Sparrow FET Enterprises

Since 1990, Sparrow Schools Educational Trust has developed into a dynamic and multi-faceted non-government organisation. The early years of Sparrow Schools were focused on bringing accredited schooling to cognitively disabled and disadvantaged youth. Since then, it has established and expanded organisational structures to address a wider range of needs found in the current South African environment — this includes the the creation of Sparrow FET College in 2010. The College adopts a theory, practice and real-world application approach to skills development. In the classroom, learners cover theoretical curriculum content in a simulated workplace environment through which theoretical and practical skills are taught and applied. Learners then carry these skills to their industry placement. Sparrow FET College and the industry work together to provide learners with internships during which they are fully supported, comprehensively trained, and prepared for future employment. The process starts with an assessment by a registered psychometrist. After this, a job coach is tasked with tracking each learner’s progress during their placement. Job coaches also monitor the learner’s career once they are fully employed, enabling us to assure industries that learners will become trustworthy employees. This means that we balance our social responsibility towards young South Africans, who seek a structured and nurturing path into the economy, with the creation of a stable and healthy relationship between Sparrow FET College and the industry.