Boland College’s Worcester Campus proudly hosted the CoVE South Africa Horticulture Short Course Refinement Workshop from 24 to 26 March 2025, marking a resounding success! The workshop brought together key stakeholders from Lovedale College, West Coast College, Boland College, and Stellenbosch University, fostering collaboration to refine a skills-based curriculum that aligns with industry needs. This initiative is a significant step toward enhancing horticulture education and ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the evolving demands of the sector.

A special thank you to Mr. Vincent Uys, Head of Department for Farming Management, for his exceptional knowledge, dedication, and leadership in ensuring the success of this event. His expertise was invaluable in guiding discussions and shaping the outcomes of the workshop. We also extend our gratitude to the Boland College campus staff for their support and assistance in hosting this event so efficiently.

Key Highlights of the Workshop:

• Selection of Irrigation Technician as a key artisan qualification in agriculture
• Development of assessment guidelines and rubrics for practical skills evaluation
• Engaging in brainstorming sessions on industry-aligned curriculum development
• Insights into incorporating online learning into Farming Management courses
• Valuable networking opportunities with stakeholders to ensure student readiness for the workforce

The discussions and collaborations during this workshop reinforced the importance of aligning our technical training with labour market needs. We are excited about the next steps, including the development of skills-based courses, to be completed by the end of May.

A sincere thank you to the rest of the campus that contributed (in any way) to this initiative and to those who continue to support the growth of our agricultural education programmes.