By Charmaine Ndlela
The Department of Basic Education is hosting a vocational and occupational skills training workshop at Resolution Circle in Johannesburg, aimed at boosting teachers’ technical expertise and improving classroom delivery of vocational subjects.
The programme has brought together teachers for an intensive, hands-on learning experience designed to strengthen technical skills, build professional confidence, and improve the delivery of vocational and occupational subjects.
Over the course of the five-day workshop, teachers are engaging in practical training across key trades including electricity, plumbing, bricklaying, panel beating and spray painting.
The training is conducted by qualified artisans, assessors and moderators to ensure participants receive industry-standard, state-of-the-art instruction.
According to the department, the workshop forms part of a pilot curriculum developed by the DBE, supported by comprehensive training manuals. To date, 1,100 teachers have been trained in Occupational and Vocational subjects within the Engineering and Manufacturing Technology organising field.
The 2026 training programme continues to focus on bringing together enthusiastic and committed teachers for an immersive learning experience that strengthens practical competencies aligned with industry demands.
In September 2017, the Council of Education Ministers (CEM) approved the extension of the Three Stream Model (TSM) pilot to all Public Ordinary Schools, including schools offering Technology subject specialisations.
The training initiative supports the implementation of this model by equipping educators with the necessary skills to effectively deliver vocational and occupational streams.
The DBE says the workshop represents a significant step towards strengthening technical education and ensuring learners are better prepared for the world of work.
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