Workshops

curious about, like coding, design or one of the trades. If you learn better by trying something than by hearing about it, a workshop usually teaches you more in two hours than a general information talk would.

Typical workshop topics include CV writing, portfolio preparation for creative or design courses, exam technique sessions to help Grade 11 and Grade 12 learners perform better under matric conditions, subject-choice workshops for learners still weighing up which subjects support which careers, and short taster sessions that let you try a field hands-on before committing to study it. Because workshops are usually run in smaller groups than open days or expos, you get more individual attention — a facilitator can actually watch you work and give you specific feedback, rather than delivering the same talk to a large hall.

Universities, TVET colleges, private colleges and other training providers all run workshops, though scheduling patterns vary a lot by institution type — a private college may run one most months, while a TVET college workshop tied to an open day might only be announced a week or two ahead, often on Facebook rather than a formal website. If a workshop is tied to a specific qualification, it's worth checking whether that qualification is DHET registered, SANC-accredited for nursing, or sits on the NQF — a good facilitator will happily confirm this for you.

Come prepared: bring your existing CV or portfolio drafts if the workshop is meant to improve on them, and bring specific questions rather than general ones — "how to apply" and "what APS score" questions are better asked at an open day or info session, while a workshop's real value is the practice itself. Most workshops are free, though some ask you to register in advance so they can cap group size, and details can change, so confirm on the organiser's own page before you go. Browse the workshops below to find one worth your time.