Lifelong learning starts at NQF 1

Your lifelong learning journey starts at NQF 1!

From here, you can start climbing the National Qualifications Framework [Fact-Sheet-SAQA-FPI.pdf]. Depending on the level of your ambition and commitment, you can scale this “skills ladder” right to the top. Where there is a will there is a way!

Just by deciding that you want to learn is a step in the right direction. As you’ve come to realise in your adult years, a good education is important. However, we never stop learning. To keep growing and developing, we must be willing to continue gaining new knowledge. This is not only to excel in the workplace but also to become better South African citizens. As we grow and develop, we can play an even greater role in our communities and societies. This is by sharing our knowledge and putting it to good use. Through our actions, we also inspire others to learn. We also use our skills to participate in our democracy and strengthen it.

You now want to know where to start. We see you’ve done your homework. Certainly, you’ve come to the right place for advice.

NQF 1 AET

Indeed, Triple E Training is the foremost NQF 1 adult education and training (AET) provider. Others also refer to our AET as adult education and training (AET), or even adult basic education (ABE).

However, we offer this adult literacy and numeracy training specifically to companies for their employees. Certainly, you may have also come across our facilitators and learners in your communities. These classes are also being undertaken on behalf of companies. But do not lose sight of your goals because there are other organisations that will be able to help you. They specialise specifically in teaching individuals,

Nevertheless, before we point you in that direction, let’s provide you with some important information. This will avoid you wasting time. We know that you want to get started as soon as possible!

NQF Level 1 and 4

A good starting point is by explaining the importance of NQF Level 1 and 4. Remember that AET Level 4 is at NQF 1. Matric, on the other hand, is at the fourth level of the NQF. Many people still get confused between the two, so we’re just making sure that you understand the difference.

When you’ve completed all four steps of an AET programme, you have a NQF 1 qualification. This is also referred to as a General Education and Training Certificate in AET [https://allqs.saqa.org.za/showQualification.php?id=71751]. Anybody who has succeeded in achieving this qualification should be proud of themselves. This is because they are well on their way towards attaining the prized NQF 4. From there, the sky’s your limit, lifelong learner!

But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. If it were that easy, a NQF 4 certificate would be worth as much as the paper it is printed on!

Getting there requires grit, discipline and an ability to set goals for yourself. Certainly, quality education plays a big role in your learning journey. The organisations we will point you to have a great reputation for the high quality of their education. However, their learners knew exactly what they wanted. They were also willing to make the necessary sacrifices to get it. As an adult learner with grownup responsibilities, being a lifelong learner requires immense commitment, dedication and motivation. And we know you have all of these positive traits!

NQF 1 under the belt

learning starts at NQF 1 steps to success

Now, let’s take you through the process of getting that NQF 1 under your belt.

Before you start AET, your training provider is going to want to assess your literacy and numeracy skills. This will help to place you at the correct AET level. Your training provider wants you to succeed. You can only do so if you can cope with the course. If your literacy and numeracy skills are not that developed yet, you will struggle with the later AET levels. Ultimately, you will become frustrated and demotivated. No one wants to fail. Even so, when we do, we get up and try again. But our goals need to be realistic, and we must be willing to follow the steps. There are no shortcuts! This evaluation also provides your training provider with an understanding of your strengths and weaknesses. It uses this knowledge to improve your training experience.

Some adults have even had to start at pre-AET to better prepare for the programme. Yes, it took them longer, but they succeeded in getting their GETC: AET.

Depending on your skills, your training provider may place you at any one of the four AET levels. Many learners are placed at level 3 and 4, but that decision is best left to your training provider.

AET Level 1 takes you from Grades 1 to grade 3. The next level, namely 2, covers Grades 4 to 6. Grades 7 and 8 curricula are addressed by AET Level 3. AET Level 4, the last step, teaches Grade 9 skills. Notice how quickly you can cover the school curricula if you apply yourself. As many as eight grades are covered by three AET levels!

From NQF 1 to 4

There is more than one way to get from NQF 1 to the highly coveted NQF 4. NQF 4 signals to employers that you have mastered basic education skills. In other words, you are workplace literate. You can communicate efficiently with your fellow workers and understand what is being asked of you by your boss. And, you have basic maths skills that help you to find solutions to problems. You will also use these skills more accurately.

After completing AET Level 4, you can enrol for adult matric to work towards a Senior Certificate. This qualification is also simply referred to as a Matric Certificate [Senior Certificate (education.gov.za)]. The course consists of three compulsory and three elective subjects. You must choose two language subjects that are used in the workplace. One of them needs to be a home and the other an additional first language. Yes, you have to take maths-related subjects too. There is no way around it. However, having successfully completed AET, the foundations are in place to succeed. There is no such thing as a “maths person”. Maths also does not come naturally. People who are good with numbers have learnt and practiced this skill. Anyone can do maths if they really want to! We know that you are one of these individuals.

