The Department of Basic Education is currently piloting a new Grade 9 general education and training certificate (GETC) in 1000 schools across the country.
Basic Education pilots Grade 9 certificates in 1000 schools
The GETC pilot project, which began with a small number of schools in 2022 and expanded in 2023, marks the end of the compulsory schooling phase for students.
According to the Department of Basic Education, this certificate will help address the high percentage of students who leave school without any qualifications, which currently stands at about 40%.
“The purpose of the GETC is to provide pupils with expanded opportunities to display their capabilities on inquiry-based learning, solving real-world problems and designing practical solutions which will better prepare them for further education and training and the world of work,” Department Minister Angie Motshekga told the media last week.
The introduction of the GETC is intended to equip students with a valuable credential that enhances their opportunities in both further education and the labour market.
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What does this certificate mean for students?
The GETC serves as a level 1 qualification on the National Qualifications Framework, which is designed to validate the achievements of students who complete Grade 9.
This certification opens up various pathways for students, whether they choose to pursue further academic education, vocational training, or direct entry into the workforce.
“The GEC will further afford parents an opportunity to obtain a balanced scorecard on their children’s academic performance, with a clear focus on their achieved subject-specific competencies and skills, broader developmental skills, and inclinations and talents,” the department explained.
The certificate is a part of the department’s broader “three-stream” educational model, which categorises students into academic, vocational, or occupational paths based on their schooling performance.
Jobs you can get with a Grade 9 certificate
With the Grade 9 certificate, students can access a variety of entry-level positions in the trade sector, including:
- Apprentice Electrician: With a Grade 9 certificate, students can begin apprenticeships in the electrical field. These positions involve assisting qualified electricians with installations, repairs, and maintenance of electrical systems, providing a practical foundation for eventual certification and advancement in this trade.
- Plumbing Assistant: Students can also start working as assistants to experienced plumbers. These roles typically involve helping with the installation, maintenance, and repair of plumbing systems. This hands-on experience is valuable for those looking to pursue further qualifications in plumbing.
- Construction Worker: A Grade 9 certificate qualifies students for various roles on construction sites, such as a labourer or helpers. Tasks might include assisting in building structures, preparing sites, loading materials, and using basic construction tools under supervision, providing foundational skills and experience in the construction industry.
Additionally, the certificate allows for further specialisation through vocational and occupational training, catering to specific career paths such as technical vocations, trades, or craft-oriented jobs.
The department, however, has stressed that the Grade 9 certificate is not introduced to open a path to the labour market, but, instead, serves as an instrument “for better decision-making and access to further learning after Grade 9.”
When will the new system be fully implemented?
The full implementation of the GETC system is scheduled for 2025.
According to Elijah Mhlanga, a spokesperson for the Department, the initial pilot phases have been successful, and the department is confident about proceeding as planned.
“The department is now working with Umalusi to fast-track the registration of GEC as a qualification on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). At this point, the department is engaging the Australian Council for Education Research (ACER) on the design of assessment components,” the department confirmed.
