THE DEMISE OF TECHNICAL SUBJECTS IN SOUTH AFRICA: A PERSPECTIVE FROM UNIVERSITY PRE-SERVICE TEACHERS

The integration of practical hands-on skills in technical subjects like mechanical, civil, and electrical technologies is critical for schools in a country desperate for technological emancipation. This is to produce skilled manpower for job creation and to help improve the economy which is battered due to technical skills gap. However, it looks like using the school’s practical hands-on skills to address economic challenges and youth unemployment in South Africa is not yielding the required results considering the skyrocketing high unemployment rate. This paper aims to examine the dilemma of technical skills and explore strategies for revitalizing technical subject specializations. The study was limited to Civil Technology’s Construction, Civil Services, and Woodworking specializations and was conducted on 79 pre-service technology education teachers from 4 higher education institutions offering technology education teacher training programs. Using mixed-methods research design, data was collected using questionnaires followed by semi-structured interviews to ascertain how learners were exposed to hands-on activities. Data collected through interviews were transcribed after each interview and typed, showing respondents’ quotes. The data were then coded, analyzed, and discussed thematically. Quantitative data were presented and analyzed statistically to give a distribution in a table. The findings revealed, among others, inadequately qualified teaching personnel, tools, and equipment, obsolete tools and equipment, and a rather weak support system for technical subjects. The study calls for responsible Department of Basic Education offices and businesses to assist in the revitalization of technical subject specializations, as these are considered the solution to a country’s unemployment burden.