503. A Tracer Survey of Beneficiaries that completed a Learning

Dajo Associates

Dajo House | Whitby Manor Office Estate | 14th Road | Midrand | 1684 T: +27(0) 10 130 0550 | F: +27(0) 10 130 0550 | E: [email protected]

www.dajoassociates.com

Tracer Study Report

A Tracer Survey of Beneficiaries that completed a Learning Programme

funded by the LGSETA between 2011/12 and 2013/14

March 2015

08 Fall

LGSETA Tracer Study Report March 2015

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Dajo Associates extends its sincere gratitude to the LGSETA beneficiaries who participated in the Tracer Survey, for taking the time to participate, as without your participation, this study would not have been possible. The Tracer Survey project was funded by the LGSETA. Enquiries and Comments All enquiries and comments related to this Report are to be directed to the LGSETA: Sector Skills Planning Unit 47 Van Buuren Road Bedfordview 2007 Contact numbers: +27 (0)11 456 8579 Website: www.lgseta.org.za © LGSETA, 2015


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ABOUT THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT SECTOR EDUCATION & TRAINING AUTHORITY VISION The foremost SETA producing an extraordinarily, skilled and capable local government sector MISSION To promote and co-ordinate skills development initiatives and strategic sectoral training interventions, to enhance efficiency and effectiveness of the local government sector through: • Conducting sectoral skills planning and research; • Developing and implementing quality learning programmes and relevant occupational

qualifications;

• Monitoring and evaluating the performance of training initiatives; • Communicating and marketing skills development and career advancement; opportunities;

• The approval and disbursement of skills development grants.

VALUES Ubuntu: We embrace the principle of humanness as ingrained in our African culture and the eight service delivery principles of “Batho-Pele” Transparency: We commit ourselves to be clear in the pursuit of our mandate and ensure that all our activities, strategies, policies and decisions are communicated to our stakeholders Sustainability: We commit ourselves to the efficient use of LGSETA resources to ensure sustainable skills development in the local government system Professionalism: We commit to impartiality, fairness, competence and shall exercise diligence in the execution of our duties Integrity: We are committed to preserving the good image of the LGSETA by upholding good ethical standards through avoiding conflict of interest in what we do; safeguarding LGSETA assets, delivering value for money, and avoiding self-enrichment

www.lgseta.org.za


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The LGSETA Tracer Study

A Tracer Survey of Beneficiaries that completed a Learning Programme funded by the LGSETA between 2011/12 and 2013/14

March 2015


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Table of Contents

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS .................................................................................................... 2

1. INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................... 6 1.1 BACKGROUND TO THE LGSETA TRACER SURVEY .......................................................... 6 1.2 STRUCTURE OF THE REPORT ........................................................................................ 7

2. TRACER STUDY METHODOLOGY .............................................................................. 7 2.1 OBJECTIVES OF THE TRACER SURVEY ............................................................................. 8 2.2 METHODOLOGY ........................................................................................................ 8

2.2.1 Sample ............................................................................................................ 8 2.2.2 Data Collection ............................................................................................ 10 2.2.3 Data analysis ................................................................................................. 11 2.2.4 Quality assurance ......................................................................................... 11

3. TRACER SURVEY FINDINGS ...................................................................................... 12 3.1 OVERALL TRACER SURVEY FINDINGS ........................................................................... 12

3.1.1 Number of tracer survey participants .......................................................... 12 3.1.2 Profile of tracer survey participants ........................................................... 14 3.1.3 Employment status of tracer survey beneficiaries .................................... 16 3.1.4 Profile of unemployed beneficiaries ........................................................... 20 3.1.4 Profile of self-employed beneficiaries ........................................................ 24

3.2 PROGRAMME FINDINGS ............................................................................................ 30 3.2.1 Bursary beneficiaries .................................................................................... 30 3.2.2 Internship beneficiaries ............................................................................... 35 3.2.3 Learnerships ................................................................................................. 42

4. RECOMMENDATIONS .............................................................................................. 56


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1. INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background to the LGSETA Tracer Survey The Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority (LGSETA) is a statutory body established through the Skills Development Act of 1998. The LGSETA is mandated to support and facilitate access to appropriate and relevant of skills development initiatives and learning programmes for the local government sector in line with the National Skills Development Strategy III (NSDS III). In addition, the NSDS III seeks to achieve seven key developmental and transformative imperatives of race, class, gender, geography, age, disability, and HIV and AIDS pandemic through sector skills planning and the implementation of related skills development interventions. The NSDS III has eight goals that are as follows1:

• Goal 1: Establishing a credible institutional mechanism for skills planning • Goal 2: Increasing access to occupationally directed programmes • Goal 3: Promoting the growth of the public Further Education and Training (FET)

College system that is responsive to sector, local, regional and national skills needs and priorities

• Goal 4: Addressing the low level of youth and adult language and numeracy skills to enable additional training

• Goal 5: Encouraging better use of workplace-based skills development • Goal 6: Encouraging and supporting cooperatives, small enterprises, worker-

initiated, non-governmental organisation (NGO) and community training initiatives • Goal 7: Increasing public sector capacity for improved service delivery and

supporting the building of a developmental state • Goal 8: Building career and vocational guidance

The LGSETA has funded a number of interventions and beneficiaries throughout the NSDS III informed by applicable legislation, key policies and strategies that include among others, the National Development Plan 2030, the 1998 White Paper on Local Government, the Local Government Turnaround Strategy, Skills Development Act of 1998 as amended, Municipal Systems Act of 2000, National Skills Accord, and the White Paper on Post-Schooling Education and Training. The skills development interventions that the LGSETA has funded include Learnerships, Apprenticeships/Artisan Development, Adult Education and Training (AET), Skills Programmes and Bursaries with the objectives of firstly, improving the existing skills base of the local government sector and secondly, developing a supply pipeline for the sector’s future skills needs.

1 Department of Higher Education & Training, 2011. National Skills Development Strategy III


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It is against this background that a tracer survey was conducted to ascertain the impact of LGSETA funded skills development interventions in terms of relevance for current work and future employment opportunities for employed beneficiaries as well as employment prospects/status for those beneficiaries who were unemployed at the time among other factors. 1.2 Structure of the Report The rest of the Report is structured as follows: the next section of the report is the Tracer Study Methodology that details the tracer study objectives, sampling approach, data collection methods, data analysis and quality assurance techniques adopted for the tracer survey. The third section of the Report focuses on the presentation and analysis of the tracer study Findings from the telephonic interviews conducted with LGSETA beneficiaries. The final section of the Report is a presentation of various Recommendations arising from the tracer survey. 2. TRACER STUDY METHODOLOGY A tracer survey is a form of an empirical method that can be used by an organisation to obtain valuable information about the quality and impact of its skills development interventions for those individuals who accessed and completed or did not complete the programme. In this tracer study, the focus was on learners who had completed the programme. The key research issues framing the study were designed to ascertain the following:

• Whether the programme improved skills and knowledge for employed beneficiaries?

• Whether the programme facilitated access to and entry into careers within the sector for those beneficiaries who were unemployed?

• Whether the programme facilitated access to and entry into self-employment?


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2.1 Objectives of the tracer survey The aim of the study was to locate beneficiaries of selected LGSETA-funded skills development programmes and/interventions to ascertain their current employment status and impact of the intervention on professional development. To this end, the objectives of the tracer study were to:

• Establish the employment status of beneficiaries as well as impact of funded programme for professional development;

• Establish the extent to which beneficiaries use their qualifications at their places of work;

• Establish the extent to which beneficiaries of specified programmes are engaged in self-employment both formally and informally; and

• Make recommendations to the LGSETA to enhance learning programme interventions.

