Dr. Ronel Blom
Dr Ronel Blom cut her research teeth in the early days of the development of the South African National Qualifications Framework (NQF) by undertaking the research for the development of new education and training policies at the South African Qualification Authority (SAQA). During this time, she also completed her Masters and Doctoral degrees – both in the field of Education Policy.
Throughout her career she has remained involved in the development and critique of education and training policy. This is evidenced through her many policy-related publications, for example:
• Blom, R; Keevy, J; Green, W; Matey, M; Magnus, G and Sethuso, S. (2022). Positioning TVET Lecturer Identities at the Centre of TVET Lecturer Education and Training in a Post-Covid 19 context in Technical and Vocational Teacher Education and Training in International and Development Co-operation. Springer.
• Blom, R. (2022). Politics or Pedagogy: The Emergence of Workplace-Based Learning in South Africa. Global perspectives on Work based learning, IGI Global.
• Blom, R. (2019). National Policy Framework Development for Workplace-Based Learning in South Africa, International Handbook of Vocational Education and Training for the Changing World of Work, Springer.
• Blom, R. and Stoltz-Urban, C. (2019). The Role of Community Education and Training Colleges in Increasing Employability (W&R SETA);
• Bolton, H., Matsau, L. and Blom, R. (2021). Flexible Learning Pathways in Higher Education – Country Case Study (UNESCO).
Her love for teaching has kept her connected to the real issues experienced in classrooms across the country and across all levels. Thus, in 2020 she joined REGENT Business School, first as Academic Dean and more recently as the Dean of Research. As the Dean of Research, she is developing and establishing a niche research area for REGENT, concentrating on Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
She also decided to pursue another PhD focused on ‘Universities for the future: the emergence of private universities in South Africa’.