On 31 March 2015, Dr Michael Rogan of the Neil Aggett Labour Studies Unit (NALSU) participated in a high-level briefing workshop with the Minister of Higher Education and Training (DHET), Dr Blade Nzimande. The aim of the briefing was to communicate research results from the Labour Market Intelligence Partnership (LMIP – http://www.lmip.org.za/), which is led by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC). Researchers from the HSRC, together with partners from a number of universities, shared evidence-based, policy relevant insights and recommendations to support DHET’s development of a credible institutional skills planning mechanism for South Africa.
Dr Rogan plays a leadership role in Theme 5 of the LMIP, which is focused on pathways through education and training and into the labour market. His presentation highlighted some of the key results which have emerged from the Eastern Cape Graduate Tracer Study that was undertaken by NALSU researchers under the auspices of the LMIP. That study followed recent graduates from the University of Fort Hare and Rhodes University into the labour market. Dr Rogan’s presentation to the minister discussed some of the challenges that graduates face in finding employment and the implications that this might have for skills planning in South Africa.