TVET colleges offer practical training

The future of young adults has become a hot topic as Grade 12s get ready to tackle prelims before embarking on their National Senior Certificate (NSC) final examinations in October.

Many are unsure of what they will study next year and whether their parents will be able to afford their tertiary education, or if they will be lucky enough to secure a bursary for 2018.

Technical and Vocational Education and

Training (TVET) colleges, which resort under the Department of Higher Education, offer an affordable alternative to students who are not enrolled at other institutions. The South Cape TVET college offers N4 - N6 courses that will enable students to obtain a national diploma after concluding 18 months' practical training. For students who would like to venture down the artisan route, the South Cape College, Mossel Bay campus also offers N1 - N3 technical courses. These form part of the Department of Higher Education's artisan development initiative called the 'Decade of the Artisan'.

Dependent on available funding, the college will take the student through their curriculum-based modular training, after which he or she will be placed at a workplace for 18 months of practical training. A student can only be trade tested once the practical training is completed. To ensure the broader communities within the Garden Route and Little Karoo region are aware of the various courses offered at TVET college campuses, communication officers are conducting outreach programmes throughout the year. Speaking to a student is only the beginning. It is of the utmost importance that each student's parents are also reached, as they are the decision makers of families and without the buy-in of the parent or guardian it is very difficult for students to set off on their career paths.

Students are encouraged to visit their nearest TVET campus to learn which courses are available to them. More information is available on the website www.sccollege.co.za. Also enquire about the financial aid opportunities available. Rather than sitting at home, go make something happen.

A student can only be trade tested once the practical training is completed.