Wits Plus advances lifelong learning
- Wits University
The launch of the reimagined Wits Plus highlights Wits’ commitment to expand access to short courses in line with the growing needs for skills development.
In a move to respond to the changing world of work and the digital revolution, Wits University has relaunched the reconfigured Wits Plus (PTY) Ltd which consolidates short courses from across the University under one roof. Wits Plus offers short courses in engineering, business management, architecture, construction, health sciences, law, languages, real estate and property, and more.
At the core of Wits Plus is the mission to promote lifelong learning.
“The digital earthquake is upon us and the picture of education is changing. Getting a degree and just moving on to work and closing the books is no longer an option,” said Professor Zeblon Vilakazi, Wits Vice-Chancellor and Principal at the launch on 30 October. “The future of professions is lifelong learning, obtaining micro-credentialing, learning online and in many other ways. Building these skills will prepare us for the future that we are trying to build.”
In upskilling professionals in South Africa and beyond, Vilakazi stressed that Wits remains committed to ensuring that learning is accessible, relevant and changing with the demands of a fast-evolving technology and society.
This was echoed by Professor Ruksana Osman, Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic who has been stewarding the establishment of the company, in line with the broader learning and teaching plans of the University.
“We recognise that in society, people need access to education and that these opportunities have to come in different formats,” said Osman. “At Wits, we now offer full- and part-time studies, contact teaching, online programmes, and short courses – all of which form part of the overall teaching and learning suite.”
Wits has provided part-time learning for more than 50 years, mostly through contact classes and more recently in a hybrid format and will now also offer fully online short courses.
Towards a common goal
In preparation for the role to serve the diverse needs of today’s learners and professionals, different departments at Wits have been involved in ‘Project Wits Plus’ which began more than a year ago.
“I am proud of the strong partnership within our University and beyond, from quality assurance divisions, administrators and Deans - all of whom have been crucial and will continue to be key in the long-term success of Wits Plus. You are all engaged in a common purpose and have reached a sweet spot of coherence and collaboration,” added Osman.
Wits Plus Director Natalie Zimmelman also expressed her gratitude for the support.
“The richness and depth of resources that we find within the University are unparalleled and will help us to develop the right answers and the right skills,” said Zimmelman. “We speak about building the city, building the skills within the city. Those skills have got to continue to be built because the world tomorrow will not look like today.”
Wits’ history is rooted in the history of Johannesburg dating to the gold rush and producing the skills for the resulting industries and societal needs. It continues to develop the high-level scarce skills required to advance the economy and the new world of work.
Zimmelman advises people to keep studying.
- This is about you, and your personal growth – you need to invest in yourself and in your education, so that you develop in-demand skills and capabilities,
- Learn about the latest research and how to use new technologies to become a specialist in your area,
- Learn in a group - ongoing skills development will help to unlock key growth for individuals and companies, placing you ahead of competitors, and
- Contribute towards building the economy and the country through ongoing skills development that can unlock key growth opportunities.
“Lifelong learning should be part of our lifestyle,” adds Zimmelman. “Nowadays, people can study in person, online or through blended learning, with easy-to-use learning management systems. There are so many opportunities, sometimes we just have to get up and get going.”
For more information on WitsPlus, visit Wits Plus Short Courses.