Ardagh and WCED partnership set to expand STEM education in Western Cape schools

Ardagh Glass Packaging-Africa (Ardagh) and the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) are partnering to strengthen Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education in schools across the province and develop the Western Cape’s critical future skills pipeline. The partnership was formally announced at Ardagh’s Bellville Warehouse today, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Ardagh, Programme for Technological Careers (PROTEC) and the WCED, which will be supported by Edu Invest and Wesgro.

Building on similar initiatives already underway in other parts of South Africa, Ardagh for Education will be implemented by PROTEC, a non-profit organisation with over 40 years of experience in STEM education. The initial rollout will target approximately 40 primary and secondary schools in Bellville, with the potential to expand to an additional 19 schools.

The initiative forms part of Ardagh's broader commitment to investing in STEM education in communities surrounding its manufacturing operations. By strengthening Mathematics and Science teaching from earlier grades, the initiative aims to build learners' confidence and interest in these subjects, encouraging greater STEM participation and opening pathways to further study and careers in important technical fields.

Supporting teachers and practical STEM learning

A key focus of the programme is teacher development, with Mathematics and Science educators from Grades 4 to 12 receiving 90 hours of training workshops and 36 hours of in-school support over two years. Additional support will be provided through online resources and Professional Learning Communities.

Plans also include establishing a PROTEC/Ardagh science resource centre in the form of mobile science labs which will visit participating schools to facilitate classroom demonstrations and experiments.

The programme will further introduce coding and robotics through teacher training and the establishment of school-based clubs, giving learners greater exposure to practical technology skills. The programme also connects classroom learning to the world of work, giving learners exposure to career pathways in STEM, including manufacturing, through work placements and apprenticeships and provides life skills for future career development.

Ardagh Glass Packaging-Africa Chief Executive Officer, Paul Curnow said, “We recognise the critical role education, and access to education, plays in ensuring equal opportunities and in building successful, vibrant communities. Equipping people with both technical and essential skills from the very start of their education journey will enhance our communities at all levels, from providing creative perspectives to in-demand skills. We are nurturing future scientists, engineers, and innovators through world-class STEM learning experiences and empowering young people to succeed in a complex, global society.”

Western Cape MEC for Education Jaco Londt welcomed the partnership, highlighting the importance of improving teaching and learning in these critical subjects.

“I am deeply passionate about increasing the Maths and Science footprint in schools across the province and improving learning outcomes in these subjects. These are subjects that give our learners the skills and ability to innovate, solve problems, and dream big. I hope this programme sparks curiosity and passion in learners and helps to unlock their boundless potential.”

Wesgro CEO Wrenelle Stander said the partnership demonstrates the value of private-sector investment in education and its contribution to the province's future skills needs.

“Through Edu Invest, we are committed to connecting businesses with opportunities to make a meaningful contribution to education in the Western Cape. Investments of this nature are critical to strengthening the province's future talent pipeline, equipping young people with the skills they need to transition from learning to earning,” said Stander.

Through the partnership, Ardagh and PROTEC will work with the WCED to apply existing programmatic knowledge and lessons learned from Ardagh for Education to further strengthen STEM education across participating schools, building interest, knowledge, skills and confidence in STEM subjects so that they can shape meaningful career paths in related fields.