Deciding on a career is one of the most important and far-reaching decisions a young person has to make in life.
Traditionally, this decision was limited. After school, you either join the workforce, or you went to university. The world is an ever-changing place, and that also goes for education. Tvet Colleges came along, and suddenly there was a very attractive alternative. TVET is now an international educational initiative. It is aimed at improving vocational training systems and programmes around the globe.
Tvet stands for technical and vocational education and training. It was implemented in South Africa in 2012.
In a nutshell, training at a Tvet College is more focused on the workplace and the skills required to do one job in the broader field and not on the field as a whole. When a qualification is vocational, it means it is about a specific occupation. If you choose to study engineering at a university, you learn everything about engineering. At a Tvet college, your studies will concentrate on a specific job in engineering, such as becoming a diesel mechanic or electrician.
However, all Tvet Colleges are not all born equal, and one of the best around is Westcol in the West Rand. The education they offer is wide-ranging and of high quality. Students are trained in the skills they will need to take the first steps on their chosen career path.
The history of Westcol.
Westcol (Technical and Vocational Education and Training College) formed when two colleges, Carletonville College and Randfontein College, merged. Westcol Krugersdorp and the Krugersdorp West colleges followed as acquisitions in 2007, and new campuses were established.
Campuses
Westcol now has six branches. They are all on the West Rand in Gauteng. They include:
- Randfontein Campus
- Carletonville campus
- Thuba Makota (Magaliesburg Campus)
- Westonaria
- Krugersdorp
- Krugersdorp-west
Programmes
Some of the programmes presented at Westcol include:
The TVET College offers a wide range of qualifications, including
In the National Certificates Vocational-category:
- Engineering Related Design
- Finance, Economics, and Accounting
- Electrical Infrastructure Construction
- Hospitality
- Marketing
- Office Practice
- Primary Agriculture
In the Report 191/Nated-category
Business and Related Studies
- Tourism
- Hairdressing
- Hospitality and Catering Services
- Engineering Studies
Skills Development
Some campuses may have student accommodation. You can enquire about this when you apply.
How to apply at Westcol
You will find application forms online
If you prefer, you can get the application form from one of the campuses. The addresses are:
Corporate Office Park:
42 Johnstone Street
Randfontein
Carletonville Campus:
20 South Street
Carletonville
Krugersdorp Campus:
32 Von Brandis Street
Krugersdorp
Krugersdorp-West Campus:
69 Flemming Avenue
Krugersdorp-west
Randfontein Campus:
9 Kiewiet Street
Helikonpark
Randfontein
Thuba Makote (Magaliesburg Campus):
Stand 2
Dr. Schoeman Street
Ga Mohale
Magaliesburg
Westonaria Campus:
109 Botha Street
Westonaria
You will need an Email account to apply. The college will keep in contact with you by eMail. You must regularly check your eMail to make sure that you see all messages.
All documents submitted with the application should be copies of the originals certified within six months from the date of submission.
Scan the documents and submit them in PDF format.
Documents should include copies of:
- Grade 12 certificate/Statement of results/Latest school report/DHET certificate
- ID document
- Proof of residence
Please read the admission requirements for each course before applying:
Business Studies
General Studies
Engineering Studies
NCV Studies
To ensure success, you must submit all the required information and documents.
The college also has the Westcol student portal, which students can use to access E-learning material. The portal provides them with a secure platform to see their grades and receive additional information about the school.
Keep your login and password details safe, as you will need them to track your application on the portal.
When applying, remember to:
- Complete the online placement assessment test.
Complete the application scoring points system. You will then be directed to the application portal at https://www.westcol.co.za to track your application status and enter your application details and submit.
More about the portal
This portal is more than just the place to register.
It will play a crucial role in a student’s life. If they are new to the college, students may feel more than just a little lost. To help them get to know the Westcol Tvet College grounds, they need to go to the portal. It does the trick every time. It will also help them determine where classes will take place, show them the way to the library or find out about common meeting areas.
In addition to all of this, the student portal is the place you look when you want to find out more about financial services or learning systems. If you want to know how and where to submit your assignments, the chances are that there will be information accessible through the portal.
Sometimes you will have to work with other students on projects. The portal will keep you connected. It is your guiding light on your study journey. Use it well and use it often.