N1-N3-CIVIL ENGINEERING SKILLS PROGRAM AFRICA FACT SHEET 2

N1-N3-Electrical_1_ SKILLS PROGRAMME AFRICA FET COLLEGE 2

N1-N3-Mechanical Skills programme AFRICA FET FACT SHEET

ARTISANAL SKILLS PROGRAMME N1-N3

        

 Program Overview:

N1 -N3 Skills Programme are foundational, short-term vocational training courses primarily in Engineering (Mechanical , Electrical , Civil) that provide theoretical knowledge (like Engineering science , Maths , Drawing ) needed to start artisan training , leading towards an NQF- aligned National Diploma after practical experience  (workplace training) and completing higher levels (N4-N6).

These qualifications act as  a pathway for those who didn’t meet Grade 12 requirements for direct entry to N4, offering key subjects to build skills for trades like  motor mechanic , fitter & turner   or electrician , and are issued as statements of results , not full NQF qualifications themselves.

 

PURPOSE OF N1- N3 SKILLS PROGRAMMES

• Artisan Training : To provide the theoretical foundation for becoming a qualified artisan in various trades .
• Access & Articulation : A second chance for learners with a National Senior Certificate (NSC) to enter engineering studies or progress to higher N-level .
• Skills  Gaps : Address specific skills deficiencies in the workforce .

KEY AREA COVERED

• Engineering studies: Mechanical (fitting , Diesel Mechanic, Boiler making ), Electrical (heavy & light current , industrial electronics ), Civil.
• Core Subjects : Engineering Drawing , Engineering Science , Mathematics and Trade theory specific  to the chosen field .

HOW THEY WORK

• Progression : you typically start at N1 and progress to N2 , then N3 .
• Subjects : Pass four subjects at each level , often requiring 40% in exams
• Practical Component :Must be combined with practical workplace experience (around 85 weeks) to qualify for a trade test .

EXAMPLE TRADE & SUBJECTS

• Mechanical N1 : Mathematics , Engineering Science, Engineering Drawing ; N2/N3  and  Motor / Diesel Theory , Fitting &machining ect.
• Electrical: N1-N3 covers Mathematics , Science , Drawing , Plus Electrical Trade Theory , Industrial Electronics .

Admission requirements

N1: Minimum of Grade 9 with Mathematics above 50% N2: N1 or equivalent

N3: N2 or equivalent

Selection Procedure

 

Proof of the above qualifications/reference and interview to confirm suitability, aptitude and experience

Course Duration

 

The duration of each level is THREE months, therefore a TRIMESTER timetable is followed. Registration takes place in January, April and August, enabling the successful student to accumulate THREE national certificates during the course of one year.

 

Career Path/opportunities

 

The holder of a National N1 – N3 Certificate in Electrical Engineering will be able to take up employment in one of the following fields:

Electrical Engineering & Construction Industrial Engineering

Process Control

Digital Electronic Engineering Industrial Electronic Engineering

 

Assessment

 

The pass requirement is a minimum of 40% per subject. Evaluations are cumulative, based on regular class tests and practical testing. At the end of each trimester an external examination is written.

 

As part of the transitional arrangements published in the Gazette, some of the N1 – N3 subjects are retained for the following purposes:

1. Providing articulation and a second chance to learners who have completed the National Senior Certificate (NSC) or equivalent qualification and would like to pursue studies towards National N Diploma: Engineering Studies or similar qualifications but did not meet the performance level required for admission.

2. Providing access to artisan training in those trades that currently do not have occupational qualifications and trade tests developed. The retained subjects have been clustered into Engineering Skills programmes for each level (N1 – N3) and allocated new programme codes.

 

These skills programmes are NOT qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF); therefore, students complete them for non-qualification purposes (as indicated in 1 and 2 above) and will only receive statements of results at completion.

 

 

Course Fees

Course only – R5 900     4 subjects, stationary is not included