The Northern and Western Cape Workplace-Based Learning (WPBL) Forum brought together delegates from TVET Colleges, industry, and the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) for a regional engagement session at the Protea Hotel in Durbanville. The event created a space for dialogue, collaboration, and innovation, all focused on strengthening the link between education and the evolving world of work.

In his opening address, Mr Charles Goodwin, Principal of Boland College, welcomed delegates from across the Northern and Western Cape regions and expressed appreciation for the collective effort behind this initiative. He thanked the WPBL Forum for their leadership in fostering collaboration across colleges and industries, noting that partnerships are essential for equipping students with industry-relevant, future-ready skills.

“The strength of our TVET system lies in our ability to listen to industry, adapt quickly, and respond with relevant, quality training,” said Mr Goodwin. “When we align education with workplace realities, we empower both our students and our economy.”

Following his remarks, Ms Wendy Adams, Deputy Principal: Registration Services at Boland College, and Chairperson of the Northern and Western Cape WPBL Forum, outlined the purpose of the gathering — to deepen collaboration between colleges and employers, strengthen lecturer–industry engagement, and ensure that occupational programmes remain responsive to real workplace needs.

“If we want to build a workforce that is ready for the future, collaboration cannot be optional — it must be intentional,” said Ms Adams. “When colleges, industry, and communities work together, we not only align training to market needs, but also give our students the confidence, creativity, and opportunity to thrive beyond the classroom.”

Ms Adams also introduced the regional Workplace Based Learning (WPBL) team, comprising representatives from Boland College, College of Cape Town, False Bay College, Northlink College, West Coast College, South Cape College, and Northern Cape Colleges. The team plays a vital role in coordinating internships, workplace placements, and industry engagement across the region, ensuring that occupational programmes are grounded in real-world experience.

One of the highlights of the session was a presentation by Mr Pieter Buitendag from Lagoon Beach Hotel, who discussed the importance of industry partnerships in shaping occupational qualifications that truly reflect workplace realities. He stressed that employers value graduates who demonstrate not only technical competence, but also adaptability, professionalism, and digital literacy. Mr Buitendag encouraged colleges to maintain close engagement with industry partners to keep curricula relevant, innovative, and responsive to the fast-evolving needs of employers.

Mr Jeremy Schuster from False Bay College expanded on the discussion by providing insight into the New Occupational Qualification Landscape. He explained how the national transition towards industry-driven and competency-based qualifications aims to ensure that TVET graduates are fully prepared for employment and lifelong learning in a modern economy.

In another thought-provoking segment, Mr Charles Pule, a TVET Specialist, delved into the characteristics of today’s learners — digital natives who prefer interactive, visual, and self-directed learning approaches. He highlighted the challenges educators face when adapting traditional teaching methods to meet these expectations and encouraged the adoption of technology-enhanced learning. Mr Pule emphasised that the 2018–2025 period represents the close of an old training era and the beginning of a new chapter, one defined by relevance, flexibility, and stronger industry alignment.

The event concluded on a note of optimism and renewed purpose. Delegates reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening education–industry collaboration, upskilling lecturers, and ensuring that graduates are not only work-ready but also equipped to contribute meaningfully to a dynamic, technology-driven workforce.

Among the key takeaways was the need to deepen partnerships across TVET Colleges, SETAs, and industry; to integrate digital literacy, resilience, and soft skills into occupational programmes; and to prioritise lecturer development and resource mobilisation. The WPBL Forum also announced plans to establish a regional working group that will oversee implementation progress and reconvene in 2026 for a follow-up to evaluate advances made in the occupational qualification landscape.

Through this collaborative engagement, the WPBL Forum once again demonstrated its leadership and commitment to advancing excellence, innovation, and alignment within the TVET sector — ensuring that students across the Northern and Western Cape are prepared not just for employment, but for the opportunities of the future.