2.2 Methodology 2.2.1 Sample In terms of the scope, the survey was limited to Employed (18.1s) and Unemployed (18.2s) beneficiaries between 2011/12 and 2013/14 who successfully completed a Learnership, or an Internship or were awarded a bursary funded by the LGSETA. Tables 1 – 3 provide the bursary, internship certified learnerships numbers as presented in the Sector Skills Plan 2014 Update and Quarterly Monitoring Reports for 2011/12, 2012/13 and 2014/15 that were then used as the base sample size. Table 1: Bursaries awarded between 2011/12 and 2013/14

Development and transformation imperatives

2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 Total

Employed Unemployed Employed Unemployed Employed Unemployed Employed Unemployed Both Total of which: 181 176 321 127 131 472 633 775 1 408 Black Male 75 74 141 61 78 180 294 315 609 Black Female 100 73 161 55 53 292 314 420 734 White Male 3 16 11 5 0 0 14 21 35 White Female 3 13 8 6 0 0 11 19 30 PWD 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Youth 151 172 197 125 74 472 422 769 1191

Total 181 176 321 127 131 472 633 775 1 408

Source: Sector Skills Plan 2014 Update


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Table 2: Internships funded between 2011/12 and 2013/14

Development and transformation imperatives

2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 Total

Employed Unemployed Employed Unemployed Employed Unemployed Employed Unemployed Total of which: N/A 18 N/A 344 N/A 121 N/A 483 Black Male N/A 8 N/A 233 N/A 57 N/A 298 Black Female N/A 10 N/A 107 N/A 64 N/A 181 White Male N/A 0 N/A 2 N/A 0 N/A 2 White Female N/A 0 N/A 2 N/A 0 N/A 2 PWD N/A 0 N/A 0 N/A 0 N/A 0 Youth N/A 18 N/A 333 N/A 120 N/A 471

Total N/A 18 N/A 344 N/A 121 N/A 483

Source: LGSETA QMR 2011/12, 2012/13 and 2013/14 Table 3: Certified Learnerships between 2011/12 and 2013/14 Key development and transformation imperatives

2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 Total

Employed Unemployed Employed Unemployed Employed Unemployed Employed Unemployed Both Total of which: 851 224 1 303 72 530 384 2 684 680 3 364 Black Male 508 105 792 4 250 154 1 550 263 1 813 Black Female 288 119 510 68 247 230 1 045 417 1 462 White Male 50 0 1 0 12 0 63 0 63 White Female 5 0 0 0 21 0 26 0 26 PWD 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Youth 408 190 464 57 237 332 1 109 579 1 688

Total 851 224 1 303 72 530 384 2 684 680 3 364

Source: Sector Skills Plan 2014 Update

The data provided in Tables 1 - 3 was used to develop a database with the latest contact details of beneficiaries that would be contacted during telephonic interviews as presented in Table 4. Table 4: Number of possible Beneficiary leads by Programme

Type of Programme Number of Possible Leads from combined Employed (18.1) and Unemployed (18.2)

Database

Number of Actual of beneficiaries that participated in the survey from the

combined Employed (18.1) and Unemployed (18.2) Database

Bursaries 1 408 10 Internship 483 31 Learnerships 3 364 1 640

Total 5 255 1 681

The final database of 5 255 potential beneficiaries to be contacted emerged after the first phase of tracing the contact details as presented in Table 4. The highest dataset was for certified learnerships with 3 376 leads followed by bursaries with 1 408 leads and then internships with 483 leads. The tracing approach followed began with obtaining datasets


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from the LGSETA of learner records where the ID numbers, address and contact numbers were recorded. These records were then cleaned to remove duplicates after which, using the ID numbers of learners, the contact details of learners were updated. From the dataset of 5 255, a total of 1 681 beneficiaries completed the survey (32% conversion rate) with the rest of the possible leads not participating for a number of reasons. 2.2.2 Data Collection To address the purpose and objectives of the study, a multi research method approach was developed to collect the data required for the tracer survey and these are discussed in the following sections. Document Analysis A document analysis of programme information including performance information for each programme, annual reports, strategic plan and related documents e.g. sector skills plan, annual performance plan, national policies and strategies, was done to provide a context for the development of the survey instrument as well as the analysis of the findings. Telephonic Tracer interviews A beneficiary tracer survey instrument was developed to collect quantitative and qualitative data as outlined below.

• Details of beneficiary: Name, gender, age, current place of residence, contact details • Details about education: Qualifications, further education and training post placement

and status of completion & relation to SETA • Details about work place experience: Type of programme, date of workplace experience,

host company/organisation, completion status, transition into employment (method used to get job)

• Details about employment: Employment status, place of employment, position/job description, sector employed, whether placement/intervention resulted in employment, length of employment, salary, professional development

• Details about work place experience implementation (Likert scale type/rating): Relevance, skills development, future career prospects, areas of strengths of programme & for improvement


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Telephonic interviews were conducted after consent for participation was obtained and participants. In addition, participants were informed about the purpose of the tracer study and how the data would be analysed and used. 2.2.3 Data analysis The survey data was quality assured and cleansed to ensure completeness of data there after, descriptive statistics were presented using the data. With respect to qualitative data, a simple coding process will be used to identify themes. 2.2.4 Quality assurance A tracing process was completed to ascertain the quality of the individual’s data provided in the LGSETA QMRs and in addition, the existing contact details were updated.


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3. TRACER SURVEY FINDINGS The findings from the different data collection tools are presented in this section. The findings from the tracer survey are presented in two parts where in Section 3.1; the Overall Tracer Survey Findings are presented. The aim in this section is to provide the reader with a high level snap shot of the survey findings regardless of Programme. The detailed Programme – Bursaries, Internships and Learnerships findings are presented in Section 3.2. It is important to emphasise that these findings are not generalisable for the sector. Importantly, the findings of this survey are intended to provide insights from Beneficiaries, which might provide a basis for improvement and when conducted over time, enables the SETA to report on its impact with higher levels of confidence. 3.1 Overall Tracer Survey Findings 3.1.1 Number of tracer survey participants

Breakdown of leads

A high number of leads (1 855) did not participate in the survey as the call went to voicemail or was not answered. A total of 689 leads were not contactable based on the contact details provided and/or contact details obtained during the tracing process. An additional 782 leads could not be contact because of multiple incorrect information deriving from incorrect/incomplete ID numbers provided and/or names and/or contact details. A further 301 leads when contacted indicated that they were not the individual being looked for and this could be as a result of incorrect information captured during data capturing within the LGSETA.

Completed survey, 1681

Did not wish to participate in survey, 107

Voicemail/Engaged/No answer, 1855

Uncontactable, 689

Wrong contact person, 301

Did not complete, 257

Person dropped call, 173

Does not know about

programme, 56

Wrong contact number, 156

Multiple incorrect

info/Other, 782


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A total of 257 leads could not participate in the survey as they indicated that they had not completed the programme (mainly bursary and internships beneficiaries) while 107 leads indicated that they did not wish to participate in the survey and a further 56 leads indicating that they did not know about the programme.

Provincial distribution of tracer survey participants

Overall, the highest numbers of tracer survey participants were recorded in Gauteng with 309 participants followed by Mpumalanga with 303 participants, KwaZulu-Natal with 252 participants and North West with 226. The Free State and Northern Cape provinces recorded the lowest number of participants with 92 and 86 participants respectively. Importantly, almost all 278 municipalities had at least one or more beneficiary who participated in the tracer survey. Of the 1 681 leads who completed the telephonic survey, a total of 437 beneficiaries indicated that they had not received their certificates although they had completed their respective programmes at the time of conducting the tracer survey. Of these 437 participants, the highest numbers were recorded in the following provinces – 152 from Mpumalanga, 71 from North West and 63 from Gauteng. The lowest numbers of participants who indicated that they had not received their certificate were from the Northern Cape (19), Free State (20) and the Eastern Cape (21).

Eastern Cape, 101

Free State, 92

Gauteng, 309

KwaZulu-Natal, 252

Limpopo, 176

Mpumalanga, 303

North West, 226

Northern Cape, 86 Western Cape, 136


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3.1.2 Profile of tracer survey participants

Age and gender profile of tracer survey participants

Of the 1 681 participants, marginally more females (881) participated in the survey compared to the 800 male participants. In terms of age profile of participants, a total of 773 participants were below 35 years of age with 55 between 20 and 24 years; 329 participants between 25 and 29 years and 389 between 30 and 34 years. As the SETA funds both employed and unemployed individuals, the spread among other age categories might be attributed to this. It is interesting to note the number of participants aged 55 and above (92) continuing to improve their skills and knowledge and also, the demonstrates the openness of the LGSETA to fund beneficiaries regardless of age in the interest of supporting life-long learning. With respect to the education profile, the majority (683) of the 1681 participants indicated their highest education level as Matric or Grade 12 as presented below.

55

329

389

310

231

167

108

61

26

3

2

20 - 24 years

25 - 29 years

30 - 34 years

35 - 39 years

40 - 44 years

45 - 49 years

50 - 54 years

55 - 59 years

60 - 64 years

65 - 69 years

70 - 74 years

Male, 800 Female,

881


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A total of 430 participants indicated a National Diploma as their highest qualification with a further 233 participants indicating a Technical college or similar certificates as their highest qualification. For participants with an education level higher than a National Diploma or Technical college certificate, 226 were Bachelor degree holders, 77 were Post-graduate diplomas or Honours degree holders, 31 were Masters’ degree holders with one (1) participant indicating a Doctorate as their highest qualification. Further analysis is provided in terms of the field of qualification presented in the figure below.

