FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS
FAQs
Below are a list of frequently asked questions to assist you.
There are many career opportunities offered by the various Universities and TVET colleges. TVET colleges focus mainly on skills development qualifications. To find out what career path your son or daughter should follow, register with Career Smart and take the career interest assessment.
Do as much research about careers as possible. The more you know, the more informed your decision making will be. On the Career Smart website you can view all the various skilled qualifications.
There is more than one way to fund your studies. The NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme) is the largest government bursary funder for students. SETA’s also fund skills programs in their relevant sector. For example: MERSETA (mechanical SETA) fund mechanical and engineering qualifications. Do your research to find out which SETA funds and supports your preferred skills program.
It is best to apply at a college closest to where you live. If that college does not offer the qualification you would like to study, you may consider another college in another area or even province. Visit the various college website off the Career Smart website to find out more about the various TVET colleges in your province and what they offer (extra curricula activities, sports and social clubs etc.)
You can apply directly from the college website (if they have an online application process).If not, once you complete the Career Smart Interest assessment, you can apply directly to the college of your choice from the Career Smart website.
Start by visiting the Career Smart website. See what skilled course are on offer and which colleges offer it. Then register on the website and do the Career Interest assessment to help you navigate where your interest lies.
A CPP (Career Path Plan) is a informative summary of your academic qualifications and Career Interest assessment results. It also includes your personal details, the calculation of your APS (Application Points Score) and the top 3 skills qualifications you have chosen based on the outcome of your assessment. This document is very useful when applying at TVET colleges because it informs them that you have completed an assessment that helps you navigate your career path.
No you do not! Most students follow the same career path as their parents or close relatives because that is their only frame of reference where choosing a career is concerned. Today, it is best to research the various career options and do a Career Smart interest assessment to help you find out what career paths interest you most. Some students have a idea of where their interest lies, but after completing the Career Interest assessment (truthfully), it directs you in another direction best suited to your personal preference (you didn’t even know existed).
There are many funding options. Most common is the NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme) is the largest government bursary funder for students.
This is a common mistake students make. They do not take the time to really find out where their interest lies. And because the world has so many options, it is best to narrow it down but taking a Career Smart Interest Assessment so that you can have a more focused approach you’re the choice of your future studies.
A Trade Test is an artisanal practical test, set at the highest national standard for people who have completed their skills qualification and have worked in the industry for 3years or more. These people can apply to be Trade Tested. This means that they submit a portfolio of evidence to show work experience gained as well as all their up to date qualifications obtained and then apply to complete a written assessment as well as complete a practical task (usually 3hours+) to confirm their knowledge and applied practical skill in their trade. Once successfully completed, the candidate will receive a Trade Test certificate (or as we know it…a red seal certificate). This certificate indicates that you are a skilled artisan in your trade/ skills qualification. Most people who apply to work in other countries use this Trade Test certificate to apply.
TVET college – focuses of skills development and artisanal development. At college they incorporate practical skills into the curriculum as part of your studies. This means that you learn the theory, do the practical and gain work exposure at industry. This is vital when you look for work. Industry prefers to employ people with previous work experience and colleges offer just that.
Universities – More theory focused. A large part of university is taking in information and conducting research. Most of the time students spend their time in lecturers and have to complete assignments and research tasks. Very little focus is on the practical part of the qualification. This is usually done at the end of the program (Internships).
WIL is Work Integrated Learning. This is when a student is required to gain real time practical skills on the job training in industry.
NCV stands for National Certificate (Vocational). This simply means it is a 3 year National certificate in a particular vocation (e.g. Hospitality, plumbing, Finance, IT, Hairdressing, Cooking, Brick laying, Robotics, Electrical etc). NC(V) qualification is offered over a 3 year period and consists of 7 subjects and you need a passed grade 9 certificate to enter the program.
Report 191 is a post matric qualification in vocational skills. It is offered over an 18month period. Each level consists of 6months (N4, N5 and N6). You need to pass all 4 subjects on each level to progress to the next level. After all 3 levels have been successfully passed, you need to complete 18month industry experience. After both 18month theory and 18months practical has been completed, the student may apply to the DHET for their National Diploma and attend graduation.