SKILLSUsing technologyto
SKILLSUsing technologyto certify artisansCHIETA proposes digital badges to replace certificatesfor artisans, where the badges could serve asa bridge between learning achievementand job opportunities.To fast-track and recognise that all types of learning arenecessary to boost one’s skill set, the Chemical IndustriesEducation and Training Authority (CHIETA) has proposedbadging as a new way of recognising and verifying learnerachievements, skills and competencies, using digital images.The idea emerged during a boot camp held by CHIETA staff inMidrand when a proposal was made to investigate how learnerachievement for specific programmes was recognised.This proposal responds to the growing need for a more modernand effective approach to skills recognition in the evolving world ofeducation and training.During the camp, CHIETA staff motivated for badging to replacephysical certificates for specific competencies such as bricklaying,sewing, coding, add-on skills for artisans, entrepreneurship andgraduates of Future Green Skills and Hydrogen Skills programmes.In addition, learners exiting CHIETA Smart Skills Centres, pictured,and Coded Welders would benefit from the badging method.CHIETA is an innovation leader in education and training andbelieves badging is a visual representation of accomplishments,unlike paper-based certificates. Badging can be seen as a bridgebetween learning achievement and job opportunities.CHIETA badges will link to a landing page that providesfurther insights into the skills and competencies achieved. AWS,Microsoft, SAP, IBM and Google are some companies that haveembraced badging.The proposal, submitted to the CHIETA Ideation Committeefor consideration, could have significant implications for skillsdevelopment in South Africa. Badging’s benefits, such as its alignmentwith current recruitment trends and its potential to influence SAQA/QCTO certification, make for a compelling argument.In the submission, the staff said the world is evolving, particularlyin terms of learning and recognition. In the South African context,while we have had reviews of the NQF, SAQA Act, QualificationsFramework, Educational Acts and Quality Assurance bodies, littlehas been done to review traditional forms of certification.Currently, CHIETA funds learners with add-on skills such as thedigital and entrepreneurial ability of artisans and SMMEs withoutproperly recognising them.Furthermore, the new occupational qualification framework limitsrecognition to short-term skills programmes, whereas previous unitstandard-basedqualifications allowed for combining unit standardsand SETA recognition via statements of results (SoRs).While the traditional paper-based certificate may have a place inthe educational process, it has shortcomings such as the risk of fraud.It may not support some basic guidelines of the NQF principles,namely, Integration, Credibility, Flexibility and Improvement.CHIETA has committed to the strategic objectives of digitisingand innovating. Against this background, the organisation’s IdeationCommittee has been urged to consider badging as an additionalmethod for recognising learner achievement.Advantages of badging• Supports current trends in recruitment. Potential job seekers areincreasingly using various platforms to capture their capabilities,such as social media, digital resumes, email signatures, LinkedIn,etc. It is an excellent tool for communicating capabilities.• It aligns with the digital nature of the workforce and shifts inrecruitment practices, thus enhancing job seeking potential.• It provides versatility and visibility to a broader audience for jobseekers to showcase themselves.• Recognition of short courses and skills programmes, includingnon-credit-bearing courses.• Influence SAQA/QCTO certification.CHIETA is investigating designing such a platform withinorganisational capability. This would also involve collaborating withother partners such as MICT, SITA, QCTO, Algoatwork and Microsoft.CHIETA, which achieved a clean audit and met 100% of itsobjectives in the 2024/25 financial year, is identifying suitableprogrammes that could have short-term benefits and defining thecriteria and standards for them.The proposal to badge aligns with the organisation’s Mission,Vision and strategic objectives as it provides a breakthroughinnovative approach to recognising and validating skills andachievement, hence creating high impact.About CHIETAThe Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority(CHIETA) was established under the Skills DevelopmentAct 1998. CHIETA facilitates skills development within thechemical industry sector, ensuring that the industry’s skillsand needs are identified and addressed through targetedtraining initiatives.38 | www.opportunityonline.co.za
Opportunity is a quarterly journal for business and industry in South Africa.Opportunity is the official publication of the South African Chamber ofCommerce and Industry (SACCI).DISTRIBUTION IS FULLY ABC ACCREDITED AND AUDITEDPUBLICATION DATESJanuary | April | July | OctoberContact Opportunity on info@gan.co.za to profile your organisation in the publicationwww.opportunityonline.co.za
