The European Union (EU)-funded Education for Employability (E4E) Programme hosted a Research Seminar at the Protea Fire and Ice, Menlyn, on 8 July 2025, to reflect on findings and recommendations of research conducted by various experts in the education space. The goal was to improve on inclusive, equitable, quality education and employment prospects for the youth in South Africa. Implemented by the Departments of Basic Education (DBE), Higher Education and Training (DHET) and Employment and Labour (DEL), one of the main objectives of the E4E is to enhance institutional coordination within the mandates of the three departments, especially for disadvantaged youth, whilst improving teaching and learning at the pre-school and primary school level.

A Senior Non-Key Expert (SNKE) researcher in the E4E Technical Assistance Team (TAT) Dr Shirley Lloyd, presented a report on the Three Stream Model: Articulation from Basic Education into PSET and the World of Work. A desktop review of relevant existing national documents, frameworks and guidelines on the Three Stream Model was conducted through interviews with key stakeholders to gain conceptual insights about academic, vocational and occupational learning pathways and their articulation. “The soul of this research report is the learner. The educational, social, community and economic well-being of the learner is of central importance in this research. When changes are made to the curriculum, qualification types and learning pathways, learners must be at the centre of such developments,” said Dr Lloyd.

The institutionalisation of career development services (CDS) also came under focus. The report on the CDS was presented by Mr Christopher Beukes who referred to the National Development Plan (NDP), which urges the DBE to introduce career development from as early as primary school, and to introduce career guidance at the senior phase of schooling to ensure that learners are aware of further educational opportunities to make informed career choices. This will help reduce the high number of learners who drop out. E4E undertook a situational analysis through consultation with over 700 education officials in all provinces. Thirty-four vocational and occupational subjects were reviewed to incorporate sustainable livelihoods into the curriculum. Through the Career Management Skills (CMS) Framework which offers a guide to individuals to manage their learning, careers and work, the DHET aims to empower young people to make informed decisions for personal and professional growth within the context of high unemployment, inequality and limited formal job opportunities.

The DEL meanwhile focused its research on skills transfer, the Bilateral Labour Agreement (BLA) and quota systems to explore ways to address unemployment. Dr Wiseman Magasela, in his research study titled International Labour and Skills Mobility: The Case of Bilateral Labour Agreements, reported that while South Africa is becoming a Labour-Sending Country where experienced labour may be imported into other countries, the objective of the CMS Framework is to protect all South African workers recruited and employed abroad, and to protect migrant workers coming into the country from the SADC region. The recommendations from the seminar will guide the second phase of the E4E programme.