DHET is phasing out NATED qualifications at TVET colleges DHET Replaces NATED with QCTO Occupational Courses focused on practical, work-based skills.
🎓 DHET to Phase Out NATED (Report 191) Qualifications: DHET Replaces NATED with QCTO Occupational Courses Programmes
📍 Introduction
The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) has officially begun phasing out the long-standing NATED (Report 191) qualifications offered at Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges across South Africa.
In their place, DHET is rolling out a new generation of occupational qualifications developed under the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO).
This transformation marks one of the biggest education reforms in the TVET sector — aimed at aligning South Africa’s vocational training with modern industry demands, global standards, and employability outcomes.
⚙️ What Are NATED (Report 191) Qualifications?
For decades, NATED qualifications — also known as National Accredited Technical Education Diplomas — have been the backbone of technical education in South Africa.
These programmes, ranging from N1 to N6, were developed in the 1980s to train artisans, technicians, and administrative professionals in fields like:
- Engineering Studies (Electrical, Mechanical, Civil)
- Business Studies (Marketing, Management, HR)
- Utility Studies (Tourism, Hospitality, and more)
While the NATED system has produced thousands of skilled workers, it has faced criticism for being outdated, too theoretical, and less aligned with real workplace needs.
🧭 Why DHET Replaces NATED with QCTO Occupational Courses
According to the Department of Higher Education and Training, the main goal of the transition is to modernize South Africa’s skills development system.
Here’s why the shift is happening:
- Industry Relevance:
QCTO qualifications are designed with industry input, ensuring learners acquire practical, work-based skills that match current job demands. - Workplace Integration:
Unlike the old classroom-heavy NATED model, QCTO programmes require on-the-job learning and real-world assessments. - Global Recognition:
QCTO qualifications align with international occupational standards, improving the global mobility of South African graduates. - Reducing Redundancy:
Many NATED courses overlap with new occupational programmes, causing confusion for employers and students alike. - Quality Assurance:
QCTO qualifications are quality-assured, competency-based, and designed to ensure that graduates can perform actual job tasks effectively.
🧩 What Is the QCTO?
The Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) is a statutory body established under the Skills Development Act. It oversees the design, accreditation, and quality assurance of occupational qualifications and trades.
The QCTO works closely with:
- Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs)
- Professional bodies
- Industry experts and employers
This collaboration ensures that every qualification reflects real occupational competence — meaning students who graduate can immediately contribute to the workforce.
🏫 What This Means for TVET Colleges
TVET colleges will gradually replace their NATED (Report 191) courses with QCTO programmes between 2024 and 2027.
Youth Urged to Pursue Trade Careers Because of high unemployment rate in 2025
The DHET Replaces NATED with QCTO Occupational Courses will not happen overnight. It’s being implemented in stages to minimize disruption for current students.
Here’s how it will work:
- No new enrolments will be allowed in certain NATED programmes after their replacement QCTO qualifications are accredited and available.
- Current NATED students will be allowed to complete their studies and obtain their certificates.
- Colleges will receive training, support, and resources to implement new curricula and workplace-based learning systems.
📅 Timeline for the Transition
The DHET has outlined a phased transition period that will run until 2027, depending on the readiness of each TVET college and the availability of QCTO-accredited alternatives.
By 2028, it is expected that all NATED qualifications will be fully replaced by occupational programmes under the QCTO framework.
🛠️ Benefits of QCTO Occupational Qualifications
Students and employers stand to gain significantly from the new model.
For Students:
- Learn directly from industry experts and workplace mentors.
- Graduate with recognized occupational certificates.
- Access better employment opportunities and career mobility.
- Participate in practical training, not just theory.
For Employers:
- Hire graduates with job-ready skills.
- Reduce the need for costly post-hiring training.
- Benefit from structured workplace learning partnerships with TVET colleges.
For the Economy:
- Build a workforce that matches South Africa’s industrial and technological needs.
- Strengthen local manufacturing, construction, and service industries.
📘 Examples of QCTO Occupational Qualifications
Here are some examples of QCTO programmes that will replace NATED ones:
| Old NATED Programme | New QCTO Qualification |
|---|---|
| Electrical Engineering N1–N6 | Occupational Certificate: Electrician |
| Business Management N4–N6 | Occupational Certificate: Office Administrator |
| Mechanical Engineering N1–N6 | Occupational Certificate: Fitter and Turner |
| Hospitality N4–N6 | Occupational Certificate: Food and Beverage Manager |
Each new qualification includes knowledge modules, practical skills training, and work experience modules.
💬 What DHET and QCTO Say
The DHET has emphasized that the transition is a necessary evolution to make TVET education more responsive to economic needs.
“Our goal is to ensure that TVET colleges produce graduates who can participate meaningfully in the economy, equipped with modern, industry-aligned skills,” said a DHET spokesperson.
Similarly, QCTO leadership stated that occupational qualifications will help South Africa reduce youth unemployment by producing competent, work-ready graduates.
⚠️ What Current Students Should Do
If you’re currently enrolled in a NATED programme, don’t panic — you can still complete your qualification and it will remain valid and recognized.
However, if you’re planning to register for a new course, check whether your college has already switched to a QCTO qualification.
You can confirm this by visiting your college’s admissions office or checking the official QCTO website for the latest accredited programmes.
🌐 Useful Links
- Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET)
- Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO)
- National Artisan Development Support Centre (NADSC)
- South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA)
🏁 Conclusion
The phasing out of NATED (Report 191) qualifications marks the beginning of a new era for vocational education in South Africa.
Through QCTO occupational qualifications, the DHET aims to make TVET colleges more relevant, modern, and responsive to the real needs of the job market.
For students, this means greater employability, practical training, and recognition both locally and internationally.
As South Africa continues to build its future workforce, this shift represents progress — turning theory into practice and education into real opportunity.
