Critical factors for restructuring the education system during the era of the fourth industrial revolution in South Africa

ABSTRACT

The study aims to determine factors important in restructuring the education system to meet the skills demand required during the era of the fourth industrial revolution (industry 4.0). The study used a qualitative research method based on a narrative design involving multiple stakeholders (n = 35). Data from the participants were collected and analysed to reveal 12 critical success factors required for restructuring the education system from basic to higher education level. The success factors are based on enabling the basic structure of an effective education system, to develop and strengthen effective work-integrated learning, to overhaul the basic education structure and learning content and to enhance elements of interconnected systems. The study concludes that there is an urgent need for preparedness of the basic and higher education systems to effectively meet the required employment skills at a time of industry 4.0. This will assist the necessary development and competitiveness within developing countries, including South Africa.

KEYWORDS:

• Education system
• fourth industrial revolution
• interconnected systems
• work integrated learning
• South Africa

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1 Connectors of change - non-profit organisations, public benefit organisations and non-governmental organisations that advocate and/or developer models to improve the structure and performance in a field of operation such as the education sphere.