Further Education and Training
(Bands)

It is important to view the education and training terrain holistically; that is, as a single infrastructure. A unified dwelling comprising three integrated components. These are: The GET, as the foundation of any modern society; the HET, as the overarching roof providing research capability, development and innovation; and the FET as the wall for this magnificent edifice. Weak walls endanger the well-being of the dwelling. Failure to appreciate this integrated view and to strike an appropriate strategic mix of investments runs the risk of undermining reconstruction and development.

"Central to FET as a system of learning is the National Qualifications Framework. The NQF is the mechanism by which one part of the FET system of learning achievement relates to another. The NQF ensures that learners are able to move from one learning pathway to another, from one institutional type to another, from one level of learning to another. FET, as a comprehensive, articulated system could not exist without the NQF.

"FET consists of all learning and training programmes from NQF Levels 2 to 4, or the equivalent of Grades 10 to 12 in the school system and the National Technical Certificate One to Three in FET Colleges. It is the band within the NQF which follows directly on GET and is thus a continuation of the general education in GET and and also give access to higher education. Learners enter FET after the completion of the compulsory phase of education at Grade 9 or Level 1 of the NQF."

Further Education and Training: Quo Vadis? SAQA Bulletin: Volume 7, No 1