The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has taken a significant step towards strengthening the quality of teaching and learning in Further Education and Training (FET) Technology specialisation subjects through the development of quality-assured teacher development and practical skills training resources.

A five-day Quality Content Teacher Development Training Programme brought together the newly appointed 31 material developers and National Training Team members, comprising of provincial technical subject coordinators and subject advisors responsible for the nine FET Technology specialisation subjects in Civil, Electrical and Mechanical Technology. The programme was held at the Southern Sun OR Tambo International Airport under the stewardship of Dr Aaron Nkosi, Acting Chief Director for the National Institute for Curriculum and Professional Development.

The programme focused on the collaborative development of School-Based Assessment (SBA) materials; theory content training resources; practical skills training manuals; facilitator guides; and pre- and post-assessment instruments. Particular attention was given to concerns identified in the 2025 Diagnostic Report, with participants developing interventions to address identified content and practical skills gaps. Through this collaborative approach, the DBE is strengthening consistency and quality in the delivery of FET Technology subjects whilst supporting teachers to provide meaningful theoretical and practical learning experiences.

Ms Desiree Letshwiti, Chief Education Specialist at the DBE, emphasised the importance of professionalising teacher development. She encouraged National Training Team members to attend relevant training programmes and obtain the necessary accreditation to ensure that they are suitably equipped to deliver quality professional development. She further highlighted the importance of ensuring that training materials and programmes are SACE-endorsed, supporting quality assurance, professional recognition, and access to Continuous Professional Teacher Development (CPTD) points.

Dr Nkosi outlined the way forward for implementing the newly developed materials. The resources will be rolled out nationally over the next five years to support teachers in strengthening content knowledge, practical competence, and curriculum delivery. The materials will also be submitted to SACE for endorsement, enabling educators to earn CPTD points.

Mr Andrew Nkwana, Gauteng Provincial Coordinator for Electrical Technology, welcomed the successful completion of the teacher training manuals, facilitator guides, and assessment instruments. He noted that the resources would strengthen teacher capacity and support more effective teaching and learning in Civil, Electrical and Mechanical Technology.

The initiative supports the implementation of the Three-Stream Model and advances curriculum diversification by strengthening technical and practical learning opportunities. The workshop marks an important milestone in elevating technical and vocational education. Through sustained teacher development, quality training resources and strengthened practical skills competence, the DBE is laying a stronger foundation for learners to acquire the knowledge, practical and 21st-Century skills required for further education, employment, and the future world of work.