FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. What is a Learnership?
• A learnership is an alternative form of training that places the emphasis on practical experience.
• A contract is signed between three parties: the training provider (college), the learner, workplace (company).
• Each learner enters into a temporary employment contract with the workplace.
• Learners attend theory classes one day per week for 18 months. The work that is taught in class (theory) is then practised in the workplace.
• A learner spends most of his/her time in the workplace. The main benefit is: practical hands-on training in a work environment.
• A learnership consists of a structured learning component and practical work experience of a specific nature and duration and culminates in a full qualification registered with SAQA.
• A learnership programme is composed of
Training at a college (± 30%); Practical experience in the workplace (± 70%)
• Both learnerships and skills programmes are meant for people who are already employed as well as people who want to enter the workplace.
• Learnerships are composed of SAQA unit standards, which have a total number of credits depending on the qualification level reflected on the NQF. Unit standards are components or building blocks of NQF qualifications. Each unit standard is formulated in such a way that it can also be used as a skills programme.

2. Who can apply for Learnerships at WCC?
• Prospective learners that fall within the West Coast District municipalities can apply for a learnership.

3. Where are ECD Learnership programmes offered?
• Atlantis campus 021 5771727
• Malmesbury campus 022 9212457
• Citrusdal campus 022 4872851
• Vredenburg campus 022 7133167
• Vredendal campus 027 2135673

4. When can I apply?
• Students can apply throughout the year.
• All applications for ECD must be done online. Please visit the website www.westcoastcollege.co.za
• Successful candidates will receive feedback on when to start with their training.

5. What are the documents that I must attach to my online application?
• Certified copy (not older than 3 months) of ID document.
• Certified copy of latest school results.
• Proof of address where student is currently residing.
• A dated and signed permission letter from the Principal of the crèche or primary school where the practical component will be done for 18 months.

6. Is transport or accommodation provided for students who attend learnership training?
• No. Students must pay for their own transport. Students receive monthly stipends that make provision for transport costs.
• No accommodation is provided for Occupational learnerships.

7. Tell me more about ECD (Early Childhood Development) (ECD) Occupational Programmes
• This programme covers all aspects of the development of children, layout and planning of creative activities to develop children holistically, planning and implementation of relevant activities.

Programme Offerings:
ECD Practitioner Assistant NQF Level 1
Further Education and Training Certificate in ECD NQF Level 4
Higher Certificate in ECD NQF Level 5

Admission Requirements:
• Grade 9 certificate for GETC: ECD (Level 1)
• Grade 11/12 certificate for FETC: ECD (Level 4)
• Successful completion of the FETC: ECD Level 4.
Course Delivery Mode: Full Time

8. Is the ECD Learnership training equal to a teacher qualification at a University?
• No. Students who complete Learnership programmes are qualified to work in ECD Centres. To be a Foundation Phase teacher a candidate must be in possession of either a B.Ed. Degree (Grade R-3) on NQF 7 or a National Diploma in ECD on NQF 6.