With its rich cultural heritage, South Africa is a country comprising all types of vocational courses that cater to the needs of student who wants to get practical skills and enter the workforce quickly. Vocational courses are those courses which are designed to fundamentally equip the student with the right skills and knowledge for various particular trades or occupations.
These courses have become so popular in South Africa because such training gave students practical skills that most employers are seeking.
These courses are done in a way that equips students with the required skills to start working immediately, making them so attractive to students who would want to enter their careers in the quickest way possible.
In this article, we look at the importance of vocational courses in South Africa, what a vocational qualification entails, and the best-paid vocational courses within the country.
Table of contents
- Why are Vocational courses important in South Africa?
- What is a vocational qualification in South Africa?
- How long does vocational course study take in South Africa?
- What is the most in-demand vocational course in South Africa?
- What is the minimum requirement to do a vocational course in South Africa?
- Top 15 Vocational Courses in South Africa and their Fees
- Short-Term Vocational Courses in South Africa
- Are there free vocational courses in South Africa?
- Where to study vocational courses in South Africa
- FAQs
- Conclusion
- References
Why are Vocational courses important in South Africa?
Vocational courses are of utmost importance in South Africa; these will address the shortage of skills within the country, adding an advantage to students within the labor market.
It will impart them with the relevant set of skills and knowledge which will bridge the gap between the education system and labor market, thereby reducing unemployment.
These courses are also vital in realizing economic growth and development in South Africa because they provide the skilled manpower that is needed in the country’s economy.
What is a vocational qualification in South Africa?
A South African Vocational Qualification is a country’s formal recognition of the student’s competence or knowledge in a specific trade or occupation. Qualifications are mostly offered by TVET colleges, universities, and private training providers and are registered on the National Qualifications Framework-NQF.
Vocational qualifications begin from National Certificates NC to National Diplomas ND and are recognized by employers and industries across the country.
What is the highest-paid vocational course in South Africa?
These courses are ranked among the best-paid courses in South Africa; it would, however, be guided by a number of factors like industry, location, and experience level. However, included in the list of highest-paid vocational courses in South Africa are:
- Electrical Engineering: Electrical engineers are in great demand in South Africa, and salary can be as high as R600,000 annually.
- Automotive Engineering: These engineers are in demand in the automobile sector of the country, and their salary scales go up to R550 000 per annum.
- Civil Engineering: These civil engineers, when it comes to the building of infrastructures in this country, are on the forefront, and hence they earn a high income, as high as R500 000 per annum.
- Welding: These professionals are always in demand due to the requirement for welders in manufacturing as well as construction industries, which keeps them in business and they can make revenues as high as R450,000 per annum.
- Carpentry: They are highly skilled workers whose salaries start from R400,000 yearly, especially in the construction industry in South Africa.
How long does vocational course study take in South Africa?
The time a vocational course takes depends on the institution and whether the course is undertaken. It may take between a couple of months to two years.
Technical courses take varying durations depending on the institution offering, for example, a certificate course in welding takes six months whereas a diploma course in electrical engineering takes two years.
Other institutions offer short courses, taking a few weeks or months, depending on course content.
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What is the most in-demand vocational course in South Africa?
One of the most sought-after vocational courses in South Africa has to be electrical engineering. It has been informed by the increased demand in electricians who can help about skilled labour on infrastructural development projects such as power plants and transmission lines.
Other courses in demand within the industry include plumbing, carpentry, and automotive. Such classes are highly sought after by employers in the construction and manufacturing industries.
What is the minimum requirement to do a vocational course in South Africa?
Minimum admission requirements to pursue a vocational course in South Africa are not regulated but differ from one institution to another; some of them require at least a Grade 9 Certificate.
While other institutions may have further requirements in terms of subject combination, such as mathematics and science for specific courses. Added to these, a few courses may require the applicant to have attained physical fitness or taken certain aptitude tests.
Top 15 Vocational Courses in South Africa and their Fees
There are several vocational courses that one can take in South Africa; all of them promise a line of success in life. The best vocational courses in South Africa wholly depend on your interest and the industry you want to enter into.
Vocational training is an affordable way to obtain hands-on experience for career advancement. The prudent tuition fees range between R 8,000 and R 50,000 per year.
Let’s see the Top 15 Vocational Courses in South Africa with their current fees.