For participants whose field of qualification was higher than a Matric / Grade 12, a total of 541 participants indicted that their qualification was in the Business, Economic and Management Studies field. It is interesting to note that 481 (89%) of Business, Economic and Management Studies graduates were employed at the time of the study while. A

683

233

430

226

77

31

1

Matric / Grade 12

Technical College Certificate, Trade Test or Similar Certificate

National Diploma

Bachelors Degree

Post-graduate diploma / Honours Degree

Masters

Doctorate

Education profile of tracer survey participants

13 12

3 541

10 49

40 67

19 2

16 19

6 150

35 6

Agriculture, Agricultural Operations and Related Sciences Architecture and the Built Environment

Visual and Performing Arts Business, Economic and Management Studies

Communication, Journalism and Related Studies Computer and Information Sciences

Education Engineering

Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences Family Ecology and Consumer Sciences

Law Physical Sciences

Psychology Public Management and Services

Social Sciences Other

Field of Qualification


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further 150 participants indicated their field of qualification as Public Management and Services followed by 67 participants indicating that their field of qualification was engineering. Given the nature of local government, it is perhaps not surprising to see a diverse range of field of qualifications as indicated above. 3.1.3 Employment status of tracer survey beneficiaries

A total of 1 398 participants indicated that they were employed at the time of completing the survey while 197 participants indicated that they were unemployed. A further 38 participants indicated that they were on an apprenticeship, internship or learnership while 26 were self-employed indicated with a further 22 studying full-time. In terms of sector employment, 1 175 participants indicated that they were employed within the local government sector with most possessing a Matric or Grade 12 qualification as their highest level of education. A further 65 participants were employed within national government department and 79 employed within a provincial government department. Most of the participants who worked at the provincial government level indicated that they worked in the Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Department at the Provincial level. A total 71 beneficiaries reported to be employed in the private sector while two (2) indicated that they worked for a civil society organisation. The remaining participants in the ‘Other’ category worked within education at either a higher education institution or a TVET or school.

Employed, 1398

Self-employed, 26 Unemployed,

197

Studying full-time, 22

On an apprenticeshp, internship or

learnership, 38

Employment status at time of completing survey

Local Government ,

1175

Provincial Government,

79

National Government,

65

Civil Society, 2 Private Sector,

71 Other, 6

Sector of employment at time of completing survey


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In terms of employment tenure, 1 217 participants of the 1 398 employed participants were in full-time positions, while 147 were on fixed contracts and a further 34 employed in temporary positions. In terms of length of employment, about 80 participants indicated that they had been employed for at least a year with a further 100 between one to three years while 340 had been employed between four and six years. About 200 participants indicated that they had been employed between 10 and 15 years while about 100 participants indicated that they had been employed for longer than 20 years. The majority of the employed participants (547) indicated that they were earning between R5000 and R15000. Most of these respondents were employed by the Local Government sector (478). Among those earning between R15000 and R30000, 116 possessed a National diploma; 66 possessed a Matric or Grade 12; 61 possessed a Bachelor’s degree; 40 possessed a Technical college or similar certificate; 27 possessed a Post-graduate diploma or honours degree while three (3) participants possessed a Masters. There were 81 respondents who earned between R30000 and R50000 per month and 28 respondents who earned between R50000 and R75000 per month and were employed in senior positions such Chief Financial Officer, Deputy Director, Senior Manager for example. A total of 347 participants indicated that they did not wish to indicate their salary and this was respected.

Full-time position,

1217

Temp position, 34

Fixed contract,

147

Employment tenure

55

547

313

81

28

22

Below R5000 per month

R5000 - R15000 per month




Greater than R75000 per month

Monthly income of Tracer Survey participants


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Among the 1203 respondents who were employed at the time of registering for the programme, 752 respondents said that their programmes proved highly relevant for their work requirements. There were 775 respondents who strongly agreed that the qualification they completed improved their knowledge and skills. Added to this, 318 respondents strongly agreed that their programmes increased their chances of promotion. It is interesting that only 224 respondents strongly agreed that the qualification improved their chance of getting a better salary, whereas a much larger number of respondents – 556 strongly agreed that their accomplishments increased the likelihood of them continuing work in the local government sector. In terms of accessing employment opportunities outside the local government sector, 341 respondents strongly agreed with this statement, and as much as 437 strongly agreed that their qualifications increased their chances of accessing further education and training opportunities. Lastly, 371 respondents strongly agreed that their qualification developed relevant skills for self-employment. Within the 1203 respondents who were employed at the time of conducting the Tracer Survey study, 1183 (98%) indicated that they would recommend the programmes funded by LGSETA to other people. This suggests that they believed they had received significant value from completing programmes.

752

775

540

318

224

556

341

437

371

367

376

494

316

278

456

379

460

410

52

39

121

269

261

113

265

179

219

18

8

37

127

200

41

122

72

124

14

5

11

173

240

37

96

55

79

Qualification relevant for work requirement

Qualification improved knowledge and skills

Qualification improved technical skills required at work

Qualification increased chance of obtaining promotions

Qualification improved chance of getting a better salary

Qualification increased likehood to continue to work in the local government Sector

Qualification increased chance of accessing employment opportunities outside the transport Sector

Qualification increased chance to access further education / trainning opportunities

Qualification developed relevant skills for self-employment

Programme evaluation by participants employed at the time of doing the programme

Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree


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Among the 478 respondents who were unemployed at the time of registering for the programme, 241 considered their qualification to have been relevant for their chosen career, while 276 regarded their qualifications to have improved their knowledge and skills. In terms of improving technical skills required at work, as many as 206 participants trust that their completed programmes have done so. There were 168 respondents who placed confidence in their programmes ability to increase their chances of accessing employment opportunities. There were 172 participants who have no doubt that their qualification increased their access to further education and training opportunities. Furthermore, 154 respondents were of the opinion that their qualifications developed relevant skills for self-employment. Within the 478 respondents of the Tracer Survey who were unemployed at the time of conducting the study, 458 (98%) said they would recommend the programme to someone else. In both samples of employed and unemployed respondents, the response to the programme is positive.

241

276

206

168

172

154

157

174

188

161

193

161

46

16

49

73

55

63

17

5

25

34

29

53

17

7

10

42

29

47

Qualification relevant for chosen career



Qualification increased chance of accessing employment opportunities

Qualification increased access to further education/training opportunities


Evaluation of programme by the Unemployed for current and future opportunities



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3.1.4 Profile of unemployed beneficiaries A total of 197 beneficiaries were unemployed at the time of survey. The following chart presents the provincial distribution of unemployed beneficiaries.

In this survey, the highest numbers of unemployed beneficiaries were recorded in the North West province with 64 beneficiaries followed by Mpumalanga with 48 beneficiaries and then Limpopo province with 22 beneficiaries. The lowest numbers of unemployed beneficiaries were recorded in the Eastern Cape (seven), Northern Cape (five) and Free State (4). Of the 197 beneficiaries who were unemployed at the time, four (4) indicated that they had never been employed. A further 60 indicated that they had been unemployed for between 1 – 6 months with a further 52 reporting to have been unemployed for between 7 – 12 months. A further 26 reported that they had been unemployed for about 24 months with another 14 stating that it had been 36 months since they had been employed. The rest of the unemployed beneficiaries had been out of work for 48 months and more with one beneficiary stating that it had been 18 years since they had been employed. There were four (4) participants of the 197 unemployed participants who indicated that they were not looking for employment despite being without a job at the time when the survey was conducted. A total of 181 unemployed participants indicated that they were seeking employment in the local government sector.

Eastern Cape, 7

Free State, 4 Gauteng, 19

KwaZulu-Natal, 15

Limpopo, 22

Mpumalanga, 48

North West, 64

Northern Cape, 5 Western Cape, 13

Provincial distribution of unemployed beneficiaries


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With respect to how the unemployed went about looking for work as presented in the following chart, 87 respondents indicated that responding to adverts in the paper was their main job-search tool. The second highest-ranking method cited was submitting CVs to recruitment agencies (37). There were 29 respondents who used their own contacts and network to find employment. Twenty one (21) respondents responded to adverts on websites such as Careerjunction, and Gumtree. Lastly, 20 participants responded to adverts on company websites.

The age and gender profile of the unemployed beneficiaries are presented in the charts below.

Of the 197 unemployed beneficiaries, 84 were between the age of 25 and 29 with a further 47 between the age of 30 and 34. From the chart, overall in this survey, the majority of the unemployed beneficiaries – 160 beneficiaries were below the age of 35. In terms of gender, the majority of the unemployed beneficiaries were females, representing 130 of the 197 unemployed beneficiaries.

87

20

21

37

29

Responding to adverts in the paper

Responding to adverts on company websites

Responding to adverts on websites such as Careerjunction, Gumtree

Submitting CV to a recruitment agency

Using own contacts and network

Main job search tool used by participants job-seeking

29

84

47

20

3

5

3

5

1

20 -24 years

25 - 29 years

30 - 34 years

35 - 39 years

40 - 44 years

45 - 49 years

50 - 54 years

55 - 59 years

60 - 64 years

Age profile of unemployed beneficiaries

Female, 130

Male, 67

Gender profile of unemployed beneficiaries


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The following chart presents the education profile of the 197 unemployed beneficiaries.

