Conference Background
The introduction of the Occupational Qualifications Sub-Framework (OQSF) presents renewed opportunities for TVET curriculum reform and innovative teaching and learning strategies that respond to labour market needs. While TVET is positioned as a catalyst for economic growth and youth employment, current discourse highlights that employability extends beyond skills acquisition alone. Against South Africa’s persistent challenges of poverty, unemployment, and inequality, this conference provides a critical platform to interrogate the purpose of education and strengthen the link between education, training, and sustainable employment.
Elangeni TVET College will proudly be hosting the 2026 PSET Research Conference under the theme:
“Future-Ready Occupational Training and Transformative Skills for Entrepreneurship and Employability: Innovations Shaping South Africa’s Workforce of Tomorrow”
The conference will take place from 26–28 August 2026 at CoastlandsUmhlanga, Durban, South Africa. It brings together local, regional, and international academics, researchers, policymakers, industry experts, and TVET practitioners to explore innovative approaches to occupational training that address unemployment, promote decent work, and strengthen a future-ready workforce.
Call for Abstracts
Elangeni TVET College invites the submission of original research, conceptual / theoretical papers, policy analyses, and practice-based studies that contribute to advancing occupational training and future skills development. Submissions should demonstrate innovative, evidence-based insights that support employability, inclusive growth, and workforce transformation.
Call for Abstracts
Elangeni TVET College invites the submission of original research, conceptual / theoretical papers, policy analyses, and practice-based studies that contribute to advancing occupational training and future skills development. Submissions should demonstrate innovative, evidence-based insights that support employability, inclusive growth, and workforce transformation.
Conference Sub-Themes
Authors are invited to submit abstracts aligned to one of the following sub-themes:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Fourth Industrial Revolution
- The Next Generation of Occupational Skills
- Strengthening Industry–TVET Collaboration for Sustainable Employment
- Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Self-Employment
- Changing Labour Market
- Green / Blue Economy Skills
- Sustainable Occupational Pathways
- Policy, Inclusion, and Skills Development for Reducing Unemployment
- Innovative Techniques in the Determination of Anticipated Skills
- Pedagogical Methodologies Supporting Future Skills
- Policy and Practice for a Broadened TVET Purpose
- Upskilling / Reskilling the Workforce
Submission Guidelines
- Abstract length: 250–300 words
- Format: MS Word, Arial 12pt, 1.5 spacing
- Indicate one sub-theme
- Abstracts must outline the aim, background, methodology, key findings or anticipated findings, and contribution to knowledge
- Include corresponding author email
- Submit via email: PSETconference@elangeni.edu.za
Submission Process
Please submit your abstracts together with a 100-word biography of the author(s) to PSETconference@elangeni.edu.za with a subject line “Submission for 2026 PSET Research Conference”
Important Dates
- Abstract Submission Deadline: 27 March 2026
- Notification of Abstract Acceptance: 20 April 2026
- Initial Full Paper Submission: 30 June 2026
- Conference Registration Period: 25 March – 31 July 2026
Registration
Conference registration opens on 25 March 2026 and closes on 31 July 2026.
Registration Fees
DETAILS | PACKAGES | REGISTRATION FEE |
Delegates | Conference fee without accommodation | R6, 500 pp |
Conference fee with accommodation | R10,100 pp |
Banking Details
Name: 2026 PSET Research Conference
Reference: Full Initials and Surname [e.g.: JKSmith]
Bank: FNB
Account: 51381533210
Branch code:221626
Swift Code: FIRNZAJJ
Click on the link to register here https://forms.office.com/r/Z31YtvMi7i
Publications and Outcomes
Selected papers presented at the conference may be considered for publication in an edited volume or accredited journal, subject to peer review. The conference aims to contribute meaningfully to TVET research, policy development, and evidence-based practice within the PSET sector.
Contact and Enquiries
For conference-related enquiries, including submissions, registration, partnerships and donations, please contact the Elangeni TVET College Conference Secretariat at 031 492 4353 / PSETconference@elangeni.edu.za