Young South Africans wanting to learn skills and find jobs have many chances in 2025. Public TVET schools offer free, short training courses. These courses give you real-world experience in popular trades like plumbing, welding, carpentry, and electrical work.
The best part is that these courses don’t cost anything for those who qualify. The National Skills Fund and other groups provide the money.
TVET Colleges Offering Free Short Skills Courses in 2025
- Central Johannesburg TVET College – Centre of Innovation
Programmes Offered:
Free short skills courses, including occupational programmes registered with QCTO/SETA
Trade-testing and Artisan Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Funded by the National Skills Fund, available at no cost to eligible learners
Career Opportunities:
- Artisan Mechanic
- Electrician
- Fitter & Turner
- Welder
- Plumber
- Carpenter
- Bricklayer
- Furniture Maker
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Application Details:
Apply online through the Central Johannesburg TVET College website. https://cjc.edu.za/courses/
- Ekurhuleni East TVET College – Artisan Skills Development Centre
Programmes Offered:
Occupational Apprenticeships (Level 4):
- Fitter & Turner
- Boilermaker
- Refrigeration & Air-Conditioning
- Pattern Maker
- Moulder
- Melter
- Furniture Making (learnership)
- Electrical Engineering
- Free Short Skills Courses (1–9 months):
- Basic Boilermaking
- Basic AC & Refrigeration Maintenance
- Arc & Gas Welding Assistant
- Automotive Servicing
- Community House Building (Ceiling, Glazing, Flooring & Tiling, Plumbing)
- Solar Water Heater Installation & Maintenance
- Basic Electrical
Career Opportunities:
- Precision Fitter
- Maintenance Technician
- Industrial Boilermaker
- HVAC Technician
- Cabinet Maker
- Electrical Technician
- Automotive Technician
- Plumber
Application Details:
Visit the Ekurhuleni East TVET College website for application procedures.
- Gert Sibande TVET College – Skills Academy & Artisan Development Centre
Programmes Offered:
Apprenticeships (NQF 4):
- Electrician
- Mechanical Fitter
- Millwright
- Welder
- Bricklayer
- Carpenter
- Plumber
- Learnerships & Certificates:
- Community House Building (NC Level 2)
- Furniture Making (NC 2)
- Hairdressing (NC 2–3 & FETC 4)
- Mixed Farming (NC 2)
- Wholesale & Retail Ops (NC 2)
- Accounting Technician (NC 3–5)
- IT: End-User Computing (NC 3)
- ECD Certificates & Diploma (Levels 4–5)
- Bridging Programme (NQF 2)
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Career Opportunities:
- Electrician
- Maintenance Mechanic
- Industrial Maintenance Technician
- Construction Mason
- Joiner
- Pipe-Fitter
- Farm Worker
- Retail Associate
- Accounting Clerk
- IT Support Technician
- ECD Practitioner
Application Details:
For more information, visit the Gert Sibande TVET College website.
- False Bay TVET College – Funded Programmes & ARPL
Programmes Offered:
ARPL (2–10 weeks):
- Boilermaker
- Mechanical Fitter
- Welder
Career Opportunities:
- Industrial Boilermaker
- Maintenance Fitter
- Welding Inspector
Application Details:
Applicants must have 3 or more years of verifiable work experience and be over 19 years of age.
For more information, visit the False Bay TVET College website.
- Northlink TVET College – Competency-Based Modular Training (CBMT)
Programmes Offered:
CBMT Programmes (Phase/Level-based entry, Grade 9+):
- Fitter & Turner
- Mechanical Fitter
- Metal Machinist
- Electronic Equipment Mechanician
- Panel Beater
- Carpenter
- Bricklayer
- Painter
- Plasterer
- Electrician (Phase 1–3)
- Boilermaking (Levels 1–4)
- Plumber
Career Opportunities:
- CNC Machinist
- Industrial Mechanic
- Machinist
- Electronic Technician
- Auto Body Repair Technician
- Joiner
- Mason
- Coating Technician
- Trowel Worker
- Electrical Maintenance Technician
- Pressure-Vessel Fitter
- Pipe-Fitter
Application Details:
For more information, visit the Northlink TVET College website.
Documents Required for Application:
You need:
- A verified copy of your South African ID card.
- A verified copy of your best school results (like a Grade 9, 10, or 11 report, or NCV or N-Certificate results).
- Something that shows where you live (like a utility bill or a sworn statement).
- Your current resume.
- Any certificates that relate to the program you are applying for (for example, an N2 certificate if you want to be an apprentice).
- If applying for ARPL: A letter from your job saying you have worked there for at least 3 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who qualifies for free short skills courses?
Any South African citizen or permanent resident meeting the entry requirements (usually Grade 9+), plus if ARPL – several years of verifiable work experience.
Q: Do I need matric?
Not for most of these free short skills courses or CBMT courses—Grade 9 or equivalent is typical, though some learnerships or N-Certificates may require Grade 10+.
Q: How long are these programmes?
Most run from 1 month up to 9 months; ARPL can be as short as 2 weeks; CBMT is phase/level-based (3 months per phase).
Q: Are they accredited?
Yes – programmes are registered with the Quality Council for Trades & Occupations (QCTO), SETAs, or DHET (NCV/N-Certificates).
Q: Will there be any cost or hidden fees?
No tuition fees; you may only need to cover your own travel, materials, or tool kits if not provided.
Q: How do I apply?
Visit the college’s website “Apply” or “Funded Programmes” page, complete the online form, and upload your documents. Deadlines and processes vary by semester/trimester.
Q: Is there any learner support?
Most colleges offer student support services: academic tutoring, counselling, and (in some cases) work-integrated learning or placement assistance.
Free, short skills classes at South African training schools are a great chance to learn job skills without paying. These programs cover different trades like plumbing, electrical work, welding, and carpentry, leading to steady, well-paying jobs. If you want a better job or a new career, these free programs are a good choice.
Remember to check when to apply, get your papers ready, and apply to a top training school in 2025 to begin your path to becoming a skilled worker.
