There are 50 registered Technical Vocational and Education Training (TVET) colleges in South Africa, therefore many students find it advantageous to enroll in one. These are the kinds of credentials that you can get from a TVET college.
Colleges that specialize in technical, vocational, and education training (TVET) prepare students to work effectively in a skilled trade by emphasizing vocational and occupational education and training.
The 50 registered skills training institutions spread around South Africa make attending a TVET college a viable option.
Since they provide a wide range of courses that students can enroll in and earn credentials for, TVET institutions are a component of the South African educational system and mix education, training, and skills development.
Four major categories of qualifications are offered at TVET colleges.
The National Certificate: Vocational (NCV)
The National Certificate: Vocational (NCV) is a skills-focused qualification aimed at addressing the skills demand in the country.
Do not confuse an NCV with an NSC (National Senior Certificate).
There are clear differences between a National Senior Certificate (NSC) and a National Certificate: Vocational (NCV). AN NSC gives learners more general education (Grades 1 – 12), with a stronger focus on academics.
An NCV is directed at vocational training. Students study skills in a specific field of work.
An NCV is typically a three-year course that is designed to provide both theory and practical skills to a student, and also provides students with the opportunity to experience workplace situations while studying.
National Certificate: Vocational requires students to have at least completed grade 9.
Some universities accept NCV qualifications, but it depends on the course and its requirements, as well as the admission requirements of the university.
The Report 191 Programmes
Also referred to as National Accredited Technical Education Diploma (NATED) programmes, requires students to have a matric certificate.
The programmes consist of 18 months of theoretical studies at colleges and 18 months relevant practical application in workplaces.
The theoretical part of the programme must be followed by a minimum of 18 months’ practical application of knowledge in a workplace for a student to be awarded the National N Diploma, Level 6.
This qualification develops a student’s technical and theoretical knowledge, and the workplace knowledge and skills required in their chosen occupational/vocational area.
The National Introductory Certificate (N4)
The National Introductory Certificate (N4) is a bridging course which prepares students for entry into the N4 – N6 programmes.
It is an ideal option for students who do not meet the academic requirements in order to gain direct entry into the National N4 – N6 qualification, but who wish to pursue their studies further.
The period of study for this qualification is typically a period of one year.
The qualification’s design enables learners to progressively obtain the qualification by completing the related N4, N5, and N6 courses in a particular vocational/occupational area, either separately with breaks between, or in one extended study period of a year or 18 months.
National Certificates (N4)
A National N4 Certificate is the first course in any NATED Programme.
An N4 from a TVET college means that you have achieved the basic skills in a specific industry for a NATED Programme.
After students have completed and passed the N4 National Certificate, they can apply for the N5 National Certificate.
Many students who have completed their N4 National Certificate can gain entry into the next course (which is the N5 National Certificate) and then the N6 National Certificate, which then follows with the N6 National Diploma.