Technical and vocational education and training (TVET) colleges and industry: strengthening partnership-building practices

Abstract

Partnerships between technical and vocational education and training (TVET) colleges and industry play an important role in enhancing the quality of TVET education, both in South Africa and globally. Effective college–industry partnerships enable TVET colleges to stay abreast of technological advancements and changing practices, ensuring their relevance in a time of rapid technological, social and economic change. This study was guided by the research question: How can TVET college– industry partnerships be strengthened to benefit students, colleges and industry? The research aimed to identify strategies for initiating and sustaining mutually beneficial partnerships. Using Activity Theory and a responsive evaluation methodology, the study uncovered challenges in building, maintaining and expanding TVET partnerships but also highlighted successful practices and examples of emerging transformative agency among management teams.