GEORGE NEWS - The year is past the halfway mark and many grade 12s are planning their matric dance outfits and thinking about their future. The biggest question in many households will now be where their child will study in 2019 and whether the parents will be able to afford these studies.

The good news is that South Cape TVET College has bursary opportunities for learners through the DHET administered fund, NSFAS. Learners who are from households of a combined income of up to R350 000 may qualify for full tuition and campuses will advise them on how they may qualify for allowances.

Due to financial constraints, many students could not continue with their desired career path at the beginning of 2018. This does not have to be the reality for the class of 2018, nor anyone who has previously not been able to study. South Cape TVET College offers an affordable alternative to the many students in our area who are still at home and not enrolled at any other institutions.

Courses
South Cape TVET College offers N4 - N6 courses which lead to a national diploma after concluding 18 months of practical experience. Students can enrol for the second semester in July, or those still in matric can apply for the 2019 intake.

There are also N1 - N3 technical courses available at the Mossel Bay Campus. These courses are specifically aimed at students who would like to venture into the artisan route. Artisan development is one of the main focuses of the Department of Higher Education as they are in the midst of the Decade of the Artisan. Dependent on available funds, the college will take the student through their CBMT (Curriculum Based Modular Training). Afterwards, the student will be placed in workplace training for 18 months. Once this has been completed, students can then do their trade test.

Career specific
In addition to the N1 - N6 programmes mentioned above, South Cape TVET College offers learners who have passed Grade 9 an opportunity to study towards a National Certificate Vocational (NC(V)) qualification, a career-specific vocation. If you want to develop the practical skills relevant to a particular job, this is something to consider. With an NC(V) qualification, many opportunities in terms of jobs, further studies at the N4 level and university entry are available.

An NC(V) level 4 can be really helpful when applying for apprenticeships and entry-level technician jobs. Many established universities such as Nelson Mandela University encourage NC(V) learners to study further in their chosen field of study.

To apply, students must hand in an application form accompanied by a copy of their ID, matric certificate and a proof of residence with their name. There are limited spaces for students and therefore any interested students must apply as soon as possible.

South Cape TVET College encourages all students to visit their nearest campus to learn what courses are available to them. Also enquire about the financial aid opportunities available to you.

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