As school students reach the climax of the 2021 academic year, many of them will want to further their studies.This in a hope of gaining valuable knowledge and skills to be considered employable in the South African workforce.
You may have heard of FET colleges. They are a viable option for students who choose not to attend a traditional university. However, they are no longer called FET colleges. They are now known as Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Colleges.
TVET or FET colleges offer skills training and career orientated courses to students from grade 10 to grade 12. They offer a number of diverse courses in various job streams like business, arts, construction, logistics, supply chain management, manufacturing, and technology.
Many of the courses offered at these colleges provide students with practical skills which they can use to either get a job or open their own business. The training providers employed by FET or TVET colleges also give students an opportunity to impress and network with future employers.
Earlier this year Minister of Higher Education Blade Nzimande announced that the funding for TVET colleges will be increased. This is good news for students as it means that the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) will fund more students attending TVET colleges. This will help lessen the financial burden of higher education on students.
There are more than 50 registered TVET colleges in South Africa, with some colleges offering up to 300 different courses. Upon completing certain courses at a TVET college, you may be eligible to continue your studies on a higher level at a university. Remember to do your research and pick a course that is right for you.
You can visit the national TVET website @ https://www.tvetcolleges.co.za/ for more information
