By David Muleele

On 17 and 18 September 2025, the Ekurhuleni West TVET College (EWC) embarked on an "Open Bus Blitz" to promote its college offerings. The campaign has been a huge success, with EWC staff engaging with potential students in key locations such as Alberton, Boksburg, Kempton Park, Germiston, Kathorus, and Tembisa.

The campaign was aimed at informing prospective students and the public about the college's programmes, application processes for the 2026 academic year, assistance with National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) funding applications for the 2026 academic year, and encouraging prospective students to choose TVET colleges as a first option for building their futures.

The campaign made a significant impact in promoting the college and TVET sector as a whole and empowering communities. By taking education to the people, EWC was sparking an interest in TVET education, and motivating a new generation of prospective students to consider TVET as a viable and attractive option for their future careers.

EWC's Open Bus Blitz demonstrates the college's commitment to empowering communities through education. The campaign's success was a result of the collaborative efforts of EWC staff and the Marketing and Communications division.

TVET colleges play a critical role in providing students with the skills and knowledge required to succeed in the workplace. With the TVET sector transformation, EWC is changing the way colleges deliver education by phasing out Nated/Report 191 courses and introducing occupational programmes. The Bus Campaign was one of the ways of informing and promoting occupational programmes, which provide students with more relevant and industry-specific training, increasing their employability and entrepreneurship opportunities.

Communities were also informed about the importance of TVET colleges, such as TVET colleges offering hands-on training and practical experience, preparing students for the workplace, TVET graduates being in high demand, with many employers seeking skilled and trained professionals, and TVET students gaining the skills and knowledge required to start their own businesses and become entrepreneurs.

By engaging and informing the community about the importance of TVET colleges and the transformation to occupational programmes.

Let's keep spreading the word about the TVET sector and empowering our communities through education!