29 August 2024
August is not only Women’s Month, it’s national Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) month too. With 50 Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges located across the country, technical and artisan skills in high demand, high school leavers and young people are encouraged to consider studying at a TVET college. TVETs are an alternative route to higher education, allowing individuals who do not meet university entry requirements an opportunity to pursue their educational aspirations.
Making the big decision on what to do after school can be stressful and difficult and a good place to start is knowing what your passion is. During TVET month, TVET colleges open their doors and host high school students to explore careers, allowing adequate time for potential applicants to consider opportunities of training and qualifications. 2025 applications are now open and TVET Colleges Online Application 2025 lists the online application steps, requirements and process.
Engineering plays a significant role in the country’s development and progress and what makes studying engineering at a TVET college an attractive option is the practical, hands-on experience one receives during their course of study and training. Students pursuing Nated or QCTO engineering courses are guaranteed an industry-relevant curriculum that prepares them for work-place challenges and excellence in their chosen engineering fields.
What makes TVET education even more attractive is that the DHET along with QCTO have deregistered outdated qualifications where there are no learner enrolments and re-registered 349 occupational qualifications until 30 December 2025.This fulfills the National Development Plan’s 2030 SA education vision of access to education and training of the highest quality possible, attained through significantly improved learning outcomes. And we have jumped at the opportunity of supporting this initiative with quality learning material.
As TVET quality partners, the 21 SETA’s established to promote skills development in terms of the Skills Development Act of 1998 (as amended), facilitate discretionary grants to different youth groups, in order to produce highly skilled individuals relevant to the labor market demands. The Manufacturing, Engineering and Related services SETA (merSETA) grant applications for 2024/2025 financial year are open, with application outcomes announced in two phases, at the end of September and end October.
We can safely say August is a month of breaking ceilings, focusing on access to quality education for all and on women empowerment. As women’s month comes to an end, the challenges and opportunities for female youth pursuing a career in engineering are still evident. By empowering young women with the skills, mindset, and network needed to succeed, we’re equipping future female leaders for excellence in the field that men so heavily dominate.
Africa Engineering Week (AEW) takes place at the CSIR International Convention Centre in Pretoria, on 26-28 September 2024. According to UNESCO, whether you’re an aspiring engineer, a seasoned professional in either the public or private sector, or simply curious about the wonders of engineering, the UNESCO AEW and Africa Engineering Conference is the place to be – to inspire and educate the youth and the public about the awe-inspiring world of engineering.