A total of 120 unemployed beneficiaries indicated that they highest education level was Matric/Grade 12 with a further 41 indicating that they held a Technical College Certificate, Trade Test or similar certificate and another 27 indicating that they held a National Diploma. It is interesting to note the three (3) Post-graduate/Honours degree and two (2) Masters graduates who received a bursary from the LGSETA, who indicated that they were unemployed at the time of participating in the survey. This is of particular interest as one Masters beneficiary indicated that they had obtained the degree in engineering while the other held their Masters in urban and regional planning, both considered to be scarce skills in the local government sector. The next chart provides detail on the qualifications completed by the 197 unemployed beneficiaries that were funded by the LGSETA. It is interesting to note the qualifications that had been completed by beneficiaries but were unemployed at the time of the survey. The highest unemployed beneficiary numbers were recorded in the Certificate: Electrical Engineering (28) followed by beneficiaries who completed a National Certificate: Landscaping (26) then those who completed a Certificate: Municipal Finance Management (22) and lastly those who completed a National Certificate: Local Economic Development. Other relatively high unemployed beneficiary numbers (>10) in this survey were recorded in the National Certificate: Emergency Services Operations (13) and Further Education and Training Certificate: Fire and Rescue Operations (10).

120

41

27

4

3

2

Matric / Grade 12

Technical College Certificate, Trade Test or Similar Certificate

National Diploma

Bachelors Degree


Masters

Education profile of unemployed beneficiaries


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3

3

6

28

3

4

1

22

1

1

5

3

2

3

10

5

1

13

7

3

2

26

7

20

1

1

1

2

4

6

Certificate : Construction

Certificate: Community Development Worker

Certificate: Electrical Distribution

Certificate: Electrical Engineering

Certificate: Enviromental Practice

Certificate: Information Technology

Certificate: Library Practice

Certificate: Municipal Financial Management

Certificate: Project Management

Certificate: Road Traffic Management

Certificate: Roadworks

Certificate: Supervision of Construction Process

Certificate: Tourism

Further Education and Training Certificate: Environmental Practice

Further Education and Training Certificate: Fire and Rescue Operations

Local Government Accounting Advanced Certificate

National Certificate: Construction

National Certificate: Emergency Services Operations

National Certificate: Environmental Practice

National Certificate: Horticulture

National Certificate: Information Technology

National Certificate: Landscaping

National Certificate: Learnership Development

National Certificate: Local Economic Development

National Certificate: Municipal Governance

National Certificate: Nature Conservation

National Certificate: Payroll Administration

National Certificate: Plumbing

National Certificate: Water Sanitation

National Certificate: Youth Development

LGSETA funded qualification completed by unemployed beneficiaries


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3.1.4 Profile of self-employed beneficiaries A total of 26 participants indicated that they were self-employed at the time of completing the survey. The following charts provide a profile of these beneficiaries beginning with the provincial distribution and gender profile of these beneficiaries.

A total of six (6) beneficiaries indicated that they were resident in Gauteng followed by five (5) in the Eastern Cape with the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal each with four (4) participants. Based on the participants of this survey, there were no participants resident from the Northern Cape province. In terms of the gender profile, 20 were male participants and six (6) were female participants who. A total of four (4) beneficiaries indicated that they had not yet received their certificate from the LGSETA. In terms of education, eight (8) of the 26 participants indicated that they held a Technical College Certificate, Trade test or similar certificate while a further seven’s (7) highest education level was Matric/Grade 12.

Eastern Cape, 5

Gauteng, 6

KwaZulu-Natal, 4

Limpopo, 2

Mpumalanga, 3

North West, 2

Western Cape, 4

Provincial distribution of self-employed participants

Female, 6

Male, 20

Gender profile of self-employed participants

7

8

1

2

4

4

0

Matric / Grade 12

Technical College Certificate, Trade Test or Similar

National Diploma

Bachelors Degree


Masters

Doctorate

Education profile of self-employed beneficiaries


|25

With respect to the field of qualification of self-employed participants, nine (9) indicated that the qualification was in business and commerce with a further five (5) indicating it to be in engineering while two participants each indicated it to be in public administration and science. With respect to the qualification completed by beneficiaries who at the time of the survey indicated to be self-employed, 15 had completed a Municipal Finance Management learnership with another seven (7) completing the Local Economic Development learnership.

A total of 21 participants indicated that they had started business after completing programme. A total of 14 participants indicated that the main reason for starting the business was that they had no other option while nine (9) indicated that it was because they had identified an opportunity to exploit at the time as shown in the chart below. A total of five (6) reported that they started their business within one year after completing programme, with another 10 reporting to have taken between 1 – 2 years. A further three (3) beneficiaries started their business after 3 years with the rest starting about 5 years after completing the programme. Of the 26 self-employed participants, 21 said that the programme completed was useful in helping them in the business.

2

5

1

9

1

2

Science

Engineering

Technology

Business and commerce

Law

Public Administration

Field of qualification

1

1

15

1

1

7

Certificate: Horticulture

Certificate: Ornamental Horticulture


Further Education and Training Certificate: Municipal Finance and Administration

Local Government Accounting Advanced Certificate


LGSETA funded qualification completed by self-employed beneficiaries


|26

The following charts show the sector of business as well as the average annual turnover of the enterprise where such information was provided.

Of the 26 respondents who started their own business, seven (7) businesses were in the construction sector and three of them earned an annual turnover below R500000 per annum. One (1) business among the seven (7) in the construction sector earned an annual turnover of between R500000 and R1 million while finally one (1) of them earned an annual turnover of between R1 million and R3 million. The only other business owners whose businesses earned an annual turnover between R1 million and R3 million were in the transport sector and utilities sector. There were six (6) participants who indicated that their business was in the business services sector of which four (4) businesses brought in an annual turnover below R500000 per annum; and one (1) brought in an annual turnover between R500000 and R1 million. A further five (5) started businesses in the Community and Social Services sector of which three earned an annual turnover below R500000 having started their business for lack of alternative choices at the time.

To exploit an opportunity identified,

9

Selected to be part of an enterprise development programme, 2

Had no desire to be employed at the time, 1

Had no other option at the

time, 14

Reason for starting the busines

Agriculture, 1

Business Services, 6

Community and Social Services, 4

Construction, 7

Finance, 1

Mining, 1

Private households,

1

Retail & Trade, 1

Transport, 3

Utilities, 1

Sector of business

15

4

3

0

0

0

Below R500 000 per annum

R500 000 - R1m per annum

R1m - R3m per annum

R3m - R5m per annum

R5m - R10m per annum

Greater than R10m per annum

Average annual turnover of business


|27

At the time of doing the programme nine (9) of the 26 self-employed were unemployed of which eight indicated that they registered for the programme to improve their level of skills and knowledge with one (1) registering for the programme to improve their level of income. The other 17 beneficiaries indicated that they were employed at the time of registering for the programme. Of these five (5) beneficiaries indicated that they registered for the programmes as it was mandatory training and the other 12 beneficiaries indicated that the reason for registering was to improve their level of knowledge and skills. The following charts provide insights with respect to who was the main source of information about the programme for the learners at the time of registering for the programme by employment status.

Of the 17 participants who were employed at the time for registering for the programme, nine (9) indicated that their main source to access/obtain information about the programme was either their supervisor or manager or department within their organisation. A further three (3) indicated that LGSETA officials had been their main source for information. With respect to those who were unemployed at the time of registering for the programme, three (3) indicated that a training provider had been the main source of information while print media (2) and family members/friends (2) had been the main source for four (4) of the participants. The final charts provide the overall programme evaluation findings from the 26 self-employed participants.

Supervisor/Manager/

Organisation, 9

LGSETA Officials, 3

Former beneficiaries

of the programme,

1

Family members /

friends, 1

Other, 3

Main source for information about the programme for beneficiaries employed at the

time of registering for the programme

Training Provider, 3

LGSETA Officials, 1


of the programme,

1

Family members / friends, 2

Print media, 2

Main source for information about the programme for beneficiaries unemployed at

the time of registering for the programme


|28

The first evaluation findings are for those who were employed (17) at the time of registering for the programme.

Overall, there was a highly positive sentiment of the programme. At the time that beneficiaries were employed, 12 strongly agreed that the qualification was relevant for their work requirements with 10 strongly agreed that the qualification had improved their knowledge and skills. It is interesting to note that 10 strongly agreed that the qualification had increased the likelihood of the beneficiary to work in the local government sector and at the same time, 10 strongly agreed that the qualification had developed relevant skills for self-employment. Importantly, all indicated that they would recommend the programme to others. With respect to those unemployed at the time, a similar overall high level of positive sentiment emerged with all indicating that they would recommend the programme to others.

