The National Certificate: Vocational (NCV) is a quality qualification that allows your child to start studying in their chosen career field after Grade 9. Instead of Grade 10, Grade 11 and Grade 12, students complete NCV Level 2, Level 3 and Level 4 in the programme of their choice. They get an excellent academic education that focuses on their chosen career path and matriculate with experience in an actual workplace.

Students who pass Level 4 can apply to universities if the qualification is in a similar career field to the course they chose. The university’s regular application process and requirements will still apply. Because students gain actual workplace experience while studying, they can walk into their job with existing skills and knowledge. This gives them a benefit and professional lead above their Grade 12 counterparts who will only start gaining this experience only after three to four more years of studying.

At the end of each level, students get a national qualification with which they can start building a life beyond school. However, we strongly suggest that they complete up to Level 4, which is on the same NQF level as Grade 12.

Your child can do any of the following with a level 4 qualification:

• Go to university or other tertiary education institutions
• Start working after matric
• Start their own business