This band of education and training takes place after leaving school, even if only with a Grade 9 completed. The only age restriction for a person wishing to study at the TVET level is that the person should be 16 years or older.
There are two main streams for Grade 9 school-leavers:
- NC(V): National Certificate (Vocational) L2, L3, L4
- Nated: Engineering studies N1-N3
The NC(V) is a three-year programme that takes you from NQF level 2 to 4. You get a certificate upon completing each level and receive your NC(V) after completing level 4 (this is the equivalent of a matric certificate).
The NC(V) can be used to apply to a university if you meet the admission requirements. It combines theory and practice and is made up of seven subjects:
- 3 foundation subjects (maths literacy, a language and life orientation)
- 4 vocational subjects that are determined by your field of study.
For example, tourism students take subjects such as tourism operations, science of tourism, sustainable tourism and client services and human relations.
The range of courses on offer at public TVET Colleges is very diverse. Some colleges may offer up to 300 different courses. The length of the course and the admission criteria will differ depending on the nature of the course.
Courses range from office administration, tourism, and hospitality to primary agriculture, primary health, transport and logistics, information technology, computer science, and engineering, among a host of others.
Private TVET Colleges
There are many excellent private TVET Colleges, but from time to time, persons with fraudulent intentions may attempt to operate a private College illegally. The onus is on the public to ensure that the college is legitimate and above board. It is therefore advisable, if in any doubt, to check the credentials of a private College before registering or paying any fees.
You can verify colleges on the DHET Helpline: 0800 782 2222
