Vital College

Vital College is a private training provider with its head office in Durban North, KwaZulu-Natal, and further centres in Hyde Park, Johannesburg, and Bellville, Cape Town. It was established in 2006 and operates as Vital College (Pty) Ltd, which describes itself as part of the Excellerate Group of Companies. The college focuses on adult occupational and vocational education up to NQF level 6, alongside workplace training for employers.

The college states that it is accredited by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) and by four sector education and training authorities: the Safety and Security SETA, the Services SETA, the MICT SETA and the Health and Welfare SETA. Some of its security and fire-safety courses carry separate industry accreditation, including from the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority.

Most teaching happens online. Learners work through a Moodle learning platform that holds course material, assessments, webinars and lecturer support, so the full qualifications are completed largely from home. Every learner must still attend a compulsory in-person induction and the final integrated summative assessment at one of the three centres. Some short courses, such as first aid, firefighting and security training, are taught in a classroom instead, and one care programme is offered in Durban only.

The main offering is a set of QCTO occupational certificates at NQF levels 4 to 6, in fields such as office supervision, facilities management, contact centre management, cybersecurity, cloud administration, computer support, occupational health and safety, and security management. The college also offers SETA-registered national certificates and further education and training certificates, from NQF level 2 upwards, in business administration, generic management, health promotion and home-based care. Shorter skills programmes in administration, teamwork, workplace communication and management usually run over a few months.

Applications are made through an online system, and the college does not publish fixed intake dates. Entry requirements differ by programme: many ask for communication at NQF level 3, which is Grade 11 level, and some also ask for mathematical literacy at that level. Learners need a computer, tablet or smartphone and a reliable internet connection. International applicants need a valid passport, a study permit and proof of residence.

Fees are published per qualification on the college's own site, and payment plans are paid in monthly instalments. The college awards bursaries to South African citizens at its own discretion and particularly welcomes applicants with registered disabilities.