National Certificate (Vocational) Curriculum

Starting from 2007, the public FET colleges have been offering a new three-year Further Education and Training curriculum, which culminates in the awarding of the National Certificate (Vocational) [NC(V)] to learners. This qualification is opening two doors to successful learners. Since their education will have had a deliberate vocational slant, the students completing the NC(V) Level 4 qualification are able to enter the job market. The first cohort of NC(V) graduates came out at the end of 2009 and was received well by the economy.

Access to Higher Education

The Level 4 NC(V) graduates are also able to proceed to Higher Education and pursue some post-NQF Level 4 education at universities or universities of technology, depending on their results in Level 4. If they choose this route, they do so on a very strong technical foundation, which they have obtained from their three years at the College. The entry requirements for Higher Education for students who have completed NC(V) Level 4 qualifications can be obtained from the college's Student Support and Marketing offices.

The important thing is that if one wants to follow a vocational direction, either in Engineering Studies, Business Studies, or Utilities Studies, one does not need to stay at school until one has passed Grade 12, since colleges are offering a three-year vocational qualification. To enroll for this qualification, one only needs to have passed the minimum of Grade 10, but the qualification is more suitable for learners with a higher school grade, e.g. Grade 11 or even Grade 12!

Preparation for the world of work

The qualification will give learners vocational training culminating in an NQF Level 4 qualification, which will open doors to the world of work for them. Learners are not able to enter this National Certificate (Vocational) at Level 3 or Level 4, even if they have passed Grade 11 or 12 at school. They have to start this qualification at Level 2, and continue with it for three years, until they complete the NQF Level 4 NC(V) qualification, which is where they will be awarded the NC(V) certificate.

NC(V) Bursaries

The Department of Education has also made millions of rands available for bursaries. Any NC(V) learner may apply for a bursary, subject to a means test. The means test determines if a learner is needy and therefore qualifies for assistance in the form of a bursary. The bursary does not only consider economic need, it also factors in the learner's scholastic academic capability. So, good performance (results), after enrolment, guarantees continuation of the bursary until completion. Lately, the bursaries are also available to students registered for N-courses (NATED / Report 191 courses).

Return of nated Courses

The drastic skills shortage in the economy has resulted in the Department allowing colleges to continue enrolling students in the N-courses (Report 191 / NATED courses) in Engineering, from N1-N6 and N4 to N6 in Business Studies and Utilities Studies. This arrangement is not intended to dissuade students from NC(V) to N-courses, even though the N-courses, appear shorter than the NC(V) on the surface. Prospective students must note that whereas NC(V) is a complete qualification incorporating practical learning, the N-courses require a student to still do practical / experiential learning in a workplace after completing N6 to be awarded a full qualification in the form of a diploma.

The Departmental bursaries also cover N-courses for needy and academically capable students. It is a condition of the bursary that recipients commit to their studies and attend their lectures and classes regularly.

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