Free State Community Education and Training College (FS CETC) is a public college established by the Minister of Higher Education and Training in 2015 in terms of the Continuing Education and Training Act 16 of 2006. It was formed by absorbing 204 formerly independent Public Adult Learning Centres across the Free State province, which were rebranded as Community Learning Centres (CLCs) and Satellite Learning Centres (SLCs). The college now operates 15 CLCs and 171 SLCs across five districts: Mangaung Metro (4 CLCs, 51 SLCs), Lejweleputswa (3 CLCs, 29 SLCs), Thabo Mofutsanyana (3 CLCs, 46 SLCs), Fezile Dabi (3 CLCs, 29 SLCs) and Xhariep (2 CLCs, 16 SLCs). Its head office is at the Spitskop Building, 86 Kellner Street, Westdene, Bloemfontein. The college provides education, training and development for out-of-school youth and adults, offering AET, GETC, Senior Certificate, occupational and non-formal programmes. The Tjheseho Community Learning Centre operates as an Agricultural Skills Hub.
Programmes Offered
- Adult Education and Training (AET) Sub-Level 1 (language of instruction, an African language, and compulsory numeracy)
- Adult Education and Training (AET) Sub-Level 2 (language of instruction, an African language, compulsory numeracy, plus integrated studies or a skills programme)
- Adult Education and Training (AET) Sub-Level 3 (language of instruction, an African language, compulsory numeracy, plus integrated studies or a skills programme)
- General Education and Training Certificate (GETC) / AET Level 4 (SAQA ID 71751) – Fundamentals: official language, Mathematical Literacy or Mathematics; Core: Life Orientation; Electives from academic learning areas (Human and Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, Economic and Management Sciences, Arts and Culture, Technology) or vocational learning areas (Applied Agriculture, Ancillary Health Care, Information Communication Technology, Early Childhood Development, Travel and Tourism)
- Senior Certificate (Matric for adults) – six subjects, exam-based, choice among 11 official languages plus Agricultural Sciences, Accounting, Business Studies, Economics, Geography, History, Religion Studies, Computer Applications Technology, Information Technology, Life Sciences, Mathematical Literacy, Mathematics, Physical Sciences
- Occupational Part Qualifications (funding-dependent): Welding, Plumbing, Bricklaying and Plastering, Carpentry, Tiling, Automotive Repair and Maintenance, Automotive Body Painting, Automotive Basic Spray, Bicycle Mechanic, Basic Electricity, Cooking/Catering, Baking, Assistant Chef, Hairdressing, Sewing, Sales Assistant, General Merchandising, Gardening, Early Childhood Development, Driver's Licence
- Non-Formal Programmes (funding-dependent): Voter Education, Environmental Practice, Life Skills, Learner's Driver's Licence, Braille, Computer Literacy, Gardening