Boland College in collaboration with social impact organisation Adora Earth, proudly hosted a transformative entrepreneurship and leadership workshop at its Worcester Campus on 9 June 2025. The event brought together students from the farming, welding, and engineering programmes in a powerful initiative aimed at equipping TVET learners with the skills, mindset, and confidence to become future-ready entrepreneurs and leaders.

This pioneering workshop blended core entrepreneurial skills with inner development practices, empowering students not only to build viable businesses but also to lead with resilience, purpose, and clarity in a rapidly evolving world of work.

“At Boland College, we are committed to offering more than just technical training,” said Ms Nomalizo Mpati, Vice Principal: Academic Services at Boland College. “We believe that entrepreneurial thinking is a critical life skill, especially for students in vocational education. Our aim is to cultivate graduates who are not only employable but who are capable of becoming employers and change-makers within their communities.”

She continued, “The workshop demonstrated the transformative power of combining business skills with self-awareness and leadership development. When our students see themselves as creators, not just workers, they begin to unlock their full potential. It was inspiring to witness that shift happening in real time.”

Facilitated by Adora Earth, the session challenged students to reframe their trades, such as farming, welding, and engineering as launching pads for entrepreneurial ventures. Through a combination of practical business insights and guided inner work, students were introduced to new ways of thinking about value creation, social impact, and sustainable innovation.

The initiative underscores the vital role of entrepreneurship in South Africa’s TVET sector. By empowering students to think entrepreneurially, Boland College is responding to the pressing need for self-driven economic opportunities in both rural and urban contexts. In a country where youth unemployment remains high, fostering entrepreneurship is not only a pathway to self-employment but a strategy for inclusive growth and social resilience.

Adora Earth, known for its work in education, sustainability, and business development, is a key partner in Boland College’s broader mission to bridge the gap between vocational training and real-world innovation. Their collaboration affirms a shared commitment to nurturing socially-conscious entrepreneurs equipped to lead in both business and community.

“Entrepreneurship education must be embedded into all facets of TVET,” Ms Mpati concluded. “It’s not an optional add-on- it is essential. By exposing our students to initiatives like this, we are actively shaping a generation that can adapt, innovate, and build a better future from the ground up.”

This workshop marks a continuing partnership between Boland College and Adora Earth, with further programmes planned to expand this integrative approach to student development across all campuses.