National Skills Fund Engages TVET Students Through Digital Skills Outreach Programme

The National Skills Fund (NSF) is enhancing the awareness of skills development and training opportunities amongst South Africa students as part of its Digital Skills Outreach Programme pilot at Tshwane South TVET College.

The project emphasises the significance of digital skills and the availability of information on careers and further learning, as these are vital in equipping young people for their next steps in employment, entrepreneurship and learning.

The national skills fund is targeted towards skills development.

The National Skills Fund (NSF) is a pivotal part of South Africa’s post-school education and training system. The NSF has been established under the auspices of the Department of Higher Education and Training and is tasked with funding skills development programmes that have a bearing on national priorities and national economic and social development.

It works with education providers and other organisations to help deliver training programmes that help to increase access to learning and build skills for the workplace.

The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) is involved in a number of initiatives such as occupational training, skills development projects, workplace based learning and skills programmes in priority sectors.

The Digital Skills Outreach Programme is part of the Tshwane South TVET College.The Digital Skills Outreach Programme is an Arm of Tshwane South TVET College.

On 29 September 2026, Tshwane South TVET College’s Pretoria West Campus hosted the Digital Skills Outreach Programme. The event included representation from the government and industry who shared information on training, certification, career development and entrepreneurial opportunities.

The programme took place as part of a project to deliver authoritative information and economic opportunities to pupils about digital skills.

The programme involved stakeholders such as the National Skills Fund, the National Electronic Media Institute of South Africa, the Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research.

The event was an opportunity for students to expand their knowledge of the skills development pathway available to them and the link between skills development and future career plans.

The Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) published an announcement about the programme and its objectives.

NSF provides information on funding and training opportunities

In the outreach programme, contacts with students took place directly, giving information about education and training opportunities supported by the National Skills Fund.

NSF Deputy Director for Bursaries, Ms Nyiko Hlekane, delivered a lecture to students on Skills Development and Economic Participation. His contribution emphasized that learning of relevant skills can assist learners in seeking employment and creating their own businesses.

The engagement also allowed students to pose questions and further their understanding of potential education and training options.

Access to information for young people to consider, about skills programmes and funding, is an important step towards informed choices about their education and careers.

Students may check for funding opportunities by referring to the official announcements and programme guidelines of NSF.

Digital Skills are important for young people for a variety of reasons.

Digital skills are being used in various job areas from business, communication, manufacturing to information technology and entrepreneurship.

Students can be more effective learners and employees in the modern world with basic computer literacy, online communication, information management, and knowledge of how to use digital tools.

Depending on the training they receive, the more specialized digital training can also be geared towards various opportunities in the sector, including software development, data analysis, cybersecurity, etc.

Digital skills development isn’t only about tech careers, though. Digital tools are used in many business and organizations in administration, customer service, record keeping and everyday activity.

These opportunities and pathways for training can be communicated to students through programmes like the Digital Skills Outreach Programme.

Where to look for NSF Funding Opportunities

Students and training providers seeking information on funding should rely on official sources, instead of ‘bait and switch’ advertising and unverified application links.

The information about the programmes, funding priorities, announcements and institutional partnerships of the National Skills Fund are published on the website of the official NF website.

Some students might be able to do the following:

• Check out the official NSF website: nsf.org.za to learn more about the fund and its programmes.
• Review funding guidelines: Review the eligibility criteria, application requirements and deadlines for specific funding opportunities.
• Check with the relevant institution: Check if your TVET college or training provider are part of NSF supported programmes.
• Check the reputability of application announcements: Don’t provide personal documents or information if you aren’t sure that an opportunity is legitimate.

Finally, it should be noted that in general, it is through eligible institutions and organisations that implement skills development projects that the NSF funds. Each programme has its own arrangements, so individual students must look into this before assuming that all funding opportunities accept direct applications.

Additional information is available through the NSF Frequently Asked Questions page and the NSF publications portal.

Ensuring better connections between education and employment

TVET colleges and industry stakeholders can enhance learners’ awareness of the link between education and the labour market by engaging with government departments in collaboration.

Vocational and Occupational (VO) training offered by TVET colleges aims at building practical knowledge and skills. If students are also provided with accurate information on career pathways, certification and funding, they can make informed decisions regarding their next steps.

The National Skills Fund’s involvement in the Digital Skills Outreach Programme underscores the importance of bridging the gap between students and information on skills development opportunities.

Regular interaction between education providers and skills development providers can help increase awareness of programmes and prompt learners to consider training that is of interest to them and aligns with their career aspirations.

Conclusion

The National Skills Fund (NSF) is a beneficiary of the Digital Skills Outreach Programme (DSOP) at the Tshwane South TVET College, emphasising the need to make information on training, funding and career development available to learners.

The NSF is actively working with learners, and actively and meaningfully contributing to wider work on skills development and linking education with employment and entrepreneurship opportunities in South Africa.

Students interested in the programs that are offered should listen to the NSF announcements and check with their college and carefully read the requirements of each program.

Official sources for further information:

• National Skills Fund — Official Website
• Digital Skills Outreach Programme — National Skills Fund
• Department of Higher Education and Training — NSF Information
• Government Communication and Information System — Programme Announcement

Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes. Funding availability, eligibility requirements and application deadlines may vary by programme. Always confirm details through the relevant official source.