LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Dear Vuk’uzenzele 

My name is Ramasela from Mokopane. I really need help with getting my carpentry artisan certificate. I don't have money to pursue my dream of becoming a professional carpenter. What do I do?

Regards, 

Ramasela

Good day Ramasela,

Thank you for sending your query to government’s digital newspaper, Vuk’uzenzele, via our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/VukuzenzeleNews/.

Artisans are trained through theoretical and practical training at Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Colleges or through an apprenticeship programme offered by companies which are accredited as Experiential Training Workplaces. An apprentice must successfully complete theoretical training, practical training in the workplace under the guidance of a mentor and pass a phase test. 

After successfully completing it, the apprentice will sit for a final Trade Test and qualify as an artisan.

For more information on where to study and apply for funding you can contact the following government departments and organisations:

1. Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET): Call 0800 87 2222 or email: callcentre@dhet.gov.za. You can also contact the DHET regional office: 58 Schoeman Street, Rentmeester Building (7th Floor, Office No. 714) on 069 960 8483.

2. National Skills Fund: Email: Info@nsf.org.za 

   Switchboard: 012 943 3101

   Website: nsf.org.za

3. National Artisan Development Support Centre (NADSC): 086 999 0125 

   email: nadscinfo@dhet.gov.za or nadscplacement@dhet.gov.za  

4. NSFAS: The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) provides funding for students pursuing artisan training at public TVET colleges in South Africa. Call 08000 67327, WhatsApp: +27 63 093 5671 or email info@nsfas.org.za for more information.

We wish you all the best.

Vuk’uzenzele