GAUTENG MEC MAILE LAUNCHES OLYMPIA PARK AS GAUTENG’S 41ST SCHOOL OF SPECIALISATION

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GAUTENG - Gauteng Education MEC Lebogang Maile today officially launched the Olympia Park Vocational and Occupational School of Specialisation in Springs, marking Gauteng’s 41st School of Specialisation and a significant milestone in expanding vocational, occupational and skills-based education.

The launch showcased the power of practical education to create meaningful career pathways. Vocational and Occupational education gives learners the opportunity to develop practical and technical competencies, gain recognised qualifications and workplace exposure, and build pathways towards employment, entrepreneurship and further education and training.

Olympia Park has 22 workshops covering areas including Motor Mechanics, Agricultural Studies, Consumer Studies, Sheet Metal, Sewing, Hairdressing and Nail and Beauty, alongside aquaculture, poultry farming, butchery, scaffolding, tractor and forklift operation and fibre networking.

Learners brought these programmes to life through practical demonstrations, showcasing livestock farming, hydroponic and aquaponic farming, a fully motorised bicycle they engineered and built themselves, and a farm-to-butchery value chain where meat products are produced and sold.

The school’s innovation was also on display through a learner-built fibre network and data centre, developed with support from Cable Feeder Systems, and the “WOW Train” — a repurposed train cart powered by a 7-horsepower quadbike engine.

Importantly, learners can leave with between four and six additional SETA-accredited courses, including firefighting, working at heights, scaffold erection, health and safety, office administration, piggery and mixed farming. Learners can also obtain tractor and forklift operator licences.

Established in 1958, Olympia Park’s transformation demonstrates how inclusive education can connect learners with practical skills, recognised qualifications and real opportunities beyond the classroom.

#GrowingGautengTogether #SchoolsOfSpecialisation #OlympiaParkSoS

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