Catholic Institute of Education

Overview

The CIE Thabiso Skills Institute, based in Johannesburg, is a support agency for 25 Catholic faith-based skills centres. Each skills centre is an independent entity and is registered as a non-profit organisation with the Department of Social Development.

These skills centres contribute to improving the lives of people living in the poorest and most marginalised communities by providing practical skills training and academic programmes to youth and adults who are not in employment, education or training. The centres offer a range of skills programmes/part qualifications, full qualifications and academic learning programmes.

Accredited short skills programmes provide learners with part qualifications and the option of working towards a full qualification. Each skills programme offers a stand-alone skill, recognised by industry, which is an attractive option for out-of-school youth.

All learners are required to participate in the CIE Thabiso Skills Institute’s life skills programme before they begin a short skills programme/part qualification. Businesses employing learners from the centres report that they have a good work ethic and are motivated. The programmes offered at the different centres include:

  • Welding
  • Motor Mechanics
  • Basic Business and Accounting Skills
  • End-User Computing
  • Electrical Installation and Repair
  • Sewing
  • Upholstery
  • Merchandising
  • Baking and Catering
  • Carpentry
  • Bricklaying
  • Plumbing
  • Appliance Repair
  • Agriculture
  • Academic ABET level 1 to 3 (Literacy and Mathematical Literacy)
  • Academic NQF level 1 (ABET level 4)
  • Academic matric repeat programmes