From legacy to labour market: Aligning QCTO Occupational qualifications with industry demands in African TVET

Abstract

The South African Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector is changing its offering from entrenched legacy qualifications, such as Report 191 and National Vocational Certificate (NCV), to more occupationally aligned qualifications. This is a response to the evolving labour market needs in the South African industry. This study focuses on a specific query on how effectively the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) qualifications support current and future industry demands to enhance graduate employability. The study’s primary aim is to measure the extent to which occupational qualifications take the edge off the persistent skills mismatch and investigate strategies for improving institution-industry partnerships. The research methodology employed a qualitative desktop, including document analysis of the National Qualifications Framework Act (NQF), Skills Development Act (SDA), QCTO frameworks, and institutional policies and reports. The study population consists of selected QCTO qualifications in high-demand sectors, and the selection of documents is guided by purposive sampling. Findings show that QCTO qualifications do offer some improvements in curriculum relevance; existing systemic challenges persist. The study concludes that the shift from legacy programmes to industry-aligned qualifications must be reinforced by stronger partnerships between TVET colleges, regulatory bodies, and industry stakeholders. Findings further indicate that the transition to occupational qualifications is promising but remains incomplete. Sustainable impact depends on institutional readiness, clearer articulation pathways for ministerial programmes, and an improved work-placement system