Published: 10 June 2026
Author: Phindile Zwane
Category: TVET Colleges | Higher Education | Student Funding
Hundreds of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) students across South Africa continue to face a major obstacle preventing them from graduating: the inability to secure workplace-based training opportunities required to complete their qualifications.
On Tuesday, students gathered outside the headquarters of the Department of Higher Education and Training in Pretoria to demand financial support and assistance with workplace placements for learners enrolled in National Accredited Technical Education Diploma (NATED) programmes.
The protest highlights a growing concern affecting thousands of students who have completed their theoretical studies but remain unable to graduate because they have not completed the mandatory practical training component.
Why TVET Students Are Protesting
Students studying toward NATED qualifications are required to complete approximately 18 months of workplace-based training before they can receive their diplomas.
While many students successfully complete the academic portion of their studies, securing practical placements remains a significant challenge.
As a result, thousands of learners remain stuck in educational limbo—having completed their coursework but unable to obtain the workplace experience necessary to graduate.
According to a petition submitted through the civic platform Amandla.mobi, more than 32,000 supporters have backed calls for intervention.
The petition argues that students often spend years searching for workplace placements after completing their studies.
Many report that without practical training opportunities, their qualifications remain incomplete despite having passed all required subjects.
The Funding Gap Affecting Graduates
One of the central concerns raised by students is the lack of funding during the workplace training phase.
Currently, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) generally funds the theoretical component of NATED studies but does not provide ongoing support for the practical workplace training period.
Students argue that this creates financial hardship because they are expected to:
- Travel to workplaces
- Cover daily expenses
- Participate in practical training
- Remain available for full-time placements
Often without receiving a stipend or other financial support.
For many learners from disadvantaged backgrounds, these costs make workplace training difficult or impossible to complete.
Students Say Placements Are Difficult to Secure
Another challenge raised during the protest relates to placement opportunities.
Some students claim that certain organisations only accept trainees who already have funding attached to their placements.
This creates a cycle where:
- Students need placements to graduate.
- Employers require funding support.
- Funding is unavailable.
- Students remain unable to complete their qualifications.
As a result, many graduates remain unemployed despite having completed their theoretical studies.
One Student’s Experience
Among the protesters was a Public Management student who completed the academic component of her qualification in 2024 but has not yet secured workplace placement.
She explained that despite meeting academic requirements, the absence of funded placement opportunities has prevented her from completing the final stage of her qualification.
Many students at the protest shared similar experiences, highlighting the broader challenges facing NATED learners across the country.
Department Responds to Student Concerns
Representatives from the Department of Higher Education and Training received a memorandum from protesting students and acknowledged the challenges being raised.
According to departmental officials, approximately 29,000 students currently require workplace training opportunities before they can complete their qualifications.
The department indicated that efforts are underway to secure placement opportunities through partnerships with government departments, businesses, and employment initiatives.
Partnerships Being Explored
Officials stated that placement opportunities are being pursued through collaboration with organisations and programmes including:
- Presidential Youth Employment Initiative
- Department of Tourism
- Department of Trade, Industry and Competition
- Private sector businesses
- Small and medium-sized enterprises
The objective is to expand access to workplace-based learning opportunities and reduce the current backlog of students awaiting placement.
Minister Expected to Address the Matter
Department officials indicated that Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela is expected to make a public announcement addressing the issue.
Many students are hopeful that the announcement will provide clarity regarding future funding arrangements and placement strategies.
Growing Concerns Over NATED Qualification Changes
The workplace placement challenge comes at a time when government is implementing reforms within the TVET sector.
In 2025, plans were announced to gradually phase out older NATED qualifications and replace them with newer occupational qualifications designed to align more closely with labour market needs.
While many education stakeholders support curriculum modernisation, some students fear they may be left behind if qualification changes are implemented before they have completed their practical training requirements.
Students have expressed concern that delays in securing workplace placements could affect their ability to obtain diplomas linked to existing NATED programmes.
Why Workplace Training Matters
Workplace-based learning is a critical component of many vocational qualifications because it allows students to:
- Apply classroom knowledge
- Gain practical experience
- Develop industry-specific skills
- Improve employability
- Build professional networks
Employers often value candidates who can demonstrate practical workplace experience alongside academic qualifications.
However, when placements are unavailable, students may struggle to transition successfully from education into employment.
Expert Analysis
The challenges facing NATED students highlight a broader issue within South Africa’s skills development system. While theoretical training remains important, workplace learning opportunities have not always kept pace with growing student numbers.
Industry experts have long argued that stronger partnerships between colleges, government departments, SETAs, and employers are necessary to ensure students can complete the practical components of their qualifications.
Without sufficient workplace placements, skills shortages may persist while qualified students remain unable to enter the labour market.
What Happens Next?
Students are now awaiting further communication from the Department of Higher Education and Training regarding:
- Funding support for workplace training
- Placement opportunities
- NATED qualification transition plans
- Measures to assist affected learners
The outcome could have significant implications for thousands of TVET students across South Africa who are still waiting to complete the final stage of their qualifications.
Sources and References
- Amandla.mobi Student Petition
- Department of Higher Education and Training
- TVET Student Memorandum Submitted in Pretoria
- Higher Education Sector Announcements on NATED Reforms
Editorial Transparency
This article is based on publicly reported information, student statements, and comments from government officials available at the time of publication. Developments regarding workplace training funding, placements, and qualification reforms may change as new announcements are made. Students are encouraged to monitor official Department of Higher Education and Training communications for the latest updates.
