NATED Programmes to Be Phased Out at TVET Colleges Across South Africa: What Students Need to Know
A major shift is underway: the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) has officially announced that NATED programmes will be phased out across TVET colleges, paving the way for new qualifications aligned with modern industry demands.
For decades, the National Accredited Technical Education Diploma (NATED) programmes have been a cornerstone of South Africa’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system. These courses, commonly known as Report 191 programmes, have offered thousands of students a pathway into technical and business fields.
This development has significant implications for both current and prospective students, TVET institutions, and the labour market at large. Let’s unpack what this transition means, why it is happening, and how students can prepare.
What Are NATED Programmes?
NATED programmes were introduced as a short-to-medium-term response to South Africa’s need for technical and vocational training. They are structured into levels N1–N6:
Engineering Studies (N1–N6): Focused on trades such as electrical, civil, and mechanical engineering.
Business Studies (N4–N6): Including fields such as Management Assistant, Human Resources, Financial Management, and Marketing.
Utility Studies (N4–N6): Covering areas like Hospitality and Tourism.
Students usually progress from N4 to N6, after which they need 18 months of practical workplace experience to qualify for a diploma.
While these programmes have served the country for decades, critics argue that they are outdated, overly theoretical, and not fully aligned with the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) or the needs of today’s industries.
Why Are NATED Programmes Being Phased Out?
The decision to phase out NATED courses stems from several factors:
Modernisation of Qualifications
South Africa is shifting toward qualifications that are more practical, industry-relevant, and aligned with the NQF. The newer Occupational Qualifications and Curriculum-based Diplomas are designed to replace NATED courses with competency-based learning and stronger links to industry.
Global Competitiveness
Many NATED programmes were developed decades ago and have not kept up with international training standards. By introducing new curricula, the DHET aims to ensure South African graduates can compete globally.
Workplace Readiness
Employers have long criticised NATED programmes for producing graduates who still need extensive on-the-job training. The new system prioritises workplace-based learning, ensuring that graduates are more job-ready.
Streamlining the TVET System
Running NATED alongside NC(V) and occupational qualifications has led to duplication and confusion. Phasing out NATED simplifies the system, giving students clearer choices.
What Will Replace NATED Programmes?
The DHET plans to replace NATED with a combination of:
NC(V) (National Certificate Vocational) Programmes: These three-year qualifications start at Grade 9 and combine academic learning with vocational training.
Occupational Qualifications: Developed with the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO), these qualifications are industry-specific, practical, and competency-based.
New National Diplomas and Higher Certificates: Redesigned TVET diplomas will be introduced to ensure students gain skills that are directly linked to industry needs.
This shift is expected to align South Africa’s TVET sector with Skills Development Strategy IV, which focuses on producing competent artisans, technicians, and professionals for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).
When Will the Phase-Out Happen?
The DHET has not announced a single “cut-off” date but has indicated a gradual phasing out process. This ensures that current students can complete their NATED programmes without disruption.
Colleges will stop enrolling new students into certain NATED programmes over the next few years, with complete phase-out targeted by 2027–2030 depending on the programme stream.
New enrolments will eventually be stopped in favour of NC(V) and QCTO-aligned courses.
Students already in the system will be allowed to complete their N1–N6 levels.
Bridging mechanisms may be introduced to help NATED students transition into the new system.
Impact on Current and Prospective Students
The transition raises several concerns for students:
Current Students
Those already enrolled will not be left stranded. The DHET has committed to ensuring that learners who are midway through their NATED studies will be allowed to complete them. Colleges are expected to continue offering NATED subjects until the last cohorts graduate.
Prospective Students
Learners planning to study at TVET colleges in the coming years may need to carefully review their options. Instead of enrolling in NATED, they might be advised to register for NC(V), Occupational, or redesigned diploma programmes.
Employability
Graduates of NATED courses will still hold recognised qualifications. However, as the system shifts, employers may increasingly prefer candidates with newer, industry-aligned qualifications.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
RPL may be expanded to help NATED graduates or dropouts transition into the new qualifications without starting over.
Reactions from TVET Colleges and Industry
The news has generated mixed responses:
Colleges: Some administrators welcome the change, noting that NC(V) and QCTO qualifications are more modern. Others, however, worry about funding, resources, and the training of lecturers who have long specialised in NATED syllabi.
Lecturers: Many lecturers will need retraining to teach the new programmes. This could be an opportunity for professional growth, but it also poses challenges in terms of time and resources.
Students: Current learners are anxious about the recognition of their qualifications in the future. The DHET insists that NATED diplomas will remain valid, even after the programmes are discontinued.
Industry: Employers are cautiously optimistic. While some industries still value NATED graduates, many sectors have been pushing for qualifications that produce more job-ready workers.
Challenges Ahead
Phasing out NATED is not without its hurdles:
Infrastructure and Resources
The new qualifications, particularly occupational ones, require more practical training and workplace-based learning. This demands stronger partnerships between TVET colleges and industry, as well as significant investment in equipment and facilities.
Lecturer Training
Thousands of lecturers will need to undergo professional development to teach the new curricula. Without this, the transition may compromise teaching quality.
Student Communication
Many students are still unaware of the changes. If the transition is poorly communicated, it could lead to confusion, dropouts, or low enrolments.
Rural Colleges
Institutions in rural areas may struggle more than urban colleges due to limited resources, making it harder to roll out occupational qualifications effectively.
Opportunities for Students and the Economy
Despite these challenges, the phase-out presents opportunities:
Better Job Prospects: The new qualifications are designed to improve employability by ensuring graduates can perform practical tasks from day one.
Global Recognition: Aligning with international standards will make South African qualifications more competitive abroad.
Entrepreneurship: The emphasis on practical, industry-driven training could empower more graduates to start their own businesses.
Closing the Skills Gap: South Africa faces a chronic shortage of artisans and technical professionals. The new qualifications are expected to better meet this demand.
What Students Should Do Now
If you are considering or already pursuing a NATED programme, here’s how you can prepare:
Stay Informed: Follow updates from your TVET college and the DHET for announcements on the phase-out timeline.
Plan Ahead: If you’re still in high school, explore NC(V) and occupational qualifications early.
Ask About Transition Options: Enquire whether your college will offer bridging into the new qualifications.
Prioritise Practical Experience: Regardless of your qualification, gaining workplace exposure will boost your employability.
Keep Records: Ensure all your academic records and certificates are safely stored—your NATED diploma will remain valid even after the phase-out.
Conclusion
The phasing out of NATED programmes marks a historic turning point for South Africa’s TVET sector. While the transition comes with challenges—especially for students and colleges—the overall aim is to modernise the system, improve job readiness, and close the skills gap in the economy.
For students, the key takeaway is this: your NATED qualification is still valid and recognised, but the future of vocational training lies in newer, more practical qualifications. By staying informed and adaptable, you can navigate this change successfully and position yourself for opportunities in a rapidly evolving job market.
