ABSTRACT ON WORKER EDUCATION REPORT

This Worker Education (WE) report extends from the research that was commissioned by the Human Resource Development Council (HRDC), driven by the Worker Education Standing Committee. The Summary Report pulls out key findings from the sections covered in the full consolidated research report. The Conceptualisation of Worker Education section looks at historical traditions and practices of worker education, how this has changed, the definition and defining characteristics of worker education. Followed by the section on Contextual Analysis which locates worker education in its socio-economic context in South Africa, by providing a statistical analysis of employment and unemployment, inequality, and the demographic and social characteristics of trade union membership. Trade Union & LSO Worker Education Provision creates a baseline of information and provides statistical analysis on the existing provision of worker education by trade unions, Labour Service Organisations (LSOs) and other institutions. The section analyses data on the potential beneficiaries, mapping and profiling provision and providers along with learners. The Situational Analysis for Worker Education section briefly reviews the Education Policy Landscape, and it further contextualises worker education within the broader education policy terrain; also identifying key debates and constraints confronting worker education and the institutions that provide it. It orientates political, social, economic and technological variables identified by literature and respondents for future strategic planning. The section focusing on Education, Skills and Institutional Capacity Development Needs Analysis outlines the purpose of worker education, flowing from earlier sections, then identifies contextual, operational and policy barriers to worker education. It further identifies needs for skills development and institutional capacity building based upon the data gathered. This is followed by a gap analysis at the various levels of target groups. In the final section of the report are the Recommendations and Proposed Funding Models putting forward a set of proposals aimed at building institutional capacity and skills for worker education, enhancing provision of worker education, and accessing sustainable funding for worker education.

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