Issues in technical education in Soweto

M.Ed. (Educational Management)As a result of the accelerated industrialization which is taking place, organised industry as well as the educational authorities involved, became more aware of the need to have schools where pupils/students could receive technical oriented education (Department of Education and Training, 1981:4). Scientific and technical literacy is increasingly necessary in our society, but the number of pupils who graduate from high school with only the most rudimentary notions of science and technology portends trouble in the decades ahead. This has several implications, inter alia: People in a wide range of non-scientific and nonengineering occupations and professions must have a greater understanding of technology than ever before. Yet, the educational system does not always provide such an understanding. Pupils who take no more mathematics and science after their ninth year in school have effectively eliminated the possibility of science or engineering as a career. The pool from which the future engineering personnel can be drawn is therefore in danger of becoming smaller. Education is t.he route by which upward mobility has been achieved by disadvantaged groups. Increased emphasis must be given to aiding those who have been excluded from careers in science and engineering..