6,699 Western Cape learners will now leave school with job-ready certificates, not just a matric

At Bellville Technical High School on Thursday, the Western Cape Education Department launched its Technical Schools Revitalisation Programme — a R127 million (about $7.7 million) push to give learners practical, job-ready skills alongside their school certificate. Pupils in Grades 10 to 12 will be able to earn internationally recognised industry certifications while still at school, building a digital portfolio that shows employers exactly what they can do. The programme is rolling out at six technical and secondary schools across the province, reaching 6,699 learners and 137 teachers, with upgraded training facilities and closer links to industry and colleges over three years. 'When our learners succeed, businesses gain access to better skills, communities become more resilient, and the economy grows,' Premier Alan Winde said at the launch.

SDG 4 · Quality education — Mechanism: institutional program