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 and 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

3LEVEL

SEWING MACHINE MECHANICS

NQF LEVEL: 3
CREDITS: 48
DURATION: 4 MONTHS
CONTACT TIME: 1 DAY PER WEEK

This programme reflects the workplace-based needs within the sector. This Skills Programme provides the learner with accessibility to be employed in manufacturing support processes. This Skills Programme gives learners exposure to a set of elective competencies in respect of the maintenance and repair of the Lockstitch, Overlock and Coverseam sewing machines.

2LEVEL

BASIC 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.

2LEVEL

SEWING AND PRODUCTIVITY / 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. Learners completing this Skills Programme will effectively undergo a cross training and multi-skilling intervention at plant level. This Skills Programme will also equip learners with the necessary knowledge required to demonstrate an understanding of productivity processes and practices OR demonstrate an understanding the importance of continuously improving quality standards.

2LEVEL

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

2LEVEL

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.

3LEVEL

PRODUCTIVITY AND QUALITY

NQF LEVEL: Cluster of Unit Standards at Level 1, 2, 3
CREDITS: 31
DURATION: 4 MONTHS
CONTACT TIME: 1 DAY A WEEK

The Skills Programme is designed to equip learners with the necessary skills and knowledge required to plan resource requirements, understand and apply the concept of line balancing, whilst ensuring for the application of basic lean manufacturing principles. This programme comprises both theory and practical components.

4LEVEL

TEAM LEADER SKILLS PROGRAMME

NQF LEVEL: Cluster of unit standards at levels 3 and 4
CREDITS: 36
DURATION: 4 MONTHS
CONTACT TIME: 1 DAY PER WEEK

This Team Leader Skills Programme is geared toward the development of First Line Supervisors and or Team Leaders, Set Leaders as well as individuals who are earmarked for development as Team Leaders. The Programme is designed to equip learners with a range of knowledge, skills, values and attitudes related to Planning, Organising, Leading and Controlling. The programme scope covers four key areas, namely Leadership, Self-Management, People Management and Management Practices.

1LEVEL

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.

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. 

Steady Mukondiwa (Director of Productivity and Training Institute)

Contact Us

Learners –

apply via the Learner Application Portal

Employers, Community Based Organisations and other Industry Stakeholders –

contact us via the Business Portal