Vocational Training Centre (VTC)

Empowering Pupils Through Practical Skills Development

The Vocational Training Centre supports older pupils who are preparing for independent living by helping them develop essential vocational, interpersonal, and workplace skills. It is a skills-based centre focused on practical training and abilities that align with potential workplace opportunities.

The newly relaunched VTC initiative is set to operate as a separate phase from 2026.

Background and Vision for the VTC
The VTC was created as a dedicated space for skills-based learning. Over time, the programme structure shifted, but the relaunch in 2026 positions the VTC as a distinct phase for pupils aged 19 and older.

Its guiding vision is: “Where to from here?”—supporting pupils as they transition from school into the world of work, further training, or entrepreneurial opportunities or just basic independent living skills.

Purpose and Objectives
• Provide more specialised, skills-based learning opportunities.
• Prepare pupils for employment and improve understanding of workplace expectations.
• Bridge the gap between school and the world of work.
• Develop entrepreneurial skills relevant to each pupil’s abilities.
• Develop a positive attitude, work ethic, and interpersonal and intrapersonal skills.
• Support independent decision-making, responsibility, and problem-solving.
• Assist pupils in identifying personal strengths, aspirations, and career pathways.
• Introduce entry-level job skills through work experience and exposure to real workplace environments.
• Promote independent living.

Curriculum and Programme Structure
From age 19, pupils transition into the VTC programme. The structure mirrors the normal school day, with transportation still available. Pupils do not wear school uniforms and will participate in job shadowing and vocational rotations.

Core Vocational Programmes
• IEB (AET) – The only academic stream which encourages pupils to obtain their NQF Level 1.
• Barista Training – International Hospitality Institute
• Food Production – DCAPS
• Beauty Therapy – DCAPS
• Retail and Merchandising – TOC / Internal programme
• Office Administration – DCAPS
• Coding and Robotics
• Agricultural Studies – DCAPS / Seriti
• Art and Craft – DCAPS

Life Skills and Functional Learning

Self-Care
• Personal Hygiene
• Household Management
• Time Management and Organizational Skills
• Budgeting and Money Management
• Road to Independent Living
• Ablutions

Road to Independent Living
• Housekeeping (washing machine, dishwasher, cleaning)
• Cooking basic meals
• Leadership
• Home health and safety

Social and Workplace Ethics
• Etiquette
• Teamwork
• Punctuality
• Following instructions
• Communication skills

General Workplace Skills
• Counting
• Measuring
• Cutting
• Sorting
• Sequencing

Gardening
• Health and Safety
• Equipment Use
• Planting
• Weeding
• Harvesting
• Understanding the ecosystem of the garden

Digital Communication
• Basic computer literacy
• Internet safety
• Responsible social media use
• Using mobile phones
• Understanding basic apps

Arts and Craft
• Tools and equipment
• Creative arts
• Craft production

Work Experience
Work experience remains a core component of preparing pupils for independence. Pupils participate in placements both on-and off-site, gaining exposure to real workplace environments at a level suited to their abilities. This includes sheltered, semi-sheltered, and open labour market opportunities.

Partnerships and Community
• International Hospitality Institute – Barista Training & event placements
• The Bespoke Amenities Co. (TBAC South Africa) – manufacturing and product packaging
• Public Square – experiential learning and retail sales exposure
• iLearn – workplace readiness and learning environments
• AGT Foods – packaging of pulse foods and employment opportunities

Assessment
Continuous assessment is conducted through observation, checklists, photos, and videos. No formal testing is used, considering pupils’ functioning levels.

Individual Vocational Development Plan (IVDP)
Each pupil has four individualised goals reviewed mid-year and end-year. Goals target high-impact skills-based learning areas and are set collaboratively by teachers and parents.

Excursions
Regular day trips, shopping outings, and an annual two-day leadership programme support practical learning.

Morning Duties
Teachers are on duty from 07h00–07h45. Pupils gather at the VTC.

Communication
Class WhatsApp groups are used for general updates. Parents should contact teachers directly for personal matters.

Community Involvement
A collaborative approach between school, parents, and the wider community helps prepare pupils for adulthood and independent living.