FROM a security gate to fluffy scones . . . and even fiery red nails and a hairstyle fit for the catwalk – all in a day’s work.
Or rather, a school day’s work.
The Jeffreys Bay Comprehensive High School – set to boost much-needed technical skills among learners with specific educative needs – now offers a fully accredited four-year occupational skills programme. Among the new skills which learners can acquire since the introduction of the Technical Occupation Curriculum (TOC) in October this year, are metalwork, plumbing, painting, woodwork, hairdressing and menu planning.
According to Erich Ungerer, who heads up the new four-year course, the TOC focuses on learners who are more practically than academically talented and who find it difficult to master the mainstream academic curriculum.
“Accredited by the Department of Education, the course provides learners with specific skills within the occupational field,” he says. “Thus, learners who are not academically inclined and prefer hand labour, now have an opportunity to complete school and leave with a skill at hand.”
Different skills
The 43 Grade 10 learners currently enrolled in the programme, are being trained in a skill of their choice: maintenance, hospitality or hairdressings, nail and beauty.
According to Ungerer, maintenance covers the skills and knowledge required to perform elementary repairs and maintenance (including metalwork, mechanical maintenance, plumbing, electrical, painting, woodwork and building).
A proud Ungerer says, “Since the inception of the programme, the learners have already made security gates for the school and their own grills – with Merilize Stolz, the only female learner in the class, to complete hers first.
“Next year we will focus on plumbing.”
Hospitality learners focus on menu planning, guest relations, client service and the preparation and presentation of different meals, while learners enrolled in the hairdressing, nail and beauty leg of the curriculum, focus on colouring, cutting and styling of hair; as well as skin care, massage, manicure and pedicure.
“In addition, learners are required to complete academic subjects such as English, Afrikaans, Life Skills and Mathematics. However, these subjects will be at a lower level and offered at a pace that enables learners to cope,” says Ungerer.
According to him, there is already a remarkable difference in the behaviour of the learners. “They are more positive and enjoy coming to school – a first for most of them.”
Qualification
“Although learners will not receive a formal Grade 12 certificate, they will exit with a qualification on Level 1 of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) – making them employable and equipping them with entrepreneurial skills. They can also opt to further their studies,” says Ungerer. “We are empowering all our learners for future success.
Future plans
To secure the success of the TOC, the school is in desperate need of equipment ranging from metal bench vices to shifting spanners, as well as chisels, pliers, paint brushes, a four plate stove, cutting boards and piping bags.
Classrooms and special workshops are also on their wish list in a bid to provide quality training and accommodate more learners.
“It is hoped to increase the number of learners from 43 to 90 in 2020,” says Ungerer.
For more information, contact Ungerer at 079 887 1154.
