Over 300 students at Northern Cape Urban TVET College in Kimberley have received information on bursaries, skills development and the role of Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) in supporting their studies and career development.
The information session, which was hosted by the Services Sector Education and Training Authority (Services SETA) in partnership with SAPCO, formed part of the Bursary Activation Campaign.
The outreach session in Kimberley followed a similar campaign in Northern Cape Rural TVET College in Upington.
Plumbing, Carpentry and Other TVET Students Attend
Students at various programmes, including Plumbing; Safety in Society; Carpentry; and Bricklaying, attended the Services SETA activation.
The campaign aims to drive awareness around the various Services SETA bursary schemes, as well as the organisation’s role in skills development in general.
It also provided a question-and-answer forum for students to get more information on bursary-related matters.
Student Learner Highlights Benefits of SETA Awareness
One of the beneficiaries of the SETA bursary is Onneile Sethlabi, a student at NQF Level 4 in Safety in Society.
Sethlabi, who was among the participants in the Kimberley event, said that the SETA awareness campaign assisted her to gain a deeper understanding of South Africa’s skills development landscape.
She also said that the information provided during the session was enlightening, considering the role played by the other 20 SETAs in skills development.
Her comments highlight the need to create more awareness around SETAs in general, considering their crucial role in skills development.
Sethlabi Calls for More Regular SETA Funding Updates for TVET Students
Besides discussing the general role of SETAs, Sethlabi said that it was important to have more regular information on bursary-related issues, including when payments are expected to clear.
This way, students will be in a better position to manage their personal finances, considering the fact that bursaries form part of their monthly allocation.
For many learners, bursaries are a vital part of their studies, which is why it is important to keep them informed.
Why SETA Awareness Matters for TVET Learners
Funding plays a critical role in supporting students, especially those who cannot afford to pay their fees.
However, it is also important to keep them informed about bursaries and other forms of financial aid, including how and when they can apply.
Events such as the awareness campaign in Kimberley are critical in addressing these concerns.
TVET Learners Can Ask SETA Questions in Person
The activation was also an opportunity for students to interact directly with Services SETA and ask any questions they may have about bursaries and funding.
This kind of interaction is crucial in demystifying the bursary application process, which many learners find confusing.
More Than Just Financial Advice: SETA Campaign Helps Students Understand Skills Development Landscape
In addition to addressing the financial support side of things, the campaign also aimed to create awareness about the role of SETAs in developing skills.
Students who have enrolled for courses such as Plumbing, Carpentry and Bricklaying will need these skills to secure a job in the construction industry.
The fact that they have enrolled for these courses shows that they are determined to better their career prospects through skills development.
With this in mind, it is important that they are conversant with the various aspects of SETAs, including the range of opportunities on offer.
It is also important that they understand their bursary options since funding will play a vital role in supporting their studies.
Similar SETA Activation Campaign in Upington
Following the SETA awareness campaign in Kimberley, a similar event will be held in Upington for the students at Northern Cape Rural TVET College.
For students, these kind of activations are important, considering the fact that they are able to network directly with SETA officials.
In general, these events are crucial in driving awareness of bursary-related matters, addressing concerns, and answering questions.
As the bursary season gets underway, it is important that students get the information they need in order to make the best choices regarding their studies and career development.
