TVET Colleges: What is the Qualification Quality?

by FundiConnect Editorial Team | 6 September 2019

TVET is an abbreviation for Technical Vocational Education and Training. The types of courses offered at TVET colleges are vocational or occupational by nature.

This means that the student receives education and training with a view towards a specific range of jobs, employment or entrepreneurial possibilities.

What is a TVET College?

University is great for academic, theory-based education for those wanting to be doctors, lawyers or accountants or any field geared towards knowledge rather than skills. Courses are theory heavy and are tested on how well you know and apply this. At a TVET college, you develop technical skills and specialise in practical courses and incorporate on-the-job training. You’re tested on both theory and practical. If you want to learn technical skills and train under field experts then a TVET is for you.

TVET: the Qualifications

Agriculture
Arts and culture
Business
Commerce and management
Education
Training and development
Manufacturing and technology
Service
Building construction and security

Studying these at a TVET will provide you with education, practical training and skills development. Most TVET colleges have a highest qualification of NQF Level 5, but some offer NQF Level 6. Studying at a TVET ensures you have the practical skills for your work field.

You develop technical skills and specialise in practical courses and incorporate on-the-job training. You’re tested on both theory and practical. If you want to learn technical skills and train under field experts then a TVET is for you.

On the flip side, studying at a university provides more theoretical, academically focused learning and you will focus more on the academic research within your field of study. Universities offer qualifications from NQF level 6-10. With a TVET qualification, you can start working sooner than if you’d gone to university and if you wish to study further at a university, you can.

Level up: NQF Levels

Level 1 – General Certificate Grade 9

Level 2 – Elementary Certificate

Level 3 – Intermediate Certificate

Level 4 – National Senior Certificate Grade 12

Level 5 – Higher certificate

Level 6 – Advanced certificate diploma

Level 7 – Advanced diploma Bachelor’s Degree (360 credits)

Level 8 – Bachelor’s Degree (480 credits), Bachelor Honours Degree, Post-Graduate diploma

Level 9 – Master’s Degree

Level 10 – Doctorate (PhD)

Because studying at a TVET enables practical training, applying for a learnership, apprenticeship or internship is a great option to gain some work experience after or even during your studies. Research shows that companies want people who have already had exposure to what they’ll be doing. Bonus! Look here for funding opportunities.

Be sure to check out these 2021 institution application dates!

EduConnect 2Cents

Don’t let anyone tell you that TVET colleges are a dead-end street. TVET colleges are a great option for the hands-on among us and with practical experience under your belt, you may just be running ahead of those with university degrees anyway.

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FundiConnect Editorial Team

The FundiConnect Editorial Team researches, writes, and maintains comprehensive guides on South African higher education, bursaries, NSFAS funding, and career development. Our content is verified against official institutional sources, DHET publications, and direct admissions office communications to ensure accuracy for students navigating their post-school journey.