Department Of Higher Education And Training Colleges, TVET is an abbreviation for Technical and Vocational Education and Training.
The focus of this website is on public Technical and Vocational Education and Training that is offered at colleges.Technical and Vocational Education and Training courses are vocational or occupational by nature meaning that the student receives education and training with a view towards a specific range of jobs, employment or entrepreneurial possibilities. Under certain conditions, some students may qualify for admission to a University of Technology to continue their studies at a higher level in the same field of study as they were studying at the TVET College.
In this website many of the aspects mentioned here and in the TVET Overview will be further explained and contact details provided where appropriate.
TVET Overview
Where Technical and Vocational Education and Training fits in the education system
The South African education system is administered by the Department of Basic Education and the Department of Higher Education and Training. The Department of Basic Education (abbreviated DBE), administers school education from Grade R to Grade 12. The Department of Higher Education and Training (abbreviated DHET) administers Post-School Education and Training.
Post-School Education and Training includes Universities and Private Higher Education Institutions, TVET Colleges and Private Colleges, newly established Community Education and Training (abbreviated CET) Colleges, Sector Education and Training Authorities, regulatory bodies such as the South African Qualifications Authority and Quality Councils.
Technical and Vocational Education and Training (abbreviated TVET) comprises vocational, occupational and Artisan education and training as offered by TVET Colleges.
Adult Education and Training (abbreviated AET) is another category of education and training that is offered at both Basic and TVET levels but it is not usually occupational or vocational by nature. This form of education and training that is usually offered part time at Community Learning Centres (formerly known as Adult Learning Centres) is aimed at persons wishing to achieve a national senior certificate. Community Learning Centres are the campuses of Community Education and Training Colleges. Other programmes offered by Community Education and Training Colleges through the Community Learning Centres include, Civic and Voter Education, Small Micro and Medium Enterprise Development and Co-operatives Development, among others.
TVET as post-school education and training
This band of education and training is also referred to as ‘post-school’, meaning that it refers to education and training that takes place after leaving school, even if only with a Grade 9 completed. The only age restriction for a person wishing to study at the TVET level is that the person should be 16 years or older. The target student group is therefore responsible senior adolescents and adults who are serious about following an education and training programme with a view to acquiring marketable skills.
TVET Colleges cater for the widest range of education and training opportunities at post-school level
The range of courses on offer at public TVET Colleges is very diverse. Some colleges may offer up to 300 different courses. The length of the course and the admission criteria will differ depending on the nature of the course.