1. Electrical Engineering
Electrical Engineering is one of the best vocational courses in South Africa. The course offers skills in designing, installing, and maintenance of electrical systems, hence highly sought after in the construction, manufacturing, and energy sectors. With the augmenting demand for renewable sources of energy, electrical engineers are in great demand, hence one of the best vocational courses in South Africa.
Fees: R12 000 – R30 000 per annum
2. Plumbing
Another of the in-demand vocational courses in South Africa is plumbing. Plumbers install and maintain pipes, fixtures, and appliances; thus, plumbers are in demand in the construction or building of the building. This course is opted for by many people since plumbers are highly demanded in South African regions.This is due to the increasingly growth of the construction industry.
Fees: R10,000 – R25,000 per annum
3. Carpentry
The course is also among the most popular among vocational courses in South Africa for individuals who love handwork above everything else. Carpentry is a vocational course that involves the construction, installation, and repair of structures and fixtures made of wood, wood substitutes, and other materials.
The building trade has carpenters in high demand, and due to the increased emphasis on sustainable building, their skills are highly valued.
Fees: R8 000 – R20 000 per annum
4. Welding
The course involves joining metal parts using heat and pressure, and is vocational in nature. Since most industries need welders, including the construction, manufacturing, and mining industries, it is considered among the best vocational courses in South Africa. This has emerged to become one of the highly sought-after careers since the sector at manufactured factor has been at its boom.
Fees: R15,000 – R35,000 per annum
5. Motor Mechanics
Motor Mechanics is a vocational course concerned with diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining vehicles. Because of the increase in the number of cars on the road, motor mechanics are sought after; hence, it is a lucrative career path. Motor mechanics can work in dealerships, repair shops, or even start their own businesses; hence, they offer fields for work.
The course is highly in demand because the automobile industry is among the booming industries in the country.
Fees: R18 000 – R40 000 per annum
6. Boilermaking
The Boilermaking course is a technical course in the fabrication and installation of large containers, including boilers and tanks employed in mining industries, amongst others. Boilermaking is a practical subject dealing with installing, maintaining, and repairing boilers and other vessels that hold pressure.
A boilermaker holds an important position in many industries, such as power generation, oil, and gas, and manufacturing, hence a highly rated vocational course in South Africa.
Fees: R20,000 – R45,000
7. Beauty Therapy
Beauty Therapy deals with the provision of beauty treatments relating to skin care, hair care, and makeup. A beauty therapist can operate either in a salon, a spa, or open up his or her own practice.
In other words, there are various openings available for them as far as availing jobs are concerned. A beauty therapist is very much in demand due to an increased focus on self-care and wellness, hence this is considered a promising career prospect.
Fees: R10,000 – R30,000 per annum
8. Hairdressing
Hairdressing is a vocational course that has to do with styling, cutting, and coloring of hair. Hairdressers are employed in salons or can open up their own businesses or even work freelance, hence giving them multiple fields in which to apply their skills.
Since there is great demand for haircare services, hairdressers are in demand. Hence, making the career lucrative. This is a good choice for students who love fashion and beauty.
Fees: R8,000 – R25,000 per annum
9. Hospitality Management
Hospitality Management course trains students in vocational manners concerning the running of hotels, restaurants, and other places where people are offered accommodation.
The managers ensure that customers receive a warm welcome, therefore becoming very important in the tourist industry. Because of the fast-growing industry of tourism, there is an increased need for hospitality managers; hence, the job becomes very prospective.
This is among the best vocational courses in South Africa, as for now, the country boasts a booming tourism industry.
Fees: R15,000 – R35,000 per annum
10. Culinary Arts
The Culinary Arts course is also vocational, and it involves the preparation and presentation of food. Chefs may practice in restaurants or hotels or as entrepreneurs, opening their own establishments. Chefs are in high demand as more people have become engaged in gourmet cuisine, making it a very lucrative profession.
Fees: R20,000 – R50,000 per annum
11. Tourism Management
The vocational course Tourism Management includes the management of tourist attractions, travel agencies, and tour operations. Tourism managers ensure that tourists have a positive experience; therefore, they are indispensable in the tourism business.
As a result of growth in the tourism industry, there is a high demand for tourism managers, hence a promising career. This course is greatly lucrative since South Africa stands to be a valid destination to tourists from every corner of the world.
