The Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) is introducing new occupational engineering qualifications aimed at enhancing graduates’ employability prospects. These qualifications are designed to replace the older National Accredited Technical Education Diplomas (NATED), which are currently being phased out, according to QCTO CEO Vijayen Naidoo.
An occupational qualification, as defined by the QCTO, pertains to a trade, occupation, or profession acquired through practical, work-based learning. These qualifications are highly valued for their incorporation of real-world experience and their alignment with industry demands, increasing graduates' chances of securing employment.
Naidoo emphasises the necessity for updating old qualifications to meet current industry requirements, stating, “Our objective is to elevate the quality and relevance of vocational education and training in South Africa.” He asserts that the new qualifications will better equip graduates with specific skills sought by employers, thereby enhancing their employability upon graduation.
The QCTO, in collaboration with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), is actively working on a transition plan to modernize the qualification framework to meet contemporary industry needs. This initiative involves replacing outdated qualifications, as well as reviewing and realigning old NATED curricula to reflect current industry standards.
The proposed engineering qualifications include five electrical and two mechanical engineering programmes, as detailed in the accompanying table. Notably, the two mechanical engineering qualifications will introduce entirely new curricula under the New Qualification Regulation (NQR) category, distinct from any existing NATED programmes.
Additionally, among the electrical engineering qualifications, the electrical equipment maintenance specialist and electrical engineering draftsperson will also be new entries. The remaining engineering diplomas, categorised as Recognised Prior Learning Occupational Qualifications (RROQ), will replace outdated NATED programmes. These include the electronic engineering technician and two electrical engineering technician qualifications.
| No. | Qualification Part-qualification | Qualification type | Qualification descriptor | NQF level | Credits | Curriculum code | **RHRQ/ RROQ/ RRPQ/ NQR |
| 1 | Qualification | Occupational diploma | Electronic engineering technician (automation) | 6 | 418 | 311401-001-00-00 | RROQ |
| 2 | Qualification | Occupational certificate | Electrical equipment maintenance specialist | 6 | 121 | 311401-001-00-01 | NQR |
| 3 | Qualification | Advanced occupational certificate | Electrical engineering draftsperson | 6 | 159 | 311401-001-00-01 | NQR |
| 4 | Qualification | Occupational diploma | Electrical engineering technician (automation) | 6 | 431 | 311301-001-00-00 | RROQ |
| 5 | Qualification | Occupational diploma | Electrical engineering technician (automation) | 6 | 417 | 311501-001-00-00 | RROQ |
| 6 | Qualification | Advanced occupational certificate | Mechanical designer | 6 | 185 | 311501-001-00-02 | NQR |
| 7 | Qualification | Advanced occupational certificate | Mechanical maintainer and repairer | 6 | 233 | 311501-002-00-01 | NQR |
**RHRQ: Replace historically registered qualification RROQ: Replace registered occupational qualification RRPQ: Replace registered part qualification NQR: No qualification replacement
