History and Highlights

History and Highlights of Northlink College:

Northlink college was established in 2002, following the merger of four colleges in the northern suburbs of the greater Cape Town Metropole, namely Wingfield Technical College (three campuses: Wingfield, Goodwood and Table Bay), Tygerberg College (Tygerberg and Parow), Protea College and Bellville Technical College. In 2005 Northlink bought Belhar College, a private institution.

The name is a combination of “north” (reflecting the geographical positioning of the institution in Cape Town) and “link” (which describes the initial linking of the former colleges). More importantly, it illustrates the critical connection between school education and the world of work.

CELEBRATING 15 YEARS OF LINKING STUDENTS WITH THEIR FUTURE

2002

Became the first public Further Education and Training (FET) College in the country offering Learnerships and Skills Training.

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

Central Office staff moved into their newly built “green compliant” central office – one of the first in the country. This office is environmentally friendly and the furniture in the boardroom has been handmade by our lecturers and students.
Launched a Customer Information System (CIS) with a fully equipped and functional call centre – the first of its kind for a College in the Western Cape in 2009. This system facilitates all the enquiries and applications electronically up to the point of registration.

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

Was awarded the PMR.africa Golden Arrow award (Professional Marketing Research survey done annually by business and organisational leaders and managers)
Performing Arts Students were chosen to perform HAIR in Die Burger Suid-Ooster Festival
Launched its very successful Northlink Bus Campaign
Won an International MACE Award for the Bus Campaign at the annual MACE Conference.
Became the first TVET College nationally to allow prospective students to apply online

2015

Was awarded the PMR.africa Silver Arrow Award (Professional Marketing Research survey done annually by business and organisational leaders and managers)
Two Students were chosen to represent South Africa at the WorldSkills International Competition in Brazil.
Launched its feeding scheme at the Parow Campus in collaboration with Peninsula School Feeding Association.
Launched its Retail course in partnership with W&R Seta and Shoprite Checkers
Launched its Shoprite Simulated Enterprise store at Parow Campus.

2016

2017

Was awarded the PMR.africa Diamond Arrow Award (Professional Marketing Research survey done annually by business and organisational leaders and managers)
Hosted its First Partnership Awards
4 Students received Gold Medals at National WorldSkills SA Competition
9 Students Selected to attend 1-year scholarship in China
4 Bicycles handed over to members of the community as part of the Northlink-SOTS (SOTS – Norwegian Technical College partner of Northlink College) Bicycle project
1 September 2017 – Northlink College celebrates its 15^th Birthday

Why the Name?

The government decided that all Colleges throughout the Cape region were to amalgamate in specific regions.

The brief was to come up with a name, logo and look for the Northern Metropole, being: Bellville, Protea, Tygerberg and Wingfield. North – Being directional seemed the obvious choice.

For geographical positioning and in your life as the only way is UP! Link – Will be with the initial linking of the four Colleges and thereafter it will only stand as the critical link between secondary education and the business world.

Why the Icon?

The courses offered by the College are both technical and academic. The icon design had to incorporate these, therefore combining both a technical design and brain teaser.

The links reinforce the name yet again, so the icon can stand alone and still be synonymous with NorthLink.

The single triangular link in an arrow pointing northwards, with the entire icon depicting a compass to emphasise moving forward, upwards, improving or having direction in life.

Why the colours?

Our clients are both parents and students. The colours chosen are bright and bold but can be used for a corporate feel aswell, by simply adding in a white clean background.

Why you should choose Northlink College

Accessible

Northlink has seven easily accessible campuses in Cape Town’s northern suburbs.

Internships

Internships are offered to students who have completed their N6 courses

Work Placement

Our work placement officer liaises with industry to find internships for students.

Accommodation

A choice of either hostel facilities or private accommodation is available to students.

Affiliation

Sport offers access to affiliation with the Western Province and other formal sport clubs.

Guidance

Excellent and supportive career guidance is available.

Counselling

We provide counselling and inclusive student support which involve relevant partners including parents, siblings or spouses.

Academic Support

We have a proven track record of outstanding academic development and support.

Equipped

Well-equipped workshop facilities make for a great learning environment.

Affordable

Students have a choice of affordable and accessible programmes.

International

Our programme offering enjoys national and international accreditation.

Flexible

We have a choice of full-time or part-time learning opportunities.

South Africa’s Technical Colleges have been reformed into a new FET (Further Education and Training) system. Bellville Technical College, Protea College, Tygerberg College and Wingfield College have merged to form a mega FET College in the Northern Suburbs of Cape Town.

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.