Beroepsgerigte onderwys in Suid–Afrika

Abstract

Based on a study of the relevant literature, this research aims firstly at determining the meaning of the concepts vocational education, vocational directed education, career education and career directed education. Secondly it aims to determine by means of an empirical study the opinion of business leaders in commerce and industry regarding school leavers, their expectations of education and recommendations regarding education in the country. The literature study was based on primary and secondary sources. A DIALOG computer search was undertaken on ERIC, SABINET and NAVO. After a thorough study had been done, a questionnaire was compiled. This questionnaire was used during interviews with representatives of Human Resource Departments of various companies. The biggest employers in the Gauteng province were taken as target group. Two representative companies from each of the following categories were selected for interviews: steel industries, banking, insurance, transport, mining, furniture industries, clothing industries, chain stores, civil engineering, food industry, accounting firms and personal services. The data obtained from the interviews were processed and interpreted with the help of a computer. Subsequent to these results recommendations with regard to the education system in South Africa, were made. The main findings of the research were that vocational directed education is relevant education which prepares the pupil for a specific occupational direction but still leaves room for a great variety of occupations. The economic and manpower needs and the high unemployment rate in South Africa, necessitates the need for relevant education. The ideals that are envisaged by commerce and industry are that education should promote critical thinking and entrepreneurship with a view to job creation in the future.