The career path you decide to pursue will largely determine where you should study.
TVET colleges were established to produce the skills required by the economy. TVET colleges are an alternative study path that can be very beneficial to the right student. You may feel compelled to study at a university but will a university degree help to launch your career?
Find out more about these institutions before you make your decision.
TVET College
TVET is an abbreviation for Technical and Vocational Education and Training.
TVET colleges are excellent places to learn and develop technical skills like plumbing, cooking, drawing and more.
Learning skills such as these will equip you to work as a tradesman or woman.
TVET colleges have the facilities and equipment needed to train prospective tradespeople. They also specialise in delivering practical training courses that incorporate “on-the-job training”.
This is important for students who are looking to gain 'real life skills” in their chosen trade or industry.
Lecturers are often former or practising tradespeople who can offer insight into the latest processes and tools used in the field. Students are tested on their theory as well as the practical demonstration of their skill.
Studying at a TVET college will allow you to earn a certificate and become a qualified professional.
If you want the opportunity to learn technical skills, gain work experience and train under field experts a TVET College is the right place for you.
University
A university course is useful to those who want to pursue a more academic or theory- based profession.
For example doctors, lawyers and accountants are known to start their careers with a university degree.
University programmes are geared towards the transfer of knowledge rather than skills.
Lecturers are generally academic experts and often hold PhDs or Masters degrees in their respective fields.
Courses are theory heavy and students are tested and promoted based on what they know and how they can apply complex data.
It can take students anywhere between three and seven years to complete a university degree, depending on their chosen career path.
University is ideal for students who wish to earn a recognized degree, and obtain the knowledge required to enter their profession.
By Cindy Payle - Portal Publishing