Academic path to NQF 4

So, an adult matriculant chose an academic path to a NQF 4.

This requires diligently working through the same coursework offered in high school. There are small differences between adult and conventional matric. The duration of adult matric depends on how quickly you can get through the coursework. Bear in mind your other responsibilities as an adult. Learning may have to be done during awkward hours because you still have to put food on the table! However, you will not have any classwork or assignments to complete. Certainly, this takes some pressure off you as an adult learner. The downside, however, is that these count towards the final mark of a conventional matric. Your final mark will depend solely on your performance in the examination. This requires careful planning and study throughout the year. You’ll also have to make sure that you do not fall behind. So, don’t be afraid to ask for help when you struggle. You need to be on top of your game when you believe that you are ready to write your exam!

Other paths to NQF 4

Then there are the other well-trodden paths to a NQF 4 qualification. Not everyone is academically inclined. Many of us are better at working with our hands in the field. We want to be in the heart of the action where things are mined, grown and built. This is opposed to sitting in an office all day in front of a computer. And believe it or not, there is a very high demand for people who can work well with their hands. Did you know that highly specialised tradespeople, such as electricians and welders, use more maths than average office workers? So, they’re definitely very competent people. Plumbers, for example, bring drinking water to where it is needed. Their knowledge also disposes of waste in a safe and healthy manner. Good “shutter hands” are needed to build structures that last for long. To build and maintain the many nuclear power stations that we want to build, we’ll need many skilled welders. Electricians keep us safe by ensuring that we have light in the evening. Without their skills we would also not have functioning hospitals or clinics.

If this appeals to you, pursuing a National Certificate: Vocational NC (V) is such an option. The NC (V) is equivalent to a matric certificate. Be prepared to complete four levels that get you from NQF 1 to NQF 4. Level 1 is equivalent to Grade 10 and the next step the same as Grade 11. Grade 12 is covered by level 4.

This path gives you a head-start over individuals who have completed conventional matric. Bear in mind the work-specific skills that you learn. So many matriculants cannot find work because they do not have workplace-specific skills. Just because you’ve studied Shakespeare does not necessarily mean you can write a good business memo!

Where to from NQF 4?

Where to from NQF 4, you ask? That’s the spirit of a true lifelong learner!

Depending on how well you did in your matric exams, you can pursue a Bachelor’s Degree [All qualifications (unisa.ac.za)]. Or you may prefer to learn for a National Diploma [All qualifications (unisa.ac.za)]. This will entail completing N4, N5 and N6 courses in particular fields. After passing these subjects, you’ll have to commit to working in a real working environment for 18 months. This is the practical component of your education. Again, it gives you a large competitive edge over university graduates. They may have the knowledge, but they still need to learn how to apply this in practice. This can take a long time. Employers may, therefore, prefer to recruit someone with experience. How often haven’t you heard that you have insufficient work experience for jobs you’ve applied for? This is a problem you will encounter even if you have the “papers” to prove your skills.

Then there is the option of applying for a learnership. Completing a learnership always looks great on any CV. This is because it means that you gained valuable work experience while learning your trade. If you’re really committed and outperform, you may be employed permanently by the company where you completed your learnership. You’re in pole position for the sprint towards the boardroom! These work-based learning programmes are managed by the Sector Education and Training Authorities. Visit their websites to find out more about the learnerships on offer. This is a comprehensive list of all the SETAs and links to their websites: https://nationalgovernment.co.za/units/type/8/seta.

Get serious about NQF 1!

Now, it’s time to get serious about that NQF 1!

These are some options to explore but do your own research to familiarise yourself with what they entail. Remember, this is a big commitment, so do not go in unprepared.

Government provides AET at various registered learning centres. https://www.gov.za/services/services-residents/education-and-training/basic-education/register-aet-centre gives you more information on how to register for these AET programmes.

Then there are the many private AET providers who you can approach. Make sure that you are dealing with companies that are accredited by Umalusi [Home – Umalusi] to offer AET. Remember that Umalusi always has learners’ best interest at heart. It is there to ensure that you receive the best possible training. In this way, you will succeed in attaining your GETC: AET.

Oxbridge Academy [https://www.oxbridgeacademy.edu.za/courses/bridging/getc-abet-level-4/] is one such company. SmartWorx [https://www.smartworx.org.za/index.php/abet-courses-in-johannesburg-smartworx-training.html] is another. Elroi Academy [https://elroiacademy.co.za/matric-nqf-level/] provides online grades 8 to 12 courses for adults. https://www.umalusi-online.org.za/enquiries provides a list of many more, so click on the link.

Colleges offer NQF 1 qualification

And, then there are the many Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges that offer this NQF 1 qualification. Here are a few in each province:

Eastern Cape

Free State

Gauteng

KwaZulu Natal

Limpopo

Mpumalanga

North West

We wish you all the best, lifelong learner! We’ll leave you with this old Chinese proverb to keep you inspired: “Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere.”