As part of TVET Month, the Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority (SASSETA) aims to encourage young people to re-evaluate the future that they have in mind following matric. University is often the first consideration; however, it should not be the only one at a point in life where it is time to think through the next phase of a career path.
According to SASSETA, TVET colleges will empower young people with the skills and experience to help them to pursue the vocation of their choice. This is also the case for learners considering a careers path in the safety and security sector.
TVET colleges offer learners practical skills
South Africa’s TVET colleges represent an important pillar of the local post-school education and training infrastructure. These colleges can be the difference between a career that is pursued and one that is postponed.
Choosing such an education pathway simply reflects a greater interest in studying subjects that apply directly and practically to a certain vocation and field of work. There is no “wrong” decision when the right qualification is chosen and a person’s ambitions and lifestyle preferences are taken into account. This should always be considered when school leavers make the big decision about further education and training.
SASSETA provides bursary support to qualifying TVET students
It is important to note that while SASSETA offers bursary support to candidates that are studying at public TVET colleges, the student’s qualification should first be aligned to the SASSETA sector and the relevant bursary criteria must also be met.
This means that while public TVET colleges have a role to play in training the local safety and security workforce, students should ensure that their choice of qualification and institution actually qualifies them for SASSETA bursary funding in the first place.
What this means for young people that consider a safety and security career
The information should be received as a wake-up call to those young people that are considering a practical career in South Africa’s safety and security environment.
When choosing such a career path, students should not opt for the nearest or most popular vocation just because friends have done so. Instead, a more pragmatic approach should be considered when choosing a college and qualification. This includes researching into:
- The type of work done with the qualification and associated career opportunities;
- The skills that the learner will acquire;
- Further education and training options once this qualification has been completed;
- The relationship between the qualification and the safety and security sector in general;
- And the available funding opportunities, including the specific supporting documents that are required to take advantage of funding;
Taking this step will ensure that the right career decision is made based on a genuine interest in the profession itself and not simply the prestige of a university degree. After all, university is not the only option for those that seek a successful career in safety and security.
University is not the only option for those that seek a successful career path
University will always be an option for further education but TVET colleges can offer a viable alternative to the traditional degree-based learning pathway.
TVET colleges must be seen as a valid part of the post-school education landscape for young South Africans looking for a new career in fields that require practical work experience. SASSETA’s TVET Month message aims to remind learners that there are other alternatives to further education and that those alternatives might support the most suitable career pathway.
Be aware of bursary support information before applying
Anyone wishing to take advantage of SASSETA bursary support should consider carefully before acting on any bursary application. The information that is circulated for TVET Month highlights how the organisation offers such support and there is no mention of a closing date, stipend or allowance, or a list of qualifying qualifications. Anyone who wishes to apply should research the requirements and application guidelines on an official basis.
A final practical checklist for young TVET applicants
Before making the decision to apply for a certain programme at a TVET college, prospective students should complete the following practical checklist:
• 1. What career do I want to follow?
• It may be useful to first identify a preferred area of work, which will automatically narrow the options for the most suitable type of qualification.
• 2. Will this qualification suit that vocation?
• Once the appropriate areas of work have been identified, the subjects covered in the different qualifications should be investigated to identify the relevant career pathways.
• 3. Will the college offer the necessary courses?
• The relevant course of qualification details need to be confirmed at the TVET college itself.
• 4. How much will my choices cost me?
• At this stage, students should investigate the financial aspects of their preferred options. Those that are considering bursary support on the part of funding organisations should research the qualifying criteria for their options carefully.
• 5. If I am considering SASSETA assistance, is my choice of qualification aligned appropriately?
• Not everyone who attends a public TVET college is entitled to SASSETA bursary support. Be aware of this fact when completing the application for funding.
Beware of bursary and training scams
Young people, and those adults seeking a new vocation, need to be aware of the fact that scammers will take advantage of the current demand for TVET colleges and bursary support. Always make sure that job recruitment and bursary advertisements originate from a legitimate organisation. Never pay a person in exchange for receiving a SASSETA bursary, college place or learnership.
If there is any doubt about the legitimacy of a third-party advertising a career opportunity, always contact the organisation offering job or study opportunities directly.
Consider your options before making application decisions
Ultimately, TVET Month is about making sure that those young people that are considering a TVET college place will choose the correct qualification to support the preferred vocation. For those that are considering a career in the safety and security sector, public TVET colleges can be considered as a potential pathway, provided the relevant criteria on the part of SASSETA is met.
A young person’s choice between a TVET qualification or going to university is not a wrong choice if it supports their career interests and fits their lifestyle and life plan.
Source
Source: SASSETA. This article is based on the information that was provided by SASSETA regarding TVET Month awareness information, related to TVET education, vocation pathways and bursary opportunities at public TVET Colleges.
Editor policy
This article was written independently for South African readers on the basis of the submitted information. Additional facts have not been included on the basis of unsupported claims and, where this information was not submitted or was incomplete, it has been indicated as such.
Disclaimer
This article is presented for education and career information purposes and should not be considered an official bursary application notice. Information regarding the criteria, qualifying criteria, programme funding and deadlines can change. Those considering applying should confirm the most up-to-date information prior to making any application.
Applicant awareness
Never assume that a social media or third party advertisement represents an official opportunity. In particular, ensure that information about required payments do not form the basis for making an application. Verify the nature of the opportunity before submitting personal documents or banking information to a third party. Always investigate the application guidelines and opportunity on an official basis.
