You can apply directly to the TVET college of your choice through the contact details that are provided in the list of Public TVET colleges. If you plan to enrol at a private college, you can also do so directly through the contact details that are provided in the Department of Higher Education’s list of registered private colleges in the TVET sector: www.dhet.gov.za/SitePages/DocRegisters.aspx.

The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) is responsible for the TVET system, and provides a great deal of useful information.

1. You can contact TVET colleges directly. Click here for a list of public TVET colleges, with their addresses and contact details.
2. You can also find information on the official DHET website for TVET colleges: http://www.fetcolleges.co.za.
3. The Khetha Career Development Services of the Department of Higher Education and Training provides a wide range of information and advice that learners can use in making career choices while still at school and during their post-school learning journey. The Career Development Services also has fully qualified Career Advisors for providing career information, guidance and advice. Some of the resources on this website are (http://www.careerhelp.org.za):
   1. TVET Basic Career Guide,
   2. KHETHA Post-School Career Guide,
   3. Information on Post-School Options and Careers,
   4. Making a Career Choice,
   5. Financing your studies, and
   6. Subject Choice to assist Grade 9 learners to make the right choices of subjects for Grade 10 that will enable them to pursue their chosen career path on completion of Grade 12.

You can contact the DHET’s Careerhelp through:

1. 1. Facebook at www.facebook.com/careerhelp,
   2. Twitter at www.twitter.com/sacareerhelp,
   3. Writing an e-mail to: careerhelp@dhet.gov.za and a Career Advisor will respond to the e-mail,
   4. Sending an SMS or “please call me” to 072 204 5056 with your question and one of the Career Advisors will call you back,
   5. Calling 0860 35 66 35 (Mon-Fri: 08:00-16:00) from any cell phone or landline, or
   6. Calling the DHET HELPLINE: 0800 872 2222.

The National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) centres (www.nyda.gov.za) and other student support centres can also assist.

Most TVET colleges have dedicated student support units that assist students with both their academic and broader social/psychological needs. They also provide career guidance to ensure that students are able to make appropriate learning and career decisions. Colleges also assist students to get bursaries or loans. Many colleges assist students to find workplaces for the practical components of their programmes and even to find jobs after completion of their studies.

New students may be required to complete a competency assessment during enrolment to assist the college to determine the most suitable learning and support programmes for prospective students.