School tours open learners’ eyes to TVET career paths
Learners visited EWC to explore vocational and occupational career opportunities.
Learners recently visited Ekurhuleni West TVET College to explore vocational and occupational career opportunities.
The recent visits gave learners a chance to see what studying at a TVET college looks like through practical exposure to workshops, classrooms and training facilities.
St Matthew’s Academy visited EWC’s Germiston Campus, where campus manager Seipati Zikhali encouraged learners to see TVET education as a strong career choice.
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“TVET is not a backup plan,” she said.
“It’s a place where you gain skills that can take you straight into a job, or help you start your own business.”
Marketing official Phanuel Chauke explained the shift from NATED courses to occupational programmes, which combine classroom theory, practical training and workplace experience.
He also shared information on funding options, including NSFAS and SETA bursaries.
Learners toured the hospitality kitchen, the training restaurant, and the mechatronics, electrical, automotive, and fitting and turning workshops.
Ratshisase Secondary School visited EWC’s Kempton Campus as part of its Gauteng tour.
Campus manager Brenda Komati told learners that technical skills remain vital to the economy.
“The TVET sector is the backbone of our economy,” she said. “Every road, house, car and electrical system needs the kind of skills we teach here.”
Mohale Mahlaba, head of fundamental studies, said occupational programmes are being introduced to better prepare students for the workplace.
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Staff members from engineering and business studies also encouraged learners to consider TVET as a career pathway.
Student support officer Pershy Makwana explained the application process, the required documents, and the available funding.
The learners toured the beauty therapy classroom, hospitality areas, and electrical and automotive workshops.
David Muleele urged learners not to look down on TVET colleges, saying they equip students with practical skills that can help them earn a living, become self-employed or create employment opportunities.
EWC is expected to open applications for 2027 occupational programmes later this year.
For learners considering life after school, the message is clear: TVET offers a practical and valuable path to building a career.
