If you’re a young South African looking to gain practical skills and secure employment, 2025 offers numerous free short skills courses at various public TVET colleges. These programmes are designed to equip you with hands-on experience in trades that are in high demand, such as plumbing, welding, carpentry, and electrical work.
Best of all, they are free for eligible learners, thanks to funding from the National Skills Fund and other partners.
TVET Colleges Offering Free Short Skills Courses in 2025
1. Central Johannesburg TVET College – Centre of Innovation
Programmes Offered:
- Free short skills courses, including occupational programmes registered with QCTO/SETA
- Trade-testing and Artisan Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
- Funded by the National Skills Fund, available at no cost to eligible learners
Career Opportunities:
- Artisan Mechanic
- Electrician
- Fitter & Turner
- Welder
- Plumber
- Carpenter
- Bricklayer
- Furniture Maker
Application Details:
- Apply online through the Central Johannesburg TVET College website.
2. Ekurhuleni East TVET College – Artisan Skills Development Centre
Programmes Offered:
- Occupational Apprenticeships (Level 4):
- Fitter & Turner
- Boilermaker
- Refrigeration & Air-Conditioning
- Pattern Maker
- Moulder
- Melter
- Furniture Making (learnership)
- Electrical Engineering
- Free Short Skills Courses (1–9 months):
- Basic Boilermaking
- Basic AC & Refrigeration Maintenance
- Arc & Gas Welding Assistant
- Automotive Servicing
- Community House Building (Ceiling, Glazing, Flooring & Tiling, Plumbing)
- Solar Water Heater Installation & Maintenance
- Basic Electrical
Career Opportunities:
- Precision Fitter
- Maintenance Technician
- Industrial Boilermaker
- HVAC Technician
- Cabinet Maker
- Electrical Technician
- Automotive Technician
- Plumber
Application Details:
- Visit the Ekurhuleni East TVET College website for application procedures.
3. Gert Sibande TVET College – Skills Academy & Artisan Development Centre
Programmes Offered:
- Apprenticeships (NQF 4):
- Electrician
- Mechanical Fitter
- Millwright
- Welder
- Bricklayer
- Carpenter
- Plumber
- Learnerships & Certificates:
- Community House Building (NC Level 2)
- Furniture Making (NC 2)
- Hairdressing (NC 2–3 & FETC 4)
- Mixed Farming (NC 2)
- Wholesale & Retail Ops (NC 2)
- Accounting Technician (NC 3–5)
- IT: End-User Computing (NC 3)
- ECD Certificates & Diploma (Levels 4–5)
- Bridging Programme (NQF 2)
Career Opportunities:
- Electrician
- Maintenance Mechanic
- Industrial Maintenance Technician
- Construction Mason
- Joiner
- Pipe-Fitter
- Farm Worker
- Retail Associate
- Accounting Clerk
- IT Support Technician
- ECD Practitioner
Application Details:
- For more information, visit the Gert Sibande TVET College website.
4. False Bay TVET College – Funded Programmes & ARPL
Programmes Offered:
- ARPL (2–10 weeks):
- Boilermaker
- Mechanical Fitter
- Welder
Career Opportunities:
- Industrial Boilermaker
- Maintenance Fitter
- Welding Inspector
Application Details:
- Applicants must have 3 or more years of verifiable work experience and be over 19 years of age.
- For more information, visit the False Bay TVET College website.
5. Northlink TVET College – Competency-Based Modular Training (CBMT)
Programmes Offered:
- CBMT Programmes (Phase/Level-based entry, Grade 9+):
- Fitter & Turner
- Mechanical Fitter
- Metal Machinist
- Electronic Equipment Mechanician
- Panel Beater
- Carpenter
- Bricklayer
- Painter
- Plasterer
- Electrician (Phase 1–3)
- Boilermaking (Levels 1–4)
- Plumber
Career Opportunities:
- CNC Machinist
- Industrial Mechanic
- Machinist
- Electronic Technician
- Auto Body Repair Technician
- Joiner
- Mason
- Coating Technician
- Trowel Worker
- Electrical Maintenance Technician
- Pressure-Vessel Fitter
- Pipe-Fitter
Application Details:
- For more information, visit the Northlink TVET College website.
Documents Required for Application
- Certified copy of your South African ID
- Certified copy of your highest school or qualification results (Grade 9/10/11 report card, NCV or N-Certificate results)
- Proof of residence (municipal bill or affidavit)
- Updated CV
- Relevant certificates for specific programmes (e.g., N2 certificate for apprenticeships)
- For ARPL: 3+ years’ service letter from employer
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who qualifies for free short skills courses?
Any South African citizen or permanent resident meeting the entry requirements (usually Grade 9+), plus—if ARPL—several years of verifiable work experience.
Q: Do I need matric?
Not for most of these free short skills courses or CBMT courses—Grade 9 or equivalent is typical, though some learnerships or N-Certificates may require Grade 10+.
Q: How long are these programmes?
Most run from 1 month up to 9 months; ARPL can be as short as 2 weeks; CBMT is phase/level-based (3 months per phase).
Q: Are they accredited?
Yes—programmes are registered with the Quality Council for Trades & Occupations (QCTO), SETAs, or DHET (NCV/N-Certificates).
Q: Will there be any cost or hidden fees?
No tuition fees; you may only need to cover your own travel, materials, or tool kits if not provided.
Q: How do I apply?
Visit the college’s website “Apply” or “Funded Programmes” page, complete the online form, and upload your documents. Deadlines and processes vary by semester/trimester.
Q: Is there any learner support?
Most colleges offer student support services: academic tutoring, counselling, and (in some cases) work-integrated learning or placement assistance.
The availability of free short skills courses at various TVET colleges in South Africa presents a valuable opportunity for individuals to gain practical experience in essential trades without the burden of tuition fees. With a range of programmes across different fields, such as plumbing, electrical work, welding, and carpentry, these courses can help pave the way to stable and rewarding employment. If you’re looking to enhance your career prospects or change industries, these fully funded programmes are an excellent option.
Make sure to check the application deadlines, gather your required documents, and apply to one of these top TVET colleges in 2025 to start your journey towards becoming a skilled professional.
