eThekwini TVET College Occupational Skills Programmes with Work Integrated Learning and NSFAS Funding

Thekwini TVET College is a public Technical and Vocational Education and Training institution in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, offering vocational, technical, business and skills-development programmes aimed at preparing students for employment, further study and entrepreneurship.

For prospective students interested in practical career training, the College provides occupational and skills programmes, while its Skills Unit also facilitates Work Integrated Learning (WIL) opportunities. The College states that expanding occupationally directed programmes, artisan development and partnerships with industry and SETAs forms part of its strategic priorities.

It is important, however, to distinguish NSFAS from the National Skills Fund (NSF). NSFAS funding at Thekwini is primarily associated with eligible students registered for approved PLP, NC(V) and Report 191 programmes, while some occupational, skills, apprenticeship and WIL initiatives have historically been funded through the NSF and SETAs.

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Occupational and Skills Programmes at Thekwini TVET College

Thekwini TVET College offers career-oriented training through its campuses and Skills Unit. Current College information identifies occupational, trade and skills opportunities in areas including Hairdressing, Plumbing, Electrical and Bricklaying, while its historical Skills Unit information also documents apprenticeships and learnerships in electrical, plumbing and systems support.

Some of the occupational and practical training areas available or documented by the College include:

• Hairdresser Occupational Certificate
• Electrical skills and artisan training
• Plumbing skills and artisan training
• Bricklaying
• Electrical apprenticeship training
• Plumbing apprenticeship training
• Systems Support learnerships
• Hospitality-related skills training
• Work Integrated Learning in Business Studies
• Work Integrated Learning in Public Management
• Work Integrated Learning in Engineering
• Hospitality, Travel and Tourism WIL

Applicants should note that occupational and skills programmes can depend on current funding, accreditation, campus capacity and available intakes. The College's Skills Unit should therefore be consulted for the programmes currently accepting applications.

Work Integrated Learning at Thekwini TVET College

Work Integrated Learning provides students and graduates with an opportunity to apply what they have learned in an actual workplace.

Thekwini TVET College maintains a dedicated Skills Unit that publishes Work Integrated Learning opportunities. College information has previously listed WIL programmes lasting approximately 12 to 18 months, depending on the programme and qualification.

For students completing Report 191 qualifications, workplace experience can also be particularly important. For example, the College states that candidates who complete relevant N6 certificates may qualify for a National N Diploma after completing 18 months of relevant practical experience in a work environment, subject to the applicable requirements.

Examples of Funded WIL and Skills Opportunities

A useful example of how the College's Skills Unit operates comes from its National Skills Fund student induction.

The College reported that approximately 190 unemployed young people participated in an induction connected to NSF-funded programmes. These opportunities included Assistant Chef skills training, Plumbing skills training, Plumbing apprenticeships, Electrical apprenticeships, Systems Support learnerships and WIL opportunities in Business Studies, Public Management and Engineering.

This demonstrates how occupational training at Thekwini can extend beyond classroom learning to apprenticeships, learnerships and workplace-based opportunities.

Is Thekwini TVET College Funded by NSFAS?

Eligible students studying approved programmes at Thekwini TVET College can apply for NSFAS funding.

The College's student information states that NSFAS bursary eligibility applies to qualifying South African citizens who are registered or intend to register for PLP, NC(V) or Report 191 programmes at public TVET colleges, subject to NSFAS financial, academic and other eligibility requirements.

The College's Springfield Campus information similarly states that NSFAS bursaries are available to qualifying full-time students, subject to the applicable terms and conditions.

NSFAS Funding May Assist with Study Costs

Depending on current NSFAS rules and the student's eligibility, TVET funding may cover approved educational costs and applicable allowances.

Students should apply directly through NSFAS and regularly monitor their application status. Thekwini TVET College specifically reminds applicants that they need to create and maintain their myNSFAS account, check status updates and provide documents requested by NSFAS.

Important: Applicants should not assume that every occupational programme, learnership, apprenticeship or WIL placement is automatically NSFAS-funded. Some Skills Unit programmes have instead been funded by the National Skills Fund (NSF) or Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs).

NC(V) Programmes and Practical Training

Students looking for vocational programmes with a strong practical component can also consider Thekwini's National Certificate (Vocational) programmes.

The College describes NC(V) as vocationally oriented and combining theoretical education with practical, workshop or simulated workplace training. The complete qualification normally progresses through NQF Levels 2, 3 and 4.

For example, the College's Education and Development NC(V) qualification combines theory and practice, and its practical component may be undertaken in a real workplace environment.

Why Consider Occupational Programmes with WIL?

Occupational training and Work Integrated Learning can help students bridge the gap between education and employment. Instead of completing only classroom-based learning, participants may gain practical experience relevant to their chosen career.

Depending on the programme, students can benefit from hands-on technical training, workplace exposure, industry experience, development of job-ready skills and opportunities to build professional networks.

The College has also partnered with the Department of Employment and Labour to provide job-readiness workshops designed to prepare students for the workplace.

Thekwini TVET College Campuses

Thekwini TVET College operates several campuses in Durban, including Asherville, Cato Manor, Centec, Melbourne, Springfield and Umbilo. Programmes vary between campuses, so students should confirm where their chosen course is offered before applying.

Who Can Apply?

Admission requirements depend on the qualification.

For example, some NC(V) programmes are accessible to students who have completed Grade 9 or an appropriate NQF Level 1 qualification, while occupational certificates, apprenticeships, learnerships and WIL opportunities may have different academic requirements.

WIL opportunities can also require applicants to have already completed a particular qualification. The College's Skills Unit has previously advertised opportunities requiring qualifications such as N6 or a relevant diploma.

Applicants should therefore always read the requirements for the specific opportunity rather than assuming that one set of requirements applies to all programmes.

How to Apply

Prospective students should first identify whether they are applying for a mainstream NC(V)/Report 191 qualification, an occupational programme, a Skills Unit opportunity, an apprenticeship, learnership or WIL placement.

They should then check the programme's admission requirements, campus, application period and funding arrangements. Students seeking NSFAS support should also complete the separate NSFAS application process and ensure that all requested supporting documents are submitted.

The College's website currently indicates that applications for the 2027 academic year are open.

Thekwini TVET College official website

Thekwini TVET College Skills Unit and WIL opportunities

Conclusion

Thekwini TVET College provides several pathways for young people who want practical, vocational and occupational training. Its offerings include occupational certificates and skills training as well as apprenticeships, learnerships and Work Integrated Learning opportunities that can help students develop practical workplace experience.

Eligible students in approved NC(V), Report 191 and PLP programmes may receive NSFAS support, while certain occupational, apprenticeship, skills and WIL programmes may instead receive funding through the National Skills Fund or SETAs. Applicants should therefore confirm the funding arrangement attached to the specific programme before applying.