Fees: R12,000 – R30,000 per annum
12. Fashion Design
Fashion Design is a vocational course concerned with the design, creation, and production of clothing and textiles. In fact, fashion designers can work in fashion houses, start their own businesses, or work as freelancers. Since this is an artistic course, this is among the best vocational courses in South Africa for those who are creative enough to enter the fashion world.
With the fast-growing demand for fast fashion, there is more demand for fashion designers, thus making it one of the best-paid careers.
Fees: R15,000 – R40,000 per annum
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13. Information Technology (IT)
IT is a vocational course that involves designing, developing, and maintaining computer systems and software. The course responsible for the development of one’s skills in computers, programming, networking, and cybersecurity. In this regard, IT professionals are indispensable in any field; for instance, finance, health care, education, among others, which makes them one of the best vocational courses in South Africa.
Also, IT professionals are being demanded by the rapid growth in the digital economy, making IT a great path ahead.
Fees: R18,000 – R45,000 per annum
14. Graphic Design
Graphic Design courses relate to the design and production of visual communications and materials. It teaches the ways to communicate ideas and information in visual output either in print or on the web or in multimedia form.
On the job description, graphic designers work in advertising agencies, design firms, or set up their own businesses, offering their services in graphic design among others.
Although digital marketing is becoming the trend today, graphic designers are also in great demand and offer great compensations.
Fees: R15,000 – R35,000 per annum
15. Bricklaying
Bricklaying is a vocational course in the construction and maintenance of buildings by using bricks, blocks, and other materials in masonry. In construction, bricklayers are very much sought after.
Since there has been flourishing growth in the building sector, it opens ways for bricklayers to be in demand, hence promising as a career.
Fees: R10,000 – R25 000 per year.
Short-Term Vocational Courses in South Africa
Apart from the courses mentioned above, one may also prefer South Africa for pursuing different short-term vocational courses, which may last anything from a few weeks to a few months.
These courses are targeted at those who need to acquire certain skills or update the existing ones. Some of the most popular short-term vocational courses available in South Africa include:
- Microsoft Office Suite: A short course to teach the usage of Microsoft Office applications like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- First Aid and CPR: A course that equips students with the skills to respond in case of an emergency and give basic first aid.
- Photography: A short course teaching the basics of photography, including camera operation and photo editing.
- Cooking and Baking: The course teaches various ways of cooking and baking.
- Event Management: A short course that will add the necessary skills to student to plan and manage events such as weddings and conferences.
Are there free vocational courses in South Africa?
Yes, there are a few free vocational courses in South Africa, but they tend to hold a little prerequisites or limitations.
Many of the programs available through the South African government and by and through the Department of Higher Education and Training offer free or subsidized vocational training to eligible students.
As such, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme offers bursaries to students who pursue vocational courses in identified fields, including artisan trades, engineering, and technology.
Other private companies and organizations also provide free vocational training in their corporate social responsibility or when they are experiencing particular shortages specific to their industry.
Where to study vocational courses in South Africa
A number of the several well-set-up networks of institutions offering vocational courses exist in South Africa, including public and private TVET colleges, universities of technology, and also private training providers. Below is a check on some of the best institutions:
1. TVET Colleges: There are 50 public colleges of TVET in South Africa. They offer a number of vocational courses in several fields like business, engineering, hospitality, and health sciences at an affordable cost. They provide both practical and theoretical knowledge to the learners.
2. Universities of Technology: South Africa boasts six universities of technology that offer vocational courses in areas such as engineering, technology, and the applied sciences. Students are thus equipped with a solid theoretical and practical foundation.
3. Private Training Providers: There are a number of private training providers in South Africa that provide vocational courses, often in specialized fields such as IT, hospitality, and beauty therapy. Such providers can offer flexible learning options, including online and part-time studies.
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FAQs
shaping the future workforce and addressing economic and social challenges.
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Conclusion
A full suite of vocational courses is an excellent avenue for students who wish to acquire practical skills and enter the workforce in a very short period.
South Africa has a number of in-demand vocational courses that include electrical engineering, plumbing, carpentry, automotive repair, welding, culinary arts, and tourism and hospitality.
Identification of interests, coupled with particular skills, will go a long way in helping students choose such vocational courses that will guarantee them success in the job market.
References
- amyfoundation.co.za/vocational courses in South Africa
- vocational.co.za/vocational courses in South Africa
- tvetsa.org.za/vocational courses in South Africa
- westerncape.gov.za/vocational courses in South Africa
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