01/04/2026
The Gauteng Free State TVET and CET Colleges Marketing and Communications Forum GFSMCF convenes to strategize the implementation of occupational programmes
The Gauteng Free State Marketing and Communication Forum hosted a 2-day meeting to discuss the implementation of Occupational Programmes (OPs) in the colleges in our region. The meeting convened at Flavius Mareka TVET College, Sasolburg campus, on 30-31 March 2026.
It aimed to share best practices on OP advocacy strategies to help the colleges that are lagging behind. These programmes were introduced to replace the legacy programmes or Report 191, which are industry aligned. They will ensure that the students are employable and also pave the way for them to tap into entrepreneurship.
There were a number of challenges that were raised in relation to advocacy for occupational programmes. These called for colleges to find working strategies. The importance of internal advocacy was raised as a point of departure. Most of the colleges have indicated that they started with internal advocacy. This includes hosting staff information sessions, internal career guidance targeting students, production of posters, and email banners.
In terms of external advocacy, most of the colleges are communicating these programmes on social media platforms, career expos, and sharing print materials with the targeted stakeholders. Some colleges are as far as securing slots on mainstream and local media to market the occupational qualifications.
Again, the forum used the platform to plan the annual regional Drive-by Advocacy Campaign that is to be held later this year. The campaign covers the schools in the Free State and Gauteng province.
