Vocational and Pre-Vocational Stream

The VOC is a 1 to 3-year vocational programme designed to prepare and equip learners with the needs for a specific work environment. Each year is a separate qualification level.

Who is the Vocational Pathway for?

The VOC is for learners who have passed Grade 9 (NQF 1) but are not suited to completing the 7 subject National Senior Certificate NSC

Who is the accrediting body for the Vocational courses?

These courses are accredited by the MICT Seta and the ETDP Seta after successful completion these courses, learners obtain a qualification issued by SAQA.
The SETA landscape is changing in 2026. The SETA-accredited courses will be replaced by QCTO-designed qualifications, which will include an external exam component, alongside coursework. Orion College will continue to offer Vocational Courses when this change is implemented. We will partner with accredited providers.

What can learners do after completing the VOC programme?

They may be able to continue their studies at NQF 5 level at a TVET college or they may choose to enter the workplace.

Currently, Orion College offers the following Vocational options in the FET phase:
NQF Level 3: End User Computing (EUC)
NQF Level 4: Technical Support
NQF Level 4: Early Childhood Development

EARLY CHILD DEVELOPMENT NQF4

What careers can I pursue with an ECD Level 4 qualification? Playschool teacher, Day care center administrator, Day care center manager or start your own ECD center.
Formative assessments take place throughout the course and learners will submit written work and evidence of practical and workplace activities. These assessments will be submitted as a Portfolio of Evidence (POE). Learners will spend time in an ECD centre to observe teaching in a real classroom setting and be able to put into practice what they have learnt.

END USER COMPUTING NQF 3

The End User Computing NQF Level 3 course includes modules on communication, numeracy, computers, Microsoft Office, the internet, email, and project management. The course teaches the basic knowledge and understanding of using Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in an organisation. It also prepares learners to be competent in End User Computing.
The course develops skills that can be applied in any industry. It also helps learners to learn from experience and apply that knowledge to future troubleshooting situations. This is preceded by a bridging course in Grade 10.

TECHNICAL SUPPORT NQF4

Further Education and Training Certificate: Information Technology: Technical Support
This qualification is designed to provide learners with an entry level for further study in Information Technology and related fields, as well as for initial employment in the computer industry.
Content includes: Entry-level hardware, software, electronics and network support, on mainly (but not limited to) desktop and hand-held devices and local area networks.