Investigating the Barriers Hindering Career Sponsorship of TVET Lecturers in South Africa
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51137/wrp.ijarbm.446Keywords:
Career Sponsorship, TVET Lecturers, Leadership, Collegiality, FundingAbstract
Career sponsorship plays a pivotal role in the professional development of lecturers by facilitating access to resources, networks, and advancement opportunities. In the South African Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector, sponsorship is critical, given the persistent challenges in staff retention, motivation, and career progression. This study sought to investigate barriers to effective career sponsorship of TVET lecturers across six public colleges in South Africa. In this qualitative study, a multiple case study design was adopted. Data was collected from a purposively selected sample comprising of 14 TVET lecturers and 6 Heads of Departments (HODs). ATLAS.ti software (2024), a data analysis software, was utilised to facilitate thematic data analysis. The study found that poor leadership, lack of collegiality, and inadequate funding, infrastructure, and training undermined career sponsorship efforts in the TVET sector. This study recommends targeted policy interventions, leadership capacity-building, infrastructural development and upgrades, and digital upskilling to strengthen career sponsorship practices within the TVET sector.
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