5 TVET Colleges Offering Artisan & Trade Skills Training in South Africa

TVET Colleges Offering Artisan & Trade Skills Training

These are TVET Colleges Offering Artisan & Trade Skills Training in South Africa, if you are planning to study at a public college in 2026. Here are some of the options you might consider if you are interested in practical skills.

If you are feeling like a traditional degree might not be your vibe, many South African TVET colleges are stepping up with hard-hitting artisan and trade skills programmes from practical workshops to SETA-backed apprenticeships, here’s the lowdown on colleges helping you turn passion into paycheck.

Why Artisan Skills Matter Right Now?

South Africa needs skilled artisans more than ever. Our ministries and plans, like the “Decade of the Artisan,” are pushing to double the number of students going into trades—aiming for 30,000+ new artisans annually. These are not just jobs; they’re mission-critical roles—think building infrastructure, fixing machines, and running projects that keep the economy moving.

Apprentices aren’t just students—they work, train, and are seen as future breadwinners. Once you pass the trade test, you’re not just qualified; you're in-demand

TVET Colleges Where You Can Become an Artisan

1. Ekurhuleni East TVET College

Located around Gauteng, this centre offers:

• Occupational Courses (toward Trade Test level): Fitter & Turner, Boilermaker, Electrical Engineering, Furniture Making, Refrigeration, Pattern Making & more
  
  

• Short Skills Courses (1–9 months): Welding, Basic plumbing, tiling, solar heating installation, automotive servicing
  
  

2. Gert Sibande TVET College 

In Standerton (Mpumalanga), they cover a wide range of trades and industries:

• Prepped for trades like Electrician, Millwright, Welder, Plumbing, Carpentry, Bricklaying

• Short learnerships and certificates in retail, IT, ECD, even mixed farming
  
  

They offer bridging programmes and come with real-world trade test access thanks to CHE/QCTO accreditation.

3. Northlink TVET College (Western Cape)

A solid option near Cape Town (Bellville, Parow, Protea, etc.):

• Offers Competency-Based Modular Training (CBMT) for trades like Electrician, Boilermaking, Fitter & Turner, Carpenter, Painter, Plumber

You may also look: Universities Open for 2026 Undergraduate Applications

4. Central Johannesburg TVET College 

In the heart of Johannesburg, they offer:

• Free short skills courses through the National Skills Fund

• Trade-testing prep and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for Artisans like Electricians, Welders, Mechanics, Carpenters

5. Nkangala TVET College – Artisan Training Programme 

Targeting youth in Mpumalanga, this SETA-backed programme builds skills with serious infrastructure support:

• Trades: Mechanical Fitting, Millwright, Boilermaking, Electrical, Welding

• Fully funded: materials, tuition, even a stipend

You may also look:  List of TVET Colleges Open for 2026 Applications

Side-by-Side Summary

If you are passionate about working with your hands, solving practical problems, and building things that last, TVET colleges open for 2026 offer a direct pathway to success. By choosing the right artisan or trade program, you can gain valuable skills, secure stable employment, and even take your career global. 

Application dates vary by college, so prospective students should monitor official websites and apply early to avoid missing out.