MEA November 2017

MEAMARKETS / November 2017 7 A Steep Learning Curve g Engineering; • Faculty of Education, Recognition of Prior Learning and Skills; • Faculty of Public Administration. Graduates from Richfield remain a key resource to address the skills shortages in business administration, leadership, marketing management, finance and major projects requiring astute project management in the globalised economy. Information technologies are one of the most important and promising fields given that qualified specialists with a Bachelor of Science degree in IT are needed in all areas of life – from business and science to the entertainment sector. The Faculties of Information Technology, Computer Applications & Systems Engineering help develop experts in the fields of new technologies & applications, leading to software developers, engineering gurus and computer application specialists. A range of tertiary qualifications based on various NQF levels and duration of study are offered. Partnerships & affiliations In the current economic situation, it becomes mandatory for institutions to increase their networking opportunities through affiliations and partnerships. When partnerships are implemented correctly, the private sector can increase efficiency and choice, and expand access to education services, particularly for households that tend to be poorly served by traditional delivery methods. Richfield’s relations with the private sector, encompass cooperation with business corporations, small and medium enterprises, professional and economic associations as well as other organisations of the business community, individuals, communities, parents and families. Richfield recognises that when we collaborate with some of the most ambitious organisations, we can multiply our impact in areas from education to economic development to poverty alleviation because of our ISO 9001:2015 accreditation status! We have enduring partnerships and affiliations with several like-minded organisations and leaders who are eager to help drive global change and deliver true results. The institution is a founding member of the Association of Private Providers of Education and Training (APPETD) and plays an active role in its activities. The institution is also active in Certified Institute of Professional Practitioners & Trainers (CIPPT), South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC). University collaborations involve University of South Africa (UNISA), University of Kwa Zulu Natal (UKZN), Durban University of Technology (DUT), Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), Simon Fraser University, Mahatma Gandhi University, Manipal University, Namibia University of Technology and the University of Magdenburg. Collaborations with publishers/ learning content developers include Press Reader, Zinio, Pearsons South Africa, Book Publishers, Cambridge University Press, McGraw-Hill, Emerald, Springer, Juta, Oxford, Wiley, Elsevier, Future Managers – Siyafunda, VMEdu, Labour Law Management Consulting- Ivan Israelstam. We envisage engaging and affiliating with multiple agencies, to pool our resources, talents, and issues to create a comprehensive and better education for all for the future. The institution sees community engagement as a key priority and therefore it is entrenched in our strategic objectives and in the vision and mission statements. The institution feels that it is imperative to be responsive to the educational, cultural, economic, industrial, environmental and social needs of South Africa. At Richfield Graduate Institute of Technology, Community Engagement is not treated as a separate function, but is considered integral in all aspects of teaching and learning. The focus is particularly on areas where the institution has proven competencies that can alleviate developmental and capacity problems in identified communities. The primary concern of our community engagement programme is to assist in making difference through the upliftment, development and supporting the communities. The institution prides itself on not just becoming involved in projects but also implementing expertise in an innovative manner to achieve sustainable improvement in the community. We endeavour to integrate our CE projects with various research that would benefit the community. To assist Grade 12 learners in preparing for their final examinations, Richfield Graduate Institute of Technology together with the Department of Education and Avusa Media, compiles an educational supplement. This tool is used by grade 12 learners to improve results and increase access into higher education. The institution also rolls out a national project, known as The Career Guidance Programme, through visitation at schools. Our Richfield team goes far and wide to schools across all borders to ensure that our future leaders are properly guided in making the best career choice for themselves. We visit over 300 schools on a yearly basis bringing a sense comradeship and a whole lot of fun and laughter, to these schools with students even winning bursaries to study at our institution. World class technology in education In 2017, all students registering for degrees & diplomas for the first year will receive a free Vodacom 10-inch Tablet PC including a two-year warranty, 16 GB memory card, BlueTooth keyboard, support lectures, e-books & e-libraries and 500Mb monthly data for 12 months. The tablet PC being lightweight and portable, allows students to study for their relevant qualifications wherever and whenever it suits them. Each tablet PC is pre-loaded with relevant learning material for each student’s qualification. Our world class technology includes global podcasts of experts’ opinions on pertinent subjects; online entry to the integrated campus administration system and e-library for assignments, accounts information and examination results. This initiative has transformed teaching & learning, by providing a more dynamic and interactive classroom experience that has paved the way for a more effective e -learning rollout. The tablet PC and the accompanying access to technology will change the way students and lecturers interact. Tablets are currently the most well-known and sought after technological devices and are in huge demand for every aspiring student. These innovative devices have created a platform for effective communication and combines access to all in one convenient, connected device…a game changer. Campus infrastructure Richfield’s mix of policies, frameworks, strategies and practices and reconfigured them, to provide learners with a world class learning experience. The legacy of the institution continues with the year 2016 loaded with a range of new initiatives. Some aspects are highlighted below. World class institution The institution’s programmes have been historically driven by demand in the workplace. The National Scarce Skills List for South Africa provided by the Department of Labour as well as The Seta Sector Skills Plan demand work based programmes that are geared towards preparing learners in finding meaningful employment in the ICT, commerce, and government. Work integrated learning Included in the curriculum are, compulsory work readiness skills