Technical and Critical Skills Programmes

Technical and critical skills programmes

At Thandeka, we’re proud to offer accredited credit-bearing skills programmes that nurture growth and potential. Our Level 2–4 programmes support employed learners in the R-CTFL sector, focusing on essential skills in manufacturing, such as quality assurance, productivity, and team leadership.

For aspiring entrepreneurs, our Level 1 Domestic Sewing programme provides a gentle introduction to clothing manufacturing, equipping individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to start small home or community-based businesses. We’re here to guide and empower every step of the way.

Enrol in a technical or critical skills programme

Our skills programmes are thoughtfully tailored to provide participants with both knowledge and practical skills, focusing on real-world applications. Designed to be completed within 3 to 6 months, these programmes deliver impactful learning in a manageable timeframe.

Explore our credit-bearing skills programmes

DOMESTIC SEWING MACHINE SKILLS

NQF LEVEL: 1
CREDITS: 46
DURATION: 3 MONTHS
CONTACT TIME: 8 WEEKS

Geared toward individuals working in the informal (& formal) sectors who are currently operating, or who wish to start their own clothing manufacturing home or community-based business.

GARMENT COSTING

NQF LEVEL: 1
CREDITS: 4
DURATION: 1 DAY

This skills intervention in Garment Costing will equip learners with the skills and knowledge required to identify component parts of a product and in so doing calculate the quantities and cost of various component parts as per customer requirements.

HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PRACTICES

NQF LEVEL: 2
CREDITS: 12
DURATION: 3 DAYS

This skills intervention will equip learners with the necessary knowledge to understand and apply the safety, health and environmental compliance requirements within the industry.

SEWING MACHINE SETUP, MAINTENANCE, AND OPERATION

NQF LEVEL: 2
CREDITS: 36
DURATION: 4-6 MONTHS
CONTACT TIME: 8 WEEKS

This skills development programme is designed to develop the knowledge and practical skills required to prepare, set, operate, troubleshoot and perform routine maintenance on industrial sewing machines used within clothing manufacturing environments.

SEWING AND QUALITY

NQF LEVEL: 2
CREDITS: 46
DURATION: 3 MONTHS
CONTACT TIME: 8 WEEKS

This Skills Programme is geared toward existing Sewing Machine Operators who would like to accumulate credits toward a nationally recognised qualification. This Skills Programme will provide learners with the necessary skills and knowledge to utilise a range of sewing machines and perform a range of operations as determined through a Skills Matrix.

QUALITY AND FINISHING

NQF LEVEL: 2
CREDITS: 46
DURATION: 3 MONTHS
CONTACT TIME: 6 WEEKS

This Skills Training Programme will provide the learner with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively finish, examine and dispatch garments. This Skills Programme will also equip learners with the necessary knowledge required to demonstrate an understanding of quality procedures and practices

PATTERN MAKING

NQF LEVEL: 2
CREDITS: 46
DURATION: 4 MONTHS
CONTACT TIME: 1 DAY PER WEEK

This Skills Training Programme will provide the learner with the necessary skills and knowledge to design and make patterns for sewn products. Learners will draft a minimum of four basic blocks covering the upper and lower body. The learner will complete at least four patterns. Learners completing this Skills Programme will also demonstrate an understanding of quality procedures and practices.

CUTTING AND MATERIALS HANDLING

NQF LEVEL: 2
CREDITS: 46
DURATION: 3 MONTHS
CONTACT TIME: 6 WEEKS

This Skills Programme will provide the learner with the necessary skills and knowledge required to carry out a range of manual processes within the cutting room inclusive of laying-up, fusing and soabaring.

ENTREPRENEURIAL SKILLS

NQF LEVEL: Cluster of unit standards at levels 1 and 2
CREDITS: 41
DURATION: 3 MONTHS
CONTACT TIME: 7 WEEKS

Our Entrepreneurial Skills Programme empowers learners to think creatively, apply core business principles, and develop practical tools for success. Participants learn to compile simple business plans, cost and price products effectively, and manage personal finances with confidence. The programme also strengthens problem‑solving, financial literacy, and workplace improvement skills — equipping future entrepreneurs to grow sustainable businesses and contribute meaningfully to the economy.

QUALITY AND PRODUCTIVITY

NQF LEVEL: Cluster of unit standards at levels 1,2, and 3
CREDITS: 34
DURATION: 3 MONTHS
CONTACT TIME: 7 WEEKS

Our Continuous Improvement Programme empowers teams to boost productivity, apply quality standards consistently, and reduce waste. By improving efficiency, managing time effectively, and costing garments accurately, the programme supports lean manufacturing principles and drives ongoing workplace excellence.

TEAM LEADER DEVELOPMENT

NQF LEVEL: Cluster of unit standards at levels 1, and 4
CREDITS: 37
DURATION: 4-6 MONTHS
CONTACT TIME: 1 DAY PER WEEK

Our Team Leader Development Programme equips learners with the knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes needed to lead effectively in a production environment. Participants gain a clear understanding of team leader responsibilities, apply management functions, motivate and develop team members, and manage workplace performance. The programme also strengthens communication, planning, and time management, while supporting organisational goals and encouraging personal career and leadership growth.

FRONT-LINE ASSEMBLY / PRODUCTION SUPERVISORY SKILLS

NQF LEVEL: Cluster of unit standards at levels 1, 2, and 4
CREDITS: 32
DURATION: 3 MONTHS
CONTACT TIME: 6 WEEKS

This programme is an operationally focused, practical supervisory programme aimed at improving production floor performance focusing on three critical areas of productivity, quality and output, and production planning.

TIME AND WORK MANAGEMENT

NQF LEVEL: 4
CREDITS: 5
DURATION: 2 DAYS

This skills intervention in Time and Work Management will enable learners to manage time and prioritise tasks in a work environment.

Testimonial

This serves to give a reference to the effective Supervisory Training that TVET SA (Thandeka) has given to the Clothing Sector in the Western Cape for 20 learners from seven companies who all completed successfully. The programme is being rolled out to all the other provinces of clothing manufacturing because of the positive recommendation from participating students and participating companies.

As the training arm of the sector under the NBC, we are very proud of our relationship with TVET SA which has become our main training service provider for the sector. TVET SA has trained close to 400 learners in the NBC collaboration sectoral projects and is planning to engage in more innovative trainings with TVET SA as the training landscape changes with the evolving of new technologies needing new skills.

Some of the key attributes we have picked from TVETSA as a service provide include but is not only limited to the following:

Ethical behaviour
Relevant training material
Qualified trainers and tutors
Professional behaviour
Innovative and flexible
Very good communication and project management skills
Very knowledgeable on the NQF/SETA/QCTO processes.

We give a thumbs up to the level of training TVETSA has given in our projects and we support their credibility and inclusive approach in making training impactful.