This course consists of an N4 Certificate, N5 Certificate and N6 Certificate. After completing the N6 Certificate students need to submit proof of 24 months experience in industry/practical before they can qualify for the National N-Diploma.

This qualification will enable students to enter the Building and Construction industry in the capacity of supervisor or foreman.

Career Options

What will I be qualified as once I’ve completed this course?

You will be qualified as a technician in the Building and Civil Industry.

In which industries will I be able to work?

• Architectural Industry
• Building Construction
• Building Industry and related trades
• Civil Engineering
• Local Government (Municipalities)
• Quantity Surveying
• Road Construction
• Structural Surveying Companies

What could I do to further improve my skills and my chances of furthering my career?

Once you have obtained your National N-Diploma you will be fully qualified as a Technician in the Building and Civil industry. This will equip you to work at any organisation within the industry that requires a technician or artisan with your qualifications. You will be able to work towards promotion within your career by working within your field of study and gaining experience within the industry. As with any other career, you would need to work very hard to prove your skills and abilities, be dedicated and be prepared to continue learning throughout your career.

Achieving the necessary entry requirements at academic level upon completion of your National N-Diploma will enable you to continue studying at an institution of Higher Education, such as a University of Technology or a University.

Programme Structure

What will I be studying during this course?

N4

• Building Administration
• Building and Structural Surveying
• Building and Structural Construction
• Quantity Surveying

N5

• Building Administration
• Building and Structural Surveying
• Building and Structural Construction
• Quantity Surveying

N6

• Building Administration
• Building and Structural Surveying
• Building and Structural Construction
• Quantity Surveying

Admission Requirements

What do I need to have completed before I can apply to study this course?

• To enter N4 – Grade 12 with 4 appropriate subjects, above 40%, N3 or equivalent qualification with appropriate subjects
• To enter N5 – N4 Certificate or equivalent qualification
• To enter N6 – N5 Certificate or equivalent qualification

Duration

• 12 weeks per level plus 2 years practical experience in the Building industry

The N1 to N3 National Certificates in the Building and Civil Engineering programme covers all the trades in Building and Civil-related industries.

Career Options

What will I be qualified as once I’ve completed this course?

The holder of a National N1 – N3 Certificate in Building and Civil Engineering will be able to take up employment in one of the following fields in construction.

• Carpentry
• Bricklaying
• Plumbing
• Painting
• Wood machinist and joinery
• Specialised field in the industry (roofing, tiling, glazing, cabinetmaking, waterproofing, trainee draughtsperson)

What will I be able to do?

• Take up a position as an apprentice or student technician to gain the necessary industrial experience to be able to do a trade test.

In which industries will I be able to work?

• In any Building and Civil-related industry.

What could I do to further improve my skills and my chances of furthering my career?

Achieving the necessary entry requirements at academic level in N3 of this course will enable you to continue studying the N4 – N6 Certificates and ultimately obtain the National N-Diploma. Alternatively the N4 Certificate with Mathematics and Engineering Science also gives access to enter Higher Education at Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) should you meet the entry requirements for that institution.

Programme Structure

What will I be studying during this course?

N1 

• Mathematics
• Building Drawing
• Engineering or Building Science
• A trade subject – select one of the following: Woodworkers/Plumbing/Bricklaying/Painting Theory

N2 

• Mathematics
• Building Drawing
• Engineering or Building Science
• A trade subject – select one of the following: Woodworkers/Plumbing/Bricklaying/Painting Theory 

N3 

• Mathematics
• Building Drawing
• Engineering or Building Science
• Building and Civil Technology

Admission Requirements

What do I need to have completed before I can apply to study this course?

• N1: Minimum of Grade 11with Mathematics above 50%
• N2: N1 or equivalent
• N3: N2 or equivalent

How do I get an apprenticeship to allow me entry into this course?

• You must be registered as an apprentice with a company.

Duration

• Each level is one trimester (12 weeks)