1. Attend a TVET College
TVET is an abbreviation for Technical and Vocational Education and Training. TVET Colleges offer qualifications such as the National Certificate (Vocational) and Nated (Technical) National Certificate courses that are linked to artisan trades. The duration of a course is dependent on the programme you register for. It can be anything from a semester to 3 years.
Click here to find a TVET college in your area
Examples of some TVET artisan qualifications: NCV Mechanical Engineering, NCV Building and Construction, National Certificate: N1 Engineering studies, etc.
2. Attend a private college
3. Apply to be part of a Learnership
Learnerships are work-based learning programmes that eventually lead to a nationally recognised qualification.
Learnerships are open to those who have left school, students from colleges and other training institutions. Learnerships are open to the unemployed. It offers them the opportunity to gain a qualification and work experience at the same time. Individuals entering into a Learnership programme must be between the ages of 16 and 35 years old.
Examples of some Learnership employment sectors: Manufacturing & Engineering, Banking, Safety and Security, Tourism & Hospitality.
4. Become an Apprentice
An Apprenticeship is a combination of practical workplace experience together with learning theory. It’s directly related to an artisan trade occupation which leads to a national artisan trade qualification.
Once an Apprenticeship is successfully completed, and after passing your national trade test, you will then be a qualified artisan in your trade. Apprenticeships are funded by Sector Education and Training Authorities. (SETAS)
Examples of Apprenticeship training: Hairdressing, Welding, Boilermaking, Mechanics etc.
5. Apply for recognition of prior learning (RPL)
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- Have you gained skills and knowledge in a specific trade as a result of years of on the job experience?
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- Did you grow up helping your dad in his plumbing or carpentry business?
- Did you go on to becoming part of the family business?
If you can relate to the above then chances are you have gained non-formal learning experience in a specific trade. You could receive recognition for your on-the-job-learning and this can lead to a formal qualification. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the recognition of previous learning and experience. These skills will be measured and tested against the learning outcomes required for a specified qualification.
For example: If you have worked and trained under your dad as a Plumber for 5 years, you could apply to your local FET College, directly through the RPL Officer, to sit a test to find out what level of Plumbing skills you’ve reached. You might find you need further training. If not – you could sit your Plumbing Trade Test. Once qualified, you could earn a much higher salary.
TIP: Visit or contact your nearest TVET College regardiNG their RPL policies.
‘The beautiful thing about learning is nobody can take it away from you.’ – B. B. King
