provincial stakeholders PSET system Monitoring Reports DHET Strategic Plan and APP + Reports 4/19/2018

IMMEDIATE OUTCOMES OF UNIT The Unit will ensure That information and insights into skills supply and demand are available to all stakeholders and the public in general That skills (occupations, qualifications and competencies) required for the medium to long term are identified and published That information on occupational shortages is shared with Dept of Home Affairs That appropriate interventions required to deal with skills needs (short, medium and long term) are identified and communicated That opportunities for sustainable livelihoods in identified localities are researched and communicated to relevant stakeholders . 4/19/2018

NAME OF UNIT: PSET SYSTEM PLANNING AND MONITORING UNIT Reasons why not called SPU The idea of a PSET System Planning and Monitoring Unit reflects the notion of an integrated education and training system, while the idea of a Skills Planning Unit represents only the training component of the PSET system. Accordingly, the Unit will undertake planning for the integrated PSET system (not only skills) The skills levy system, comprising SETAs, NSA and NSF, not only supports and facilitates the provision of training programmes (namely, skills development), but also supports the formal education of learners and students through the provision of bursaries, and student internships for University and College graduates. Universities, Technical Colleges and Community Colleges currently do offer programmes that lead, not only to education development, but also to skills development. The notion of skills embedded in the idea of PSET, since “training” embodies the notion of skills. 4/19/2018

CURRENT STATUS Job descriptions have been submitted to the HR Unit for job evaluations. Business Case has been submitted to the NSF to confirm funding of Units. A research Plan for Labour Market Research has been developed, and funding procured in principle Business Plan has been sent to DPME for feedback 4/19/2018

NEXT STEPS Business Plan will be presented to Planning Commission + NSA + SETAs + MTSF Delivery Forum Unit will be established as posts get filled Operational Plan for the unit will be developed as soon as key posts are filled. Unit will take over the work of the LMIP Project from 1 April 2018. Business Case will be submitted to Minister, Treasury and DPSA for organogram changes and sustainable funding Policy on PSET system Planning will be finalised by March 2019 4/19/2018

THANK YOU 4/19/2018