1. Artisanal development without a clear demand: what about the public economy?
Peliwe Lolwana
Centre for Researching Education and Labour (REAL)
University of Witwatersrand
Johannesburg, 23 April 2013

2. Presentation outline Introduction
Looking back at the South African apprenticeship system
Methodology
Findings
Concluding remarks

3. Introduction
South African government resuscitates the apprenticeship system
British industries came with this kind of technical education in SA
In the past, artisanal development was located in both the private and public industries
During the past intensive industrialisation, government used its State Owned companies for training
New artisanal development campaign based on an anticipated second wave of industrialisation in the country driven by government sponsored infrastructural development

4. Looking back During the guild system – artisan lived with the master
By mid 19th century the guild system replaced by large firms
By end 19th century – legal indentures had died out and formal binding contracts in place
By end 19th century, the long 5- 7 years of training period no longer necessary – intervening depression and 2 world wars – reduction of apprenticeship uptake
Structuring of the guild system to include block-release arrangements
High unemployment led to introduction of Youth Training schemes in the 1970s.
Last two elements were of great influence to the South African skills development system as it evolved

5. Methodology
Research was conducted on behalf of the Public Sector Education and Training Authority (PSeta)
Information collected through interviews and perusal of documents in the following institutions:
Private Providers and Public FET College's management staff;
State Departments;
State Owned Enterprises and
Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs)

6. Findings
Through the Skills Levy, the resuscitation of apprenticeship in the country is very active
However, public sector infrastructure has completely disappeared including technical staff
In the private sector, the status of absorption of trained individuals is questionable
Further Education and Training (FET) Colleges are no longer about block – release
Students first complete or attempt to complete the 12 years of school education
Absence of experienced staff in colleges to handle practical training
Industries relying on private institutions, and own training centres to handle the practical training

7. Concluding remarks
Second wave of reintroduction of apprenticeships, comes into a changed world – yet the training regiment remains the same
Public sector infrastructure for training and development of artisans has collapsed and disappeared
The huge public economy is not driving the demand side of artisans, but only the supply side
Chances of success of the second wave artisan drive limited without clear public sector and economy reorganisation

8. Paper: Old wine in new bottles
Paper: Old wine in new bottles? Challenges of reintroducing an apprenticeship system in South Africa.