Reflections of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Colleges’ Management on the Impact of Student Support Services (SSS) on Student Retention and Throughput Rates

Abstract

Students at Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Colleges do not always complete their courses within the projected time framework, especially students studying for the National Certificate Vocational programme introduced in 2007. Student support services (SSS) for students is essential to assist students in the challenges they are encountering. In addition, the Department of Higher Education and Training is investing significantly in terms of TVET bursaries through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme(NSFAS) in an attempt to improve the results, retention and throughput rates of these institutions. A qualitative research approach was applied to investigate the impact of SSS on student’s retention, success and throughput rates in selected TVET Colleges. Twenty-eight managers from seven TVET colleges participated in the study. The findings indicated that SSS is impacting student retention and throughput rates by giving students support on three levels of support which are pre-entry, on-course and exit level. The findings further show a positive impact on student retention, success and throughput rates and that SSS could add value on both student retention and throughput rate. It is recommended that TVET colleges ‘s management equip SSS practitioner’s trainings and workshops to ensure that they stay abreast with changes. The implication for further study is that SSS at TVET colleges is broad and areas such as non-academic support to students can lead to improved academic achievement of TVET college students.