A collaborative implementation framework of the articulation policy : case of TVET colleges and the Engineering Council South Africa

Abstract

This study examined the implementation of the Articulation Policy in the Post-School Education and Training (PSET) system, specifically focusing on the articulation of TVET college engineering graduates to the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA). The South African government introduced TVET colleges to promote access to education and employment opportunities for youths who could not be accommodated at universities. Articulation creates educational and learning pathways through which TVET graduates can progress in their careers, access work opportunities and meaningfully contribute to the development and economic growth of the country. In response to the need for promoting articulation, progression, access, and mobility within the PSET system, South Africa introduced the National Qualifications Framework and the Articulation Policy, amongst other policy initiatives. The policies were also designed to address the legacy question of access to education by previously disadvantaged groups in South Africa. The thesis follows a qualitative case study approach. Interviews and document review were utilised for data collection.

The key findings of the study are that the numerous stakeholders to the implementation of the Articulation Policy are working in silos and, as a result, there is minimal coordination and collaboration amongst the stakeholders to create sustainable synergies towards the Articulation Policy implementation. Policy guidance is unclear in terms of the role of professional bodies as key stakeholders to the articulation process and there is misalignment in the various pieces of legislation supporting the articulation process. The legacy stigma attached to the TVET qualifications has also contributed to the suspicion with which the TVET qualifications are viewed in both the professional and job market.

The study proposes a Collaborative Implementation Framework which identifies drivers for collaboration as requisite foundational pillars for policy implementation. The framework also proposes sustainable ways of interaction supported by governance structures to monitor the policy implementation outcomes. The framework leverages on technology to facilitate coordination, collaboration, and co-production amongst the various stakeholders to implement the Policy on articulation. Furthermore, the Collaborative Implementation Framework proposes new stakeholder responsibilities to foster communication, cooperation and coordination.