From January 2007, the National Certificate (Vocational) will replace the NATED courses (N1 – N3). The National Certificate (Vocational) is a new and modern qualification at levels 2, 3 and 4 of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). This NC (Vocational) will be introduced at FET Colleges at NQF Level 2 in 2007, Level 3 in 2008 and Level 4 in 2009.

The National Certificate (Vocational) is the new curriculum that is being introduced to public FET colleges around the country. It gives Grade 9 learners a Vocational alternative to an academic Grade 10 – 12 by offering industry focussed training on the NQF levels 2 – 4.

These qualification are designed to provide both the theory and practice. The practical component of study may be offered in a real workplace environment or in a simulated workplace environment. It will provide students with an opportunity to experience work situations during the period of study.The qualification will also provide an opportunity to enter higher education studies subject to appropriate subject combinations.

Successful economies in the developed world have developed or are developing systems and strategies to support lifelong learning and work-force development. These strategies build on the success and redress the failures of foundation education in schools and offer flexible access to Higher Education and FET.

The support for lifelong learning requires a network of FET Colleges. The new system will need to work with different partners to deliver responsive and relevant programmes to meet the needs of individuals and the wider social and business community as a whole. The achievement of our national policy imperatives of redress and economic inclusion depends on the existence of accessible, high-quality and cost-effective learning opportunities for young people and adults.

National Certificate - Office Administration
National Certificate - Marketing
National Certificate - Finance, Economics & Accounting
National Certificate - Management
National Certificate - Building & Civil Engineering Construction
National Certificate - Engineering & Related Designs
National Certificate - Electrical Infrastructure & Construction
National Certificate - Information Technology & Computer Science
National Certificate - Primary Agriculture *
National Certificate - Hospitality
National Certificate - Tourism

* Not offered at Northlink College

The education and training offered at a public FET College is customized and responsive to the needs of learners and industry and the careers they encourage are essential for the economic upliftment of the South African economy.

An FET vocational programme will equip you for a successful and rewarding career in an industry that has great need for your practical skills, experience and knowledge and it will also provide you with access to higher education and lifelong learning. This means your earning potential can be unlimited.

As a public FET College student, you will gain integrated theoretical and practical experience, exposure to your chosen industry as well as a meaningful qualification as part of an affordable education – to which every South African has a right. This is true not only if you are just starting your career-focused education, but also if you are an adult of any age interested in additional training in the career you are following – or even interested in making a complete career change! A public FET college programme helps you to master skills to build your future.

From 2007, Public FET Colleges will offer exciting, modern and relevant programme of study in vocational programmes. These vocational programmes are the 11 high skills, high quality and high knowledge programmes to be introduced at FET Colleges. These programmes are intended to directly respond to the priority skills demands of the modern economy.

What are the minimum entry requirements to the qualification?

For entry into the National Certificate at NQF Level 2 you require:

• A Grade 9 certificate or;
• An NQF Level 1 qualification; or
• An approved bridging programme designed for the specific purpose to access NQF Level 2; or
• A Recognition of Prior Learning Assessment  (RPL) to meet the basic requirements for access to NQF Level 2

What is the duration of this Qualification?

The National Certificate qualification is a full year programme at each of the NQF levels of study. A student is issued with a certificate on successful completion of each level of study.

Which subjects make up a National Certificate?

In order to obtain a National Certificate (Vocational), a student is required to take a total of 7 subjects. These include the 3 fundamental subjects and 4 vocational subjects, of which 3 are compulsory and 1 is optional.

Are these programmes expensive?

Public further education and training college fees compare very favourably with the private sector institutions. Student loans are available for disadvantaged students from the Western Cape through the Ikapa Elihlumayo fund which is supported by the provincial government. Various banks will also consider study loans to performing and deserving students.

Bursaries are available from various institutions but especially from TECSAT which is a bursary fund solely for college students. All of the above are subject to certain conditions which are available from your local college learner support centre.

Where do I receive career guidance and student support?

Student support services are an integral part of each college and their various campuses. A career interest assessment may be conducted to help you in this regard. Student support also assists with counseling, academic development, health and social issues as well as job placement.

What practical experience will you have after completing one of the programmes?

All of the programmes have a very large percentage of practical components. These components may be done either at the college or at commerce and industry itself, thus insuring that the training is relevant and up to date.

Are these programmes flexible?

Public FET programmes offer you the opportunity of exiting at the end of a specific NQF level with the relevant certificate, enabling you to return at a later stage to complete your next level. Public FET Colleges not only offer numerous three year study programmes but also many full-time, part-time and distance learning qualifications.

What about learnerships and skills?

The Public FET college sector offers many learnerships in partnership with various SETA's, department of labour as well as commerce and industry.

Where can I stay while studying?

Many of the colleges in the Western Cape offer residences close to the campuses and local transport.