12

10

8

5

7

10

4

5

10

3

6

6

7

5

4

7

8

5

1

1

1

1

2

1

2

2

2

1

0

1

1

1

0

1

0

0

0

0

1

3

2

2

3

2

0

The qualification was relevant for my work requirements

The qualification improved my knowledge and skills

The qualification improved my technical skills that are required for my work

The qualification increased my chance of obtaining a promotion with my employer

The qualification improved my chance of getting a better salary

The qualification increased my likelihood to continue to work in the local government sector

The qualification increased my chance of accessing employment opportunities outside the local government sector

The qualification increased my chance to access further education/training opportunities

The qualification developed relevant skills for self-employment

Programme evaluation by those employed at the time of registering for the programme



|29

A total of four (4) participants strongly agreed that the qualification was relevant for their chosen career while another three (3) agreed with the statement. In terms of the whether the qualification had improved their knowledge and skills, four (4) strongly agreed with the statement and four (4) strongly agreed that the qualification had improved their level of technical skills required for the work. There was a mixed bag of findings with respect to whether the qualification had increased the beneficiary’s chances of accessing employment opportunities with three (3) beneficiaries strongly agreeing while two strongly disagreed. Four (4) beneficiaries agreed that the qualification had developed relevant skills to enable self-employment.

4

4

4

3

2

4

3

4

2

2

4

3

1

0

2

1

1

1

0

0

1

1

0

0

1

1

0

2

2

1

The qualification was relevant for my chosen career

The qualification improved my knowledge and skills

The qualification improved my technical skills that are required for work

The qualification increased my chances of accessing employment opportunities

The qualification increased my chance to access further education/training opportunities

The qualification developed relevant skills for self-employment

Programme evaluation by those employed at the time of registering for the programme



|30

3.2 Programme Findings 3.2.1 Bursary beneficiaries A total of 10 beneficiaries were successfully contacted and participated in the tracer survey. The bursary beneficiaries were funded to study National Diploma in Town and Regional Planning (5); BTech in Town and Regional Planning (1); BA in City and Regional Planning (2); Masters in Urban and Regional Planning (2).

Of the 10 beneficiaries, six (6) were female while four (4) where male. In terms of provincial distribution, Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal recorded the highest with four (4) beneficiaries, followed by one (1) from the Northern Cape and one (1) from Western Cape respectively. In terms of the age profile of the 10 Bursary beneficiaries, there were five (5) between ages 20 and 24, and five (5) between ages 25 and 29. The following charts provide the educational profile and field of qualification of the 10 bursary beneficiaries.

Four (4) beneficiaries possessed a Bachelors degree while three (3) beneficiaries indicated a Masters qualification as their highest level of education. A total of two (2) beneficiaries held Technical college certificates / Trade test or similar certificate.

Male, 4

Female, 6

Gender profile of Bursary beneficiaries

Gauteng, 4

KwaZulu-Natal, 4

Northern Cape, 1

Western Cape, 1

Provincial distribution of bursary beneficiaries

2

0

4

1

3

0

Technical College Certificate,

National Diploma

Bachelors Degree

Post-graduate diploma /

Masters

Doctorate

Educational profile of bursary beneficiaries

1

2

5

2

Science

Engineering

Architecture and Built Environment

Human and social sciences

Field of qualification


|31

In terms of their fields of qualification, four (4) bursary beneficiaries indicated that their qualification was in architecture and the built environment. A further two (2) beneficiaries reported that their qualification was in the engineering field while two (2) were in the came social sciences field. One (1) beneficiary indicated that their qualification was in the public management field while one was from the agriculture, agricultural operations and related sciences field. The following chart presents the employment status of bursary beneficiaries at the time of participating in the survey.

At the time of the tracer study, a total of six (6) Bursary beneficiaries were employed while two (2) were unemployed. Of the six (6) employed bursary beneficiaries, two (2) of them were employed in the local government sector whilst three (3) other beneficiaries were employed in the private sector and one in provincial government. In the local government sector, all three (3) beneficiaries were employed as town and regional planners, with one (1) among them having worked for three (3) years, and the other two (2) having worked for a year at the most so far. Examining employment tenure, three (3) beneficiaries were employed in full-time positions at the time of participating in the survey. A total of three (3) beneficiaries indicated that they were on a fixed contract for at least a year at the time of completing the survey. On the other hand, there was one (1) participant who was on an apprenticeship, internship or learnership and one (1) other who was studying full-time. Where asked to give indications of monthly income, two (2) Bursary beneficiaries indicated that they earned an income of between R5000 – R15000 per month. There was one (1) beneficiary who earned between R15000 – R30000, and one other who earned below R5000 per month. A total of two (2) respondents did not wish to answer the question

Employed, 6 Unemployed, 2


On an apprenticeshp, internship or learnership, 1

Employment status at time of doing the survey


|32

Out of the two (2) unemployed Bursary beneficiaries, only one (1) among them had never been employed before, while the other had. Both unemployed beneficiaries where seeking employment in the local government sector. When searching for employment, the two (2) unemployed beneficiaries were reliant on responding to advertisements placed in the paper. Participants were asked to indicate why they had applied for the bursary as well as who the main source to access/obtain information about the programme was for them.

For the eight (8) beneficiaries who were unemployed at the time of enrolling in Bursary programmes, six (6) beneficiaries sited improving knowledge and skills base as their reasons for enrolling. There was one (1) beneficiary who enrolled because they were unemployed, and one (1) other respondent indicated that they needed the money. For the unemployed, three (3) beneficiaries cited print media as a main source of information about programmes whilst, two (2) others mentioned their mentors. Family members and friends were a main source of information for one (1) unemployed beneficiary whilst training providers edified one (1) other beneficiary and former beneficiaries of programmes informed one (1) beneficiary. The final charts provide the overall programme evaluation findings from the 10 bursary participants.

6

0

0

0

0

1

1

To improve knowlegde and skills base

To improve chances for immediate employment in

To improve chances of finding employement in the transport

To improve chances of becoming self-employed

No particular choice as was unemployed at the time

No choice, was unemployed at the time

Other

Reasons for seeking Bursary by participants unemployed at the time of

registering for the programme

Mentor, 2


of the programme, 1

Print media, 3

Training Providers, 1

Family members /

friends, 1

Main source of information about the Bursary for participants unemployed at the time of

registering for the programme


|33

The first evaluation findings are for two (2) participants who were employed at the time of receiving the bursary.

In terms of benefit of the bursary for the two (2) beneficiaries who were employed at the time of being awarded the bursary, there is agreement that the qualification was relevant for their work requirements. There was ambivalence about the qualifications ability to improve technical skills required at work with one (1) beneficiary strongly agreeing and the other respondent disagreeing. Furthermore, one (1) respondent said the qualification improved their knowledge and skills while the other (1) remained neutral. The beneficiaries also indicated doubt as to whether the qualification improved their chances of a better salary in both cases respectively. On the other hand, both respondents indicated that the qualification helped them increase their chance of promotion, as well as continue their work in the local government sector. Participants were also asked to evaluate the programme in terms of unlocking future opportunities.

In terms of benefit for future opportunities, one (1) beneficiary said the qualification increased their chance of accessing employment opportunities outside the local government sector while the other (1) was neutral.

1

1

1

1

2

2

1

1

1

1






Qualification increased likehood to continue to work in the transport Sector

Evaluation of programme by participants employed at the time of registration of the programme for current occupation


1

1 1

1

1 1

Qualification increased chance of accessing employment opportunities outside the Local Government Sector



Evaluation of programme by Bursary participants employed at the time of registration of the programme for future opportunities



|34

Both respondents also agreed that the qualification increased their chances of accessing further education and training opportunities. Furthermore, both beneficiaries seemed doubtful that the qualification developed relevant skills for self-employment with one (1) being neutral and the other (1) disagreeing. The second evaluation findings are for eight (8) participants who were unemployed at the time of receiving the bursary.

Among the eight (8) beneficiaries who were unemployed at the time of the programme, there we six (6) beneficiaries of the view that the qualification developed relevant skills for self-employment, while two (2) were neutral. A total of six (6) beneficiaries conceded that the qualification increased their chances of accessing further education or training opportunities. A total of seven (7) beneficiaries said that the qualification increased their chance of accessing employment opportunities. All Bursary beneficiaries indicated that the qualification improved their technical skills required at work, and all Bursary beneficiaries believed that the qualification improved their knowledge and skills. Lastly, six (6) respondents strongly agreed that the qualification was relevant for their chosen career while the remaining two (2) Bursary beneficiaries were of the same mind, stating that they agreed. There were three (3) Bursary beneficiaries who found employment in the local government sector after completing their programmes, with one (1) of the three (3) being employed in the local government sector immediately after completing their programme. There were five (5) beneficiaries who were not employed after their completion. There were two (2) bursary beneficiaries who found employment after responding to an advertisement, with one (1) of them being employed immediately.

6

5

3

3

3

3

2

3

5

4

3

3

1

2

2







Evaluation of programme by participants unemployed at the time of registration of the programme for current and future employment opportunities



|35

3.2.2 Internship beneficiaries A total of 31 Internship beneficiaries were successfully contacted and participated in the tracer survey.

