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Trade Schools South Africa 2026 – Simple & Complete Guide
Trade Schools South Africa 2026: In South Africa, trade schools include public TVET colleges, private FET colleges, and specialised artisan training centres. These institutions focus on teaching practical, hands-on trades that lead directly to jobs or self-employment (artisans, technicians, operators). Most popular trade qualifications you can study in 2026:
- N1–N6 Engineering Studies (Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, Boilermaking, Fitting & Turning, Welding, Motor Mechanics, Diesel Mechanics)
- NC(V) Levels 2–4 (extreme focus on trades)
- Occupational Trade Certificates (Red Seal trades after trade test)
- Learnerships & Skills Programmes (shorter – 6 months to 2 years)
The Best Known Public TVET Colleges for Trades (2026)
Trade Schools South Africa 2026 are best known for equipping students with skills and improving youth employability, whether through self-employment or employment with other companies. In South Africa, many trade schools are performing very well. These are the strongest and most recognised public colleges for trade/engineering studies:
Gauteng
- Central Johannesburg TVET College
- Ekurhuleni West TVET College
- Tshwane North TVET College
- Western TVET College
- South West Gauteng TVET College
Western Cape
- College of Cape Town
- Northlink College
- False Bay TVET College
- South Cape TVET College
KwaZulu-Natal
- Coastal KZN TVET College
- Elangeni TVET College
- Thekwini TVET College
- UMfolozi TVET College
- Majuba TVET College
Eastern Cape
- Buffalo City TVET College
- Eastcape Midlands TVET College
- King Hintsa TVET College
- Port Elizabeth TVET College
Other strong provinces
- Mpumalanga → Ehlanzeni, Gert Sibande, Nkangala TVET Colleges
- Limpopo → Capricorn, Lephalale, Letaba, Mopani South East, Sekhukhune TVET Colleges
- North West → Orbit, Taletso, Vuselela TVET Colleges
- Free State → Flavius Mareka, Goldfields, Maluti, Motheo TVET Colleges
- Northern Cape → Northern Cape Rural & Urban TVET Colleges
Very Important Practical Information – 2026
When can you register?
January / February 2026 → central intake (most students start here)
Many colleges also have a mid-year intake (June/July 2026)
A very common situation in January 2026
For young people interested in enrolling in trade schools to gain the knowledge and skills they need, here are key dates to note. Young people should know that the skills and knowledge they gain from trade schools can take them far. Young people can be employed or pursue self-employment.
- Online applications closed in October/November 2025
- Many colleges still accept walk-in registrations in January/February 2026
- Self-funded students usually have a much better chance than NSFAS students
Most popular trade courses that fill up fastest
- Electrical Engineering
- Motor / Diesel Mechanics
- Boilermaking
- Welding
- Fitting & Turning
- Automotive Body Repair
- Plumbing
- Bricklaying & Plastering
Quick Contact List – Main TVET Colleges Strong in Trades
National TVET Contact
TVET Authority (TVETA) – accreditation & private colleges
Official Phone 012 003 1800
Official website: www.tveta.gov.za
Gauteng’s strong colleges
Central Johannesburg TVET College → 011 494 9040
Ekurhuleni West TVET College → 011 323 1600
Tshwane North TVET College → 012 401 1600
Western Cape strong colleges
College of Cape Town → 021 404 6700
Northlink College → 021 970 9000
False Bay TVET College → 021 787 0800
KwaZulu-Natal strong colleges
Coastal KZN → 031 905 7000
Elangeni → 031 492 9111
Thekwini → 031 469 9100
How to find your nearest good trade college
- Go to → TVET Colleges page
- Choose your province
- Look for colleges with strong Engineering & Related Design, Electrical, Mechanical, and Civil Engineering programmes.
Quick tip for 2026
The earlier you go in person to Trade Schools South Africa 2026 (beginning of January), the better your chance of getting into the trade course you want. Good luck with your trade school journey in 2026! Practical skills remain one of the strongest ways to get employed or start your own business in South Africa today.
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