4. Summary of Presentations 4.1 Overview of Further Education and Training (FET) Colleges The FET college sector was transformed in 2001 with an objective to develop vibrant and responsive multi site colleges that address the skills shortage in the country and broaden access to post-school education and training opportunities. At national level, 152 technical colleges were merged to form 50 multi-campus FET colleges. Limpopo had 17 Technical and Community Colleges which were merged into seven FET Colleges and 17 Satellite Campuses. In 2006, government launched a R1.9 billion 3 year programme to recapitalise the FET colleges, tackle vital curriculum reform and invest in staff training, development, infrastructure and equipment. Limpopo Province was allocated R221 million (11, 8%) from the R1.9 billion national recapitalisation allocation and spent 100% of the allocated funding. The major challenges of the FET college sector in the province are a low throughput rate, unqualified lecturers, and a poor perception of the college sector. 4.2 Skills Development Strategy for Higher Education and FET The National Skills Development Programme targets the development of all employees and future employees. In analysing the higher education and FET landscape it is clear that the demand does not meet the intended output as the quality of skills offered fall short of the demands of the economy. The department plays an important role in the programme by assisting learners to choose the most suitable programmes for their needs. The current major challenges of the skills development programme are the lack of employment opportunities and lack of information available to the public. The department concluded that there is a need for a coordinated and coherent approach to improve skills development.