Of the 31 beneficiaries, 18 were female while 13 where male. In terms of provincial distribution, a total of 23 of the 31 beneficiaries indicated that they were resident in Mpumalanga followed by another seven from Gauteng with one (1) beneficiary resident in KwaZulu-Natal. It is important to state that while no participant was recorded for Western Cape for this study, the LGSETA database does indicate that there were beneficiaries from that province who were unable to be contacted at the time of the study.

With respect to the age profile of the beneficiaries, the highest beneficiaries at 19 were recorded for the 25 – 29 age category. Overall, 23 of the 31 participants were below the age of 30 – an encouraging finding suggesting that LGSETA is spending a greater proportion on facilitating access to training for potential new entrants into the sector.

Male, 13

Female, 18

Gender profile of Internship beneficiaries

Gauteng, 7

KwaZulu-Natal, 1

Mpumalanga, 23

Provincial distribution of Internship beneficiaries

4

19

6

1

1

20 - 24 years

25 - 29 years

30 - 34 years

35 - 39 years

40 - 44 years

Age profile of Internship beneficiaries


|36

The following chart presents the education profile of the internship beneficiaries.

A total of 18 participants indicated that their highest level of education was a Matric / Grade 12 – in line with that 12 of them were unemployed at the time of the study. There were six (6) participants who indicated that they held a National diploma (in physical science, public management, and agriculture fields) while a further six (6) held a Technical College Certificate or similar. There was only one (1) participant who held a Bachelors degree in agriculture, agricultural operations and related sciences. With respect to the field of the qualification, there were five (5) Internship beneficiaries who indicated that their field of qualification was the physical sciences while two (2) others were from agriculture, agricultural operations and related sciences. There were also five (5) beneficiaries split up into business, economic and management studies (1); Computer and information sciences (1); engineering (1); physical sciences (1); and social sciences (1). The remaining beneficiary listed that they were from other fields (1) not identified.

At the time of participating in the survey, a total of 18 Internship beneficiaries were unemployed, while the number of employed was seven (7). A total of three (3) participants indicated that they were on an apprenticeship, internship or learnership while three (3) others indicated that they were studying full-time.

18 6 6

1 0 0 0

Matric/Grade 12 Technical College Certificate, Trade Test or Similar Certificate

National Diploma Bachelors Degree

Post-graduate diploma / Honours Degree Masters

Doctorate

Education profile of internship beneficiaries

Employed, 7

Unemployed, 18


On an apprenticeshp,

internship or learnership, 3

Current employment status at the time of participating in the tracer survey


|37

Two (2) internship beneficiaries indicated that they were earning below R5000 per month, while two (2) others were earning between R5000 and R15000. One (1) participant indicated that they earned a monthly income between R15000 and R30000. The remaining two (2) Internship beneficiaries who were employed at the time of the study indicated that they did not wish to disclose their monthly income. Of the seven (7) employed beneficiaries, two (2) indicated that they were employed in the private sector with one (1) among them having worked for two (2) years, another had one (1) year experience and the last (1) had eight months of experience. The local government sector employed three (3) beneficiaries and the longest serving had two (2) years’ experience, followed by one (1) with six (6) months and the last with two (2) months of experience. The remaining Internship beneficiary (2) who was employed at the time of the study was working in the provincial government sector and had indicated that they had been working for at least three (3) years. In terms of employment tenure, three (3) beneficiaries indicated that they were employed on a full time basis and three (3) others indicated that they were on a fixed contract. Only one (1) Internship beneficiary was employed on a temporary basis in the private sector. There were also two (2) other beneficiaries on fixed contracts in the private sector. One beneficiary indicated that they worked in an NGO on a fixed contract and had been employed for 2 years. Of the three (3) interns employed in local government, one (1) beneficiary on a fixed contract and two (2) others in full-time positions. At the time of participating in the survey, 14 unemployed Internship beneficiaries indicated that they had been employed in the past with the majority employed for less than a year during that employment period. Of the 18 unemployed internship beneficiaries, eight (8) for less than a year and four (4) had been unemployed for at least 2 years. A total of 17 beneficiaries out of the 28 who had been unemployed at the time they registered continued to be unemployed after receiving the internship. A total of 18 beneficiaries who were unemployed at the time of the survey indicated that they were looking for employment with six (6) indicating that they are looking for employment within the sector. The following chart presents the main strategy used by those looking for employment.


|38

A total of seven (7) beneficiaries indicated that their main job search strategy was to respond to adverts in the paper. Four (4) beneficiaries responded to adverts on company websites, while four (4) others responded to adverts on websites such as Careerjunction, and Gumtree. There were two (2) respondents who indicated that they used their own contacts, and the last (1) respondent said they used their own contacts and network. The three (3) beneficiaries who were employed at the time they registered for an Internship indicated that the main reason for seeking an internship was to improve their knowledge and skills base. Similarly, 20 of the 28 Internship beneficiaries who were unemployed at the time of enrolment indicated that the main reason to apply for an Internship was to improve their knowledge and skills base. A further six (6) indicated that the reason for seeking an internship was to improve their chances to secure immediate employment in any sector. The last two (2) respondents indicated that they had no choice, as the internship training was mandatory.

Fourteen of the 28 beneficiaries who were unemployed at the time of enrolment indicated that their main source of information about the Internship programme was print media,

7

4

4

1

2






Main job search strategy used by unemployed Internship beneficiaries

LGSETA, 2

Print media, 14

Training providers, 3

Family members / friends, 6

Mentor, 3

Main source of information about Internships for participants unemployed at the time of registering


|39

with a further six (6) citing family members and friends as their main information source. Three (3) beneficiaries cited their mentors, and an additional three (3) cited their training providers while two (2) others indicated that the LGSETA was their main source of information. The final charts provide the overall programme evaluation findings from the 31 internship beneficiaries. The first evaluation findings are for three (3) participants who were employed at the time of receiving the bursary.

In terms of the benefit of the Internships for those who were employed at the time of being awarded the opportunity, three (3) strongly agreed that the qualification attained was relevant for their current work requirements while three (3) others strongly agreed that the qualification improved their level of skills and knowledge. Importantly, three (3) beneficiaries strongly agreed that the qualification increased the likelihood of them continuing work in the local government sector suggesting that the qualification was closely aligned to their occupations. Two (2) beneficiaries strongly agreed that the qualification improved their technical skills, while two (2) also strongly agreed that the qualification increased their chance of obtaining promotions. Participants were also asked to evaluate the programme in terms of unlocking future opportunities.

3

3

2

2

1

3

1

1

2






Qualification increased likehood to continue to work in the transport Sector

Evaluation of programme by Internship beneficiaries employed at the time of registration



|40

In terms of benefit for future opportunities, three (3) beneficiaries said the qualification increased their chance of accessing employment opportunities outside of the sector. There was also agreement among the three (3) beneficiaries that the qualification increased their chances of accessing further education and training opportunities, as well as developing relevant skills for self-employment. The second evaluation findings are for 28 participants who were unemployed at the time of receiving the internship.

In terms of evaluation of the Internship for beneficiaries unemployed at the time of registering, 18 beneficiaries strongly agreed that the programme had improved their knowledge and skills. Importantly, 13 beneficiaries strongly agreed that the programme

3

1

1

2

2




Evaluation of programme by Internship beneficiaries employed at the time of registration of the programme for future opportunities


13

18

13

9

12

10

11

9

14

12

8

9

3

1

1

3

4

3

1

1

3

4

3

3







Evaluation of programme by Internship beneficiaries unemployed at the time of registeration



|41

was relevant for their chosen career, and 13 had also strongly agreed that the programme improved their technical skills required at work. In terms of education, 12 indicated that the qualification had increased their chances of accessing further education and training. It is interesting to note that 10 beneficiaries indicated that the programme had developed relevant skills for self-employment, while nine (9) indicated that it increased their chance of accessing employment opportunities. A total of seven (7) of the 28 beneficiaries, who were unemployed prior to the Internship indicated that upon completion of their programme they managed to secure employment. Importantly, the successful beneficiaries indicated that they secured employment after periods ranging from one (1) month to two (2) years after completing the programme. Within the seven (7) beneficiaries who secured employment after completing programmes for which an Internship was awarded, four (4) indicated that they had responded to advertisements in the paper, however three (3) of them were no longer in the same job at the time of the tracer study. Training providers had secured employment for two (2) beneficiaries. In addition, the last (1) beneficiary indicated that they secured employment through recommendations although they were no longer in the same job since then.


|42

3.2.3 Learnerships A total of 1640 beneficiaries were successfully contacted and participated in the tracer survey. At the time of the survey, 269 learnership beneficiaries indicated that they had not received their certificate

Of the 1640 beneficiaries, 857 were female while 783 where male. In terms of Provincial distribution, Gauteng recorded the highest with 298 beneficiaries, followed by 280 from Mpumalanga, 247 from the KwaZulu-Natal and 226 from the North West. In addition, there were 176 beneficiaries from Limpopo, 135 from the Western Cape, 92 from Free State, and 85 from the Northern Cape. The age profile is presented in the following chart.

