TG2K | TVET

TVET is an abbreviation for Technical and Vocational Education and Training.

The focus of this website is on public Technical and Vocational Education and Training that is offered at colleges.

Technical and Vocational Education and Training courses are vocational or occupational by nature meaning that the student receives education and training with a view towards a specific range of jobs, employment or entrepreneurial possibilities. Under certain conditions, some students may qualify for admission to a University of Technology to continue their studies at a higher level in the same field of study as they were studying at the TVET College.

In this website, many of the aspects mentioned here and in the TVET Overview will be further explained and contact details provided where appropriate.

TVET Overview

Where Technical and Vocational Education and Training fits in the education system.

The South African education system is administered by the Department of Basic Education and the Department of Higher Education and Training. The Department of Basic Education (abbreviated DBE), administers school education from Grade R to Grade 12. The Department of Higher Education and Training (abbreviated DHET) administers Post-School Education and Training.

Post-School Education and Training includes Universities and Private Higher Education Institutions, TVET Colleges and Private Colleges, newly established Community Education and Training (abbreviated CET) Colleges, Sector Education and Training Authorities, regulatory bodies such as the South African Qualifications Authority and Quality Councils.

Technical and Vocational Education and Training (abbreviated TVET) comprises vocational, occupational and Artisan education and training as offered by TVET Colleges.

TVET as post-school education and training

This band of education and training is also referred to as ‘post-school’, meaning that it refers to education and training that 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. The target student group is therefore responsible senior adolescents and adults who are serious about following an education and training programme with a view to acquiring marketable skills.

TVET Colleges cater for the widest range of education and training opportunities at post-school level

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.

Adult Education and Training (abbreviated AET) is another category of education and training that is offered at both Basic and TVET levels but it is not usually occupational or vocational by nature. This form of education and training that is usually offered part time at Community Learning Centres (formerly known as Adult Learning Centres) is aimed at persons wishing to achieve a national senior certificate. Community Learning Centres are the campuses of Community Education and Training Colleges. Other programmes offered by Community Education and Training Colleges through the Community Learning Centres include, Civic and Voter Education, Small Micro and Medium Enterprise Development and Co-operatives Development, among others.

Public TVET Colleges

There are fifty registered and accredited public TVET Colleges in South Africa which operate on around 364 campuses spread across the rural and urban areas of the country. Public TVET Colleges are established and operated under the authority of the Continuing Education and Training Act 16 of 2006 and resort under the Department of Higher Education and Training. Public TVET Colleges are subsidised by the state with approximately R8 billion per year. Each region has a DHET regional office that provides specialised professional support to the public TVET Colleges in provinces. DHET Regional Offices should not be confused with District Offices in provinces. District Offices oversee school education for the Department of Basic Education.

57%

Number of students in TVET Colleges

There are considerably more than 700 000 students in public TVET Colleges. The 2019/2020 target is that there should be 1 238 000 students in TVET Colleges. This means that TVET Colleges are in a rapid growth and development phase.

Quality

Courses offered at public TVET Colleges are externally and independently quality assured by the Quality Assurer under whom the particular education and training programme or course resorts. In addition, a number of public TVET Colleges are also SABS ISO 9001:2008 certified.

Examinations, Assessment and Certification

Examination, Assessment and Certification for core programmes is co-ordinated by the Department of Higher Education and Training. Other programmes/courses will have examination, assessment and certification subject to the various independent quality assurers under whom the specific learning programme/course resorts.

Student Support Services

Professional student support services are available at most public TVET Colleges. New students may be required to complete a competency assessment on enrolment. This will assist the college to determine the most suitable learning and support programmes for the prospective student. Generally, the student support is focused on both academic and the broader social/psychological needs of students.

Modes of Delivery

Various modes of delivery exist at the colleges, depending on the nature of the course. Some colleges also offer blended learning (e-learning) facilities for some course content. A number of the larger campuses have Open Learning Centres and Internet Cafes. Further information can be given by the college on this aspect when applying or enrolling for course admission.

Linkages and Partnerships

In an effort to ensure that courses are responsive to the needs of commerce and industry, public colleges go to great lengths to secure linkages and partnerships with key role-players in commerce and industry and with the Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETA’s). A number of colleges have a management division devoted to this aspect.

International Exchange

In an increasingly globalised labour market, a number of public TVET Colleges have international partnerships with similar institutions in various parts of the world. This ensures that education and training is internationally benchmarked with best practice in diverse international settings.

Bursaries

The Department of Higher Education and Training offers bursaries which are available for National Certificate Vocational courses and Report 191 (NATED or ‘N’) courses at public TVET Colleges to students who meet the criteria. These bursaries are not loans. The bursaries are administered by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). Other bursaries are also available, which will vary from college to college. Prospective students should enquire at the college at which they plan to enroll as to what bursaries are available for the course that they would like to study. During 2015 approximately 307419 students at TVET Colleges benefited from DHET bursaries administered by NSFAS.

Department of Higher Education and Training, TVET College bursaries that are administered by the NSFAS, are readily available but are subject to two important criteria. Namely, the prospective student will be required to undergo a ‘means test’ that will indicate that the student really does need financial assistance and secondly, that the student has a good academic performance record. Prospective students who believe that they may meet these criteria should contact their nearest public TVET College. The college will provide the application forms and oversee the application process.

Job Shadowing and Practical Workplace Exposure

Public TVET colleges try as far as possible to facilitate job shadowing and practical workplace opportunities for top-performing students. Many campuses also operate simulated enterprises to augment the need for practical exposure related to the course of study.

Studying at a Private College?

Cautionary: There are many excellent private 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.

Contact

You may telephone the DHET Helpline to verify a college on 0800 872 2222

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TVET is an abbreviation for Technical and Vocational Education and Training.