Boilermaking and Structural Steel (TVET) Programmes at SA TVET Colleges 2026
21 programmes listed across 21 TVET colleges. Free application. NSFAS funded.
| TVET College | Programme | Entry Level | Subject Requirements | Career Paths |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buffalo City TVET College TVET College |
Boilermaking (N1-N6) N1-N6 Certificate · 18 months - 3 years |
16 | Math Lit OK (L3+) English L3+ |
Boilermaker, Plater |
| King Sabata Dalindyebo TVET College TVET College |
Boilermaking (N1-N6) N1-N6 Certificate · 18 months - 3 years |
16 | Math Lit OK (L3+) English L3+ |
Boilermaker, Plater |
| Port Elizabeth TVET College TVET College |
Boilermaking (N1-N6) N1-N6 Certificate · 18 months - 3 years |
16 | Math Lit OK (L3+) English L3+ |
Boilermaker, Plater |
| Flavius Mareka TVET College TVET College |
Boilermaking (N1-N6) N1-N6 Certificate · 18 months - 3 years |
16 | Math Lit OK (L3+) English L3+ |
Boilermaker, Plater |
| Goldfields TVET College TVET College |
Boilermaking (N1-N6) N1-N6 Certificate · 18 months - 3 years |
16 | Math Lit OK (L3+) English L3+ |
Boilermaker, Plater |
| Motheo TVET College TVET College |
Boilermaking (N1-N6) N1-N6 Certificate · 18 months - 3 years |
16 | Math Lit OK (L3+) English L3+ |
Boilermaker, Plater |
| Central Johannesburg TVET College TVET College |
Boilermaking (N1-N6) N1-N6 Certificate · 18 months - 3 years |
16 | Math Lit OK (L3+) English L3+ |
Boilermaker, Plater |
| Ekurhuleni West TVET College TVET College |
Boilermaking (N1-N6) N1-N6 Certificate · 18 months - 3 years |
16 | Math Lit OK (L3+) English L3+ |
Boilermaker, Plater |
| Tshwane North TVET College TVET College |
Boilermaking (N1-N6) N1-N6 Certificate · 18 months - 3 years |
16 | Math Lit OK (L3+) English L3+ |
Boilermaker, Plater |
| Elangeni TVET College TVET College |
Boilermaking (N1-N6) N1-N6 Certificate · 18 months - 3 years |
16 | Math Lit OK (L3+) English L3+ |
Boilermaker, Plater |
| Majuba TVET College TVET College |
Boilermaking (N1-N6) N1-N6 Certificate · 18 months - 3 years |
16 | Math Lit OK (L3+) English L3+ |
Boilermaker, Plater |
| Thekwini TVET College TVET College |
Boilermaking (N1-N6) N1-N6 Certificate · 18 months - 3 years |
16 | Math Lit OK (L3+) English L3+ |
Boilermaker, Plater |
| Umfolozi TVET College TVET College |
Boilermaking (N1-N6) N1-N6 Certificate · 18 months - 3 years |
16 | Math Lit OK (L3+) English L3+ |
Boilermaker, Plater |
| Lephalale TVET College TVET College |
Boilermaking (N1-N6) N1-N6 Certificate · 18 months - 3 years |
16 | Math Lit OK (L3+) English L3+ |
Boilermaker, Plater |
| Waterberg TVET College TVET College |
Boilermaking (N1-N6) N1-N6 Certificate · 18 months - 3 years |
16 | Math Lit OK (L3+) English L3+ |
Boilermaker, Plater |
| Ehlanzeni TVET College TVET College |
Boilermaking (N1-N6) N1-N6 Certificate · 18 months - 3 years |
16 | Math Lit OK (L3+) English L3+ |
Boilermaker, Plater |
| Gert Sibande TVET College TVET College |
Boilermaking (N1-N6) N1-N6 Certificate · 18 months - 3 years |
16 | Math Lit OK (L3+) English L3+ |
Boilermaker, Plater |
| Nkangala TVET College TVET College |
Boilermaking (N1-N6) N1-N6 Certificate · 18 months - 3 years |
16 | Math Lit OK (L3+) English L3+ |
Boilermaker, Plater |
| Orbit TVET College TVET College |
Boilermaking (N1-N6) N1-N6 Certificate · 18 months - 3 years |
16 | Math Lit OK (L3+) English L3+ |
Boilermaker, Plater |
| Vuselela TVET College TVET College |
Boilermaking (N1-N6) N1-N6 Certificate · 18 months - 3 years |
16 | Math Lit OK (L3+) English L3+ |
Boilermaker, Plater |
| Northlink TVET College TVET College |
Boilermaking (N1-N6) N1-N6 Certificate · 18 months - 3 years |
16 | Math Lit OK (L3+) English L3+ |
Boilermaker, Plater |
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications do I need to study Boilermaking and Structural Steel (TVET) at a TVET college?
For NCV (National Certificate Vocational) programmes you need a Grade 9 pass — no matric required. For NATED (Report 191) N1-N6 programmes, a Grade 9 pass is the minimum, though some colleges prefer Grade 10 or 11. This makes TVET colleges accessible to learners who have not yet completed matric and to those who want a practical, work-focused qualification after school.
Is a Boilermaking and Structural Steel (TVET) programme free in South Africa?
Application to all 50 public TVET colleges in South Africa is completely free. Tuition fees vary by college but NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme) covers tuition, accommodation, and a living allowance for eligible students. To qualify for NSFAS: South African citizenship and household income under R350,000 per year. SASSA grant recipients automatically qualify. Apply at nsfas.org.za.
How long does the Boilermaking and Structural Steel (TVET) programme take at a TVET college?
Programme durations: 18 months - 3 years. NCV programmes run over 3 years (Levels 2, 3, and 4). NATED N1-N6 programmes take 18 months to 3 years depending on how you complete the practical (18 months in-college plus 18 months workplace experience required for a trade test). Once you pass the DHET trade test you become a certified artisan.
What jobs can I get with a Boilermaking and Structural Steel (TVET) TVET qualification?
Career paths from Boilermaking and Structural Steel (TVET) programmes include: Boilermaker, Plater, Pressure Vessel Fabricator. Artisan trades are among the highest-demand occupations in South Africa. The construction, mining, manufacturing, and energy sectors have chronic shortages of qualified technical workers — meaning strong employment prospects and competitive salaries for qualified graduates.
Can I go to university after completing a TVET programme?
Yes. An NCV Level 4 with the right subjects is equivalent to matric and can be used to apply to university, though APS requirements still apply. Completing N6 and a trade test qualifies you as a certified artisan — you can then pursue a National Diploma or B-Tech at a University of Technology. Many TVET graduates also enter the workforce first and study further part-time.