MEA November 2017
6 MEA MARKETS / November 2017 , Richfield Graduate Institute of Technology (Pty) Ltd, previously PC Training and Business College, commenced operations in 1998 in Tongaat as a Computer Training Centre. It established branches in the various provinces and today has a national footprint of over 70 sites. We invited YuvenNaidoo to provide an in-depth look at the institution’s valuable work in the higher education sector. A Steep Learning Curve The institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education as a Private Further & Higher Education and Training Provider, under the Further Education and Training Colleges Act, 2006 (Reg. no. 2008/FE07/050) and the Higher Education Act, 1997 (reg. no. 2000/HE07/008) respectively. The institution is accredited by the Council on Higher Education (CHE), Umalusi and numerous SETAs. It is also aligning itself to the Quality Council on Trades and Occupations (QCTO). Post School Education qualifications are offered at National FET Certificate, Higher Certificate, Advanced Certificate, Diploma and Degree levels in the fields of media, information & communications technology, business, management and economic sciences, and public management. In addition, skills development, learnerships and short learning programmes are offered at all sites. Richfield has a proud track record with over 250 000 learners completing a range of programmes and qualifications in its rich history. The institution has made significant progress in increasing the number of accredited sites, offering a wide range of higher education programmes. In the further education and training sector, it has 39 accredited sites offering accredited programmes through various SETAs. The institution also undertakes training with SETAs, corporates, municipalities and government departments. The institution has developed an extensive national database of corporate employers that are currently providing work integrated placements for learners. A database of over 850 companies that have provided Work integrated learning (WIL) for learners. Work integrated learning has increased the rate of employability of learners. The work readiness programme (WRP) complements the theoretical knowledge with contextualised, well-structured authentic learning in the work environment. WRP addresses areas not included in work integrated learning i.e. WRP complements WIL. From 2011, the institution implemented a compulsory work readiness programmes, consisting of life skills, soft skills and employment skills which would bridge the gap between life at college and work. The institution’s intervention of WIL and WRP makes a positive contribution to the standard of graduates to the corporate world as endorsed by many employers during the employer surveys. Ratings based on employer surveys regarding the institution’s graduates, indicate that 86% of employers rated Richfield graduates’ knowledge and technical skills as ‘good to excellent’. With teaching and learning, community engagement and research within its mission, Richfield strives to embody the basic convictions of the South African democratic ideals that individuals be given full opportunity to discover and develop their talents and interests, to pursue their unique potential and to achieve an intellectually, culturally and economically satisfying relationship with society. The Academic Senate The Academic Senate is a subcommittee of the Board of Richfield Graduate Institute of Technology. External members ensure that Richfield Graduate Institute of Technology can draw advice from other Higher Education role players, civil society, business and public universities. 1705ME04 The Academic Senate is the highest academic decision-making structure of Richfield Graduate Institute of Technology and in this capacity, directs academic policy for the Richfield Holdings Group. The Academic Senate, is chaired by the Chief Executive Officer. Cluster directors, senior national programme directors and campus managers, representing the intellectual capital of the institution. Members of the board provide a range of quality assurance services on curriculum, programme planning and outcomes, work integrated learning and industry integration, ultimately guaranteeing that the learner is presented with the best possible qualification within his or her field of study. Academic faculties Our improved programme offerings for 2017 are diverse and designed to meet and exceed the needs of business, industry, government and society with diverse learning options help within the following faculties: • Faculty of Business Leadership; • Faculty of Information Technology; • Faculty of Computer Applications & Systems
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