The higher education space can be hard to navigate. So TG2K had a Q&A with one of the students at Johannesburg Central College Lebogang Mabina. He explains everything about his studies in civil engineering and how you can qualify to for the course at a TVET College:

Give us a summary of what civil engineering entails

At a TVET level a Civil/Building Engineering qualification covers levels N1-N6 and is designed to provide the theory of Civil/Building Engineering and an optional practical component. Basically, you can attain a National Certificate or Diploma once you have worked 24 months. They call it a Work Readiness Programme (2,000 working hours) in your field of study. 

The qualification consists of one compulsory part (N1-N6 theory) and two optional practical parts – beginners’ level (N1-N3) and advanced (N4-N6). 

What is the difference between theory and the practical?

Theory is N1-N6, which is compulsory. Bana ba sgela are required to complete all their N1-N6 theory subjects to attain their national certificate and diploma. 

Then there is the practical which is choose maskhethele for Level 1 Practicals. You can complete a beginners’ level, one week programme of optional practical hours within your field of study. 

It is done just after N1 or before N3 and you will be given a certificate and logbook of the components that you have completed.

Part 3 is Level 2 Practicals (Optional Extra). You can complete an advanced level, one week programme of optional practical hours within your field of study. 

This is done just after N4 or before N6 and you will be given a certificate and logbook of the components that you have completed.  Part 2 to be completed first.