With respect to age, a greater number of beneficiaries were between the ages of 30 to 34 years (384). Following these were 309 beneficiaries between the ages of 35 and 39, and 305 beneficiaries between the ages 25 and 29.

Male, 783

Female, 857

Gender profile of Learnership beneficiaries Eastern Cape,

101 Free State, 92

Gauteng, 298

KwaZulu-Natal, 247

Limpopo, 176

Mpumalanga, 280

North West, 226

Northern Cape, 85

Western Cape, 135

Provincial distribution of Learnership beneficiaries

45

305

384

309

229

167

109

61

26

3

2

20 - 24 years

25 - 29 years

30 - 34 years

35 - 39 years

40 - 44 years

45 - 49 years

50 - 54 years

55 - 59 years

60 - 64 years

65 - 69 years

70 - 74 years

Age profile of Learnership beneficiaries


|43

There were 229 beneficiaries between ages 40 and 44, and 167 beneficiaries between ages 45 and 49. There were 109 beneficiaries for ages 50 and 54, and 61 beneficiaries between the ages 55 and 59. Furthermore, there were 45 beneficiaries in the age group 20 and 24. It is encouraging to see that beyond these age groups, there are beneficiaries up to the age 70 and 74 (2) indicating an interest in lifelong learning. There were thus 26 beneficiaries between ages 60 and 64. The following chart presents the education profile of learnership beneficiaries.

With regards to educational profiles, 665 beneficiaries possessed a Matric / Grade 12 while 424 beneficiaries indicated a national diploma as their highest level of education. A total of 225 beneficiaries held a technical college certificate/trade test/ similar certificate while 221 beneficiaries held Bachelors degrees. Lastly, 78 beneficiaries indicated that they held a post-graduate diploma / honours degree while 28 candidates held a masters, and one (1) candidate held doctorate. The following chart presents the field of qualification for the learnership beneficiaries.

221

1

28

665

424

76

225

Bachelors Degree

Doctorate

Masters

Matric / Grade 12

National Diploma


Technical College Certificate, Trade Test of Simlar Certificate

Education profile of Learnerships beneficiaries


|44

In terms of fields of qualification, 540 learnership beneficiaries indicated that their qualification was from the business, economic and management studies field. A further 149 beneficiaries indicated that their field of public management and services, and 64 came from engineering fields. Computer and information sciences represented 48 beneficiaries, and 40 beneficiaries came from the field of education. The social sciences represented 32 respondents, while the health professions and related clinical sciences represented 19 respondents. The field of law represented 16 respondents and the physical sciences represented 14. Other notable fields of qualification were from agriculture, agricultural operations and related sciences (10), communication, journalism and related sciences (10). The following chart provides a more detailed look at the learnerships that were completed by beneficiaries that participated in the survey.

10

10

7

540

10

48

40

64

19

2

16

14

6

149

32

3

5

n/a

Agriculture, Agricultural Operations and

Architecture and the Built Environment

Business, Economic and Management Studies

Communication, Journalism and Related Studies

Computer and Information Sciences

Education

Engineering

Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences

Family Ecology and Consumer Sciences

Law

Physical Sciences

Psychology

Public Management and Services

Social Sciences

Visual and performing arts

Other

Field of qualification of Learnership beneficiaries


|45

Based on the beneficiaries who participated in the tracer survey, the highest number of learnerships were recorded for the Certificate in Municipal Financial Management (483), followed by the National Certificate in Local Economic Development (175), and the Certificate in LGAC (84). There were 79 with FET Certificates in Fire and Rescue Operations, and 74 with Certificates in Ornamental Horticulture. There were 53 Certificates in Municipal Finance and Administration, and 52 Local Government Accounting Advanced Certificates.

46

21

13

10

84

74

12

483

79

10

53

55

52

50

14

21

175

21

47

32

23

13

21

Certificate: Community Development Worker NQF:3

Certificate: Environmental Practice NQF: 4

Certificate: Roadworks NQF: 3

Certificate: Electrical Distribution NQF: 4

Certificate: LGAC NQF: 3

Certificate: Ornamental Horticulture NQF: 1

Certificate: Road Construction NQF: 4


FET Certificate: Fire and Rescue Operations

FET Certificate: Generic Management: Disaster Risk Management

FET Certificate: Municipal Finance and Administration

Certificate: Local Government Accounting NQF: 3

Certificate: Local Government Accounting Advanced NQF: 4

National Certificate: ODETDP NQF: 5

National Certificate: Emergency Services Operations

National Certificate: Environmental Practice


National Certificate: Municipal Governance NQF: 5

National Certificate: Municipal Integrated Development Planning

National Certificate: Landscaping NQF: 3

National Certificate: Learnership Development NQF: 4

National Diploma: Public Finance Management and Planning

Certificate: Plumbing NQF: 4

Example of Learnerships completed (>10 beneficiaries)


|46

Furthermore, there were a total of 47 National Certificates in Municipal Integrated Development Planning, and 46 Community Development Worker Certificates, as well as 40 ODETDP National Certificates. Other learnerships funded include Local Government Accounting Certificate, National Certificate in Leadership Development, National Certificate in Municipal Governance, Certificate in Environmental Practice, and National Certificate in Emergency Services Operations amongst others. The following charts provide insights into employment status at the time of registering for the programme and at the time of completing the survey.

At the time of registering for the LGSETA funded programme, a total of 1198 survey participants were employed of which 603 were female, and 595 were male. Furthermore, 442 participants were unemployed, of which 1254 were female and 188 were male.

Employed, 1198

Unemployed, 442

Employment status of Learnership beneficiaries at the time of registering for the programme


|47

A total of 1385 participants said that they were employed at the time of the tracer study, of which 693 were female and 692 were male. A total of 177 participants were unemployed at the time of the study. There were 119 females who were unemployed of which 38 had never been employed before. Furthermore, there were 58 unemployed males, of which 14 had never previously been employed. There were 34 participants on an apprenticeship, internship or learnership. Among which 25 were female and nine (9) were male. There were 26 self-employed learnership beneficiaries of which 20 were male and 6 were female. And finally, 18 participants in full-time study of which 14 were female and four where male. Of the 1385 learnership beneficiaries who were employed, 1206 were employed in the local government sector, 73 worked in the provincial government sector, 72 worked in the private sector, and 29 worked in national government.

Employed, 1385

On an apprenticeshp, internship or learnership,

34

Self-employed, 26 Studying full-time, 18

Unemployed, 117

Employment status of Learnership beneficiaries at the time of the study


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Examining employment tenure, 1211 beneficiaries were employed in full-time positions at the time of participating in the survey. Among them 607 female and 604 were male. A total of 141 beneficiaries indicated that there were on a fixed contract, of which 72 were male and 69 were female. Lastly, 33 beneficiaries were employed on a temporary basis with 17 being female, and 16 being male. The following chart presents findings on income of beneficiaries who were prepared to share the information.

When asked to give indications of monthly income, 543 Learnership beneficiaries indicated that they earned an income of between R5000 and R15000 per month. A further 311 earned between R15000 and R30000, and 81 earned between R30000 and R50000 per month. A total of 52 respondents earned below R5000 per month, and 28 earned between R50000 and R75000. Lastly, there were 22 beneficiaries who earned between greater than R75000 per month, while 348 beneficiaries chose to share this information.

Fixed contract, 141

Full-time position, 1211

Temp position, 33

Employment tenure status of Learnership beneficiaries

348

52

543

311

81

28

22

Did not wish to answer question

Below R5000 per month





Greater than R75000 per month

Monthly income for Learnership beneficiaries


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At the time of the study, 177 Learnership beneficiaries were unemployed. Among them, 123 reported that they had been employed in the past while 54 said they had never. However among the unemployed, 163 were looking for employment in the local government sector, and 14 were looking elsewhere.

The unemployed Learnership beneficiaries used a variety of methods when seeking employment. There were 78 who responded to advertisements placed in the newspaper, and 36 who made use of recruitment agencies. A total of 27 respondents said that they used their own contacts to secure employment. There were 17 beneficiaries who responded to adverts on websites such as Careerjunction and Gumtree. Another 16 respondents sought employment by responding to adverts on company websites, and finally, three (3) beneficiaries did not wish to answer the question.

Yes, 123

No, 54

Employment history of Learnership beneficiaries currently unemployed

Yes, 163

No, 14

Learnership beneficiaries currently unemployed who are seeking employment

in the Local Government sector

3

78

16

17

36

27

n/a






Main job search strategy used by unemployed Learnership beneficiaries


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Among the 1198 Learnership beneficiaries who were employed at the time of registering for programmes, 852 did so in order to improve their knowledge and skills base. There were 206 participants who enrolled as a result of mandatory training requirements, while 59 respondents said they registered to increase their chances of promotion. Lastly, 57 beneficiaries mentioned improving their chances of finding better employment opportunities in other sectors as their reasons for registering for a programme, and 24 participants enrolled in order to improve their income / salary.

