Hon Speaker and hon members, on 15 June the Human Resource Development Council, after a thorough multistakeholder consultative process, endorsed the artisan recognition of prior learning system.
In support of the endorsement by the council, the Department of Higher Education and Training allocated an amount of R41 million for the development of a national artisan recognition of prior learning system for the period 2012 to 2015.
The project will develop an advisor training programme and produce toolkits for specific trades to assist further education and training colleges in the certification of candidates with prior learning experience.
I am informed by the Department of Higher Education and Training that a pilot phase of the project is scheduled to start in April this year and more than 4 000 applications have been received from artisan assistants who wish to participate in the programme. I thank you for your attention. [Applause.]