Common Explanations and Abbreviations

• TVET stands for Technical and Vocational Education and Training
• Technical and Vocational Education and Training courses are vocational or occupational by nature meaning that the student receives education and training with a view towards a specific range of jobs, employment or entrepreneurial possibilities. Under certain conditions, some students may qualify for admission to a University of Technology to continue their studies at a higher level in the same field of study as they were studying at the TVET College.
• NATED stands for National Accredited Technical Education Diploma  
• NATED programmes are delivered under the auspices of the Department of Higher Education and Training. The programmes consist of 18 months theoretical studies at colleges and 18 months relevant practical application in work places. Engineering studies range from N1-N6 while Business and Utility Studies range from N4-N6.
• NCV stands for National Certificate: Vocational 
• NCV is a programme designed for learners with a minimum of grade 9. The programme accommodates students who have passed either grade 9, 10 or 11. This programme is meant to equip students with the necessary skills needed to pursue a career or business path in Business or Engineering.
• SETA stands for Sector Education and Training Authority
• Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA), is a vocational skills training organization in South Africa. As of March 2011, there are 21 SETAs. Each SETA is responsible for managing and creating learnerships, internships, unit-based skills programs, and apprenticeships within its jurisdiction.
• NQF stands for National Qualifications Framework
• South Africa needed to create a national education and training system that provides quality learning, is responsive to the ever-changing influences of the external environment and also promote the development of the nation that is committed to life-long learning. The National Qualifications Framework (NQF) is a strategy in response to these demands. It provides a framework within which the South African Qualifications system is constructed, representing a national effort at integrating education and training. The NQF is the set of principles and guidelines by which records of learner achievement are registered to enable national recognition of acquired skills and knowledge, thereby ensuring an integrated system that encourages life-long learning.
• ARPL stands for Artisan Recognition of Prior Learning (ARPL)
• “Recognition of prior learning means the comparison of the previous learning and experience of a learner howsoever obtained against the learning outcomes required for a specified qualification, and the acceptance for purposes of qualification of that which meets the requirements.” National Standards Bodies Regulations (no. 18787 of 28 March 1998). This means that regardless of where, when or how a person achieved the learning, if such learning meets the requirements of a unit standard or a qualification (or part thereof), it could be recognised for credits. In this sense, RPL is an important principle of the NQF. RPL also involves an assessment process of preparing for RPL, engaging with RPL candidates, gathering evidence, judging evidence, giving feedback and reporting results.
• ETQA stands for Education and Training Quality Assurance
• ETQAs are responsible for ensuring the quality of learning achievements. ETQAs evaluate the learning programs of different providers in a process of accreditation, thereby assuring learners and other users of the system that any learner who has been deemed successful after participating in that learning program, has displayed the learning outcomes required for that qualification or standard. ETQAs are responsible for ensuring the quality of learning achievements.