59

24

852

57

206

To increase prospects for promotion

To improve income/salary

To improve Knowledge and Skills base

To improve chances of finding better employment opportunities in other sectors

No choice, it is mandatory training

Reasons for registering for programme by participants employed at the time


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Among the beneficiaries who were unemployed at the time of enrolling in Learnership programmes, 322 beneficiaries sited improving knowledge and skills base as motivation for their choice. There were 96 who enrolled to improve their chances of finding employment in any sector. There were 116 beneficiaries who enrolled because they were unemployed, and a further six (6) enrolled in order to improve their income/salary after securing employment. Two (2) beneficiaries gave other reasons for enrolling.

Organisations, Supervisors and managers were listed as the main source of information about programmes for 885 Learnership beneficiaries who were employed at the time of registering for their programme. There were 135 beneficiaries who received this information from Training providers, whilst 75 respondents mentioned LGSETA officials as their main source of information.

322

6

96

16

2

To improve knowlegde and skills base

To improve income / salary

To improve chances for immediate employment in any sector

No choice, was unemployed at the time

Other

Reasons for registering for programme by participants unemployed at the time

Family members/friends, 37

Former beneficiaries of the programme, 24

LGSETA officials, 75

Organisation/Supervisor/Manager, 885

Print media, 38 Training

providers, 135

Other, 4

Main source of information about the programme for participants employed at the time of registering for the programme


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Print media was a main source of information for 38 beneficiaries, whilst family members and friends were the main source for 37. Lastly, former beneficiaries of the programme informed 24, and four (4) respondents gave other sources as their wellspring of information.

For participants who were unemployed at the time of registering for the programme, print media was a main source of information about LGSETA funded programmes for 209 participants, whilst 78 mentioned training providers. Family members and friends were a main source of information for 74 unemployed beneficiaries whilst mentors edified 29 beneficiaries. LGSETA was a main source of information for 29 unemployed beneficiaries, and former beneficiaries of programmes informed a further 14 beneficiaries. Lastly, various organisations let nine (9) beneficiaries in on information about programmes prior to registering.

Family members/friends, 74

Former LGSETA beneficiaries of the

programme, 14

LGSETA officials, 29

Mentor, 29

Organisation, 9

Print media, 209

Training providers, 78

Main source of information about programmes for participants unemployed at the time of registering for the programme


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A total of 771 beneficiaries strongly agreed that the qualification improved their knowledge and skills, whilst 748 said that the qualification was relevant for their work requirements. There were 537 beneficiaries who said the qualification improved their technical skills required at work. A further 553 beneficiaries strongly agreed that their qualification had increased their likelihood of continuing work in the sector. Among those who were employed when they registered for programmes, 317 strongly agreed that the qualification increased their chance of promotion, while 223 agreed that the qualification improved their chance of getting a better salary.

748

771

537

317

223

553

366

376

493

312

276

454

52

38

121

269

260

113

18

8

36

127

199

41

14

5

11

173

240

37






Qualification increased likehood to continue to work in the local government Sector

Evaluation of programme by participants employed at the time of registration of the programme for current occupation



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Among those employed at the time, 457 beneficiaries strongly agreed that the qualification increased their chance of accessing further education and training. A total of 370 beneficiaries strongly agreed that the qualification developed the relevant skills for self-employment, whilst a total of 337 beneficiaries strongly agreed that the qualification increased their chance of accessing employment opportunities outside of the local government sector.

Among the unemployed, 253 strongly agree that the qualification improved their knowledge and skills. Furthermore, 222 beneficiaries among the unemployed strongly agree that the qualification was relevant for their chosen career. There were 190 beneficiaries who reported that the qualification improved their technical skills required at work, while 157 stated that the qualification increased their access to further education/training opportunities.

337

457

370

379

435

408

264

179

218

122

72

123

96

55

79


Qualification increased chance to access further education / training opportunities


Evaluation of programme by participants employed at the time of registration of the programmes for future opportunities


222

253

190

156

157

141

144

162

169

145

182

149

43

15

48

69

49

58

16

5

25

34

28

50

17

7

10

38

26

44







Evaluation of programme by participants unemployed at the time of registering for the programme for current and future employment opportunities



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A total of 156 beneficiaries strongly agreed that the qualification increased their chances of accessing employment opportunities, whilst 141 respondents strongly agreed that the qualification developed relevant skills for self-employment. Out of 1640 Learnership beneficiaries, 1601 (97.6%) said they would recommend the programme to someone else. There were 39 beneficiaries who said that they would not recommend the programme to others. This is an overwhelmingly positive response from participants enrolled for Learnerships. There were 218 Learnership beneficiaries who found employment after completing their programmes, whilst 224 did not. The Learnership beneficiaries who found employment after completing their programmes all had varying waiting periods, for instance, there were 31 who were employed immediately after programme completion, while two (2) found employment during their programme. There were 34 beneficiaries who found employment after one (1) year, and 26 who were employed after six (6) months. Nine (9) beneficiaries found employment after one (1) month. It is also the case that some beneficiaries search longer than a year, for instance, five (5) beneficiaries had been searching for four (4) years. Among the 218 beneficiaries who found employment after completing a Learnership programme, 114 beneficiaries stated that responses to advertisements helped them secure employment. There were 45 beneficiaries whose training providers arranged their employment, whilst 15 beneficiaries were recommended by someone. There were 12 beneficiaries whose employment was arranged by the LGSETA, and 11 beneficiaries made use of information they received from friends. A total of nine (9) beneficiaries were assisted by their former institutions where they studied. Another six (6) beneficiaries found employment via attending job fairs / career expos. Lastly, six (6) respondents said they had other methods of finding employment.


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4. RECOMMENDATIONS A number of recommendations are presented informed by the findings of the tracer survey including that LGSETA should consider to:

• Institutionalise the system where there are traces studies of every other school year to include not only the graduates but also the employers as respondents. Therefore, impact assessment and planning should be prioritized beyond NSDS III and in addition, there is a strong need to broadening skills development access beyond technical skills to ensure holistic skills development for beneficiaries.

• Intensify and offer attractive incentives to graduating students to enter the sector • Improve the effectiveness and relevance of the training of TVET beneficiaries, and

to enhance employability, institutions must design training programs and activities consistent with the labour market. The SETA must urgently establish and operationalise a labour market information system and manage it on a continual basis. This would enable the SETA to provide guidance to training providers including relevant information for curriculum development and renewal.

• Improve or enhance the employment opportunities and competitiveness of TVET beneficiaries/ graduates the SETA should consider developing an implementation and monitoring system with well-defined relevant criteria for evaluating the intervention.

• Strengthen the capacities of the National training authority: is strongly recommended that the capacity of the personnel of the National training authority should be strengthened through training and the provision of technical assistance.

• Encourage higher levels of participation by employers in the development and implementation of qualifications and skills interventions.

• Support the increased participation and capacity of local employment centres in communities by facilitating access to information sessions on the local and regional labour market and importantly on pursuing a career in local government.

• Place more focus on the quality of general/core skills such as communication, management and IT skills as well as entrepreneurial skills.

• Improve the SETA’s data management processes and systems to ensure that the data that is captured and stored can be used more meaningfully to drive better decision-making with respect to programme funding as well as for M&E purposes. It took a significant amount of time to clean the data as it appeared in different databases and there were a number of duplications found in the data. There are also issues with the consistency and quality of data capturing which in the long run has an impact on the SETAs data management information system.


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• Share the findings of the tracer study as this would generate interest about the SETA but importantly would hopefully see more interest in providing feedback to the SETA about qualifications that it funds.


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ABOUT DAJO ASSOCIATES

Who we are Dajo Associates is a consulting firm that is committed to standards of excellence in its areas of competence and specialization. Our philosophy of “broadening your horizon” supports the development of institutional or organizational capacity to shape a future that meets or exceeds strategic objectives – informed by the present and inspired by the future.

Our Capabilities Our capabilities are in providing policy, research and strategy advisory services. Our policy advisory services include the development, review or monitoring and evaluating of policy based on an understanding of the client’s context. In terms of research, we have the capacity to design, conduct and manage research studies of varying complexity as well as the ability to undertake baseline and impact studies. We provide a range of strategic planning support across and within different sectors to ensure a co-ordinated, responsive organisation strategy that is able to meet its vision and goals.

Our Focus Areas Dajo Associates provides policy advisory, research and strategy advisory services to the public sector, private sector, small business sector and not-for-profit sector. Our Way of Working Our client-driven approach is informed by our goal to develop sustainable, innovative, context-based interventions and results-oriented outcomes that are supported by research and analysis. This results-driven orientation ensures that appropriate recommendations are made; judicious policy responses are arrived at; and strategic objectives are met.

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Documents

503. A Tracer Survey of Beneficiaries that completed a Learning