Maybe you are interested to do Engineering, but not sure of the route to take. Perhaps, you may be confused between an engineering degree and technical engineering course! What you need to do is to first undertake thorough research on both the options and accordingly find out what suits your education needs and future career needs better.
Comparing between an engineering degree and technical engineering qualification
• Qualification level: The basic difference noticed between a technical engineering course a diploma or national certificate and a university degree is the qualification level you tend to receive upon completion. Difference in qualification level however does not mean much on its own. Rather what matters the most is how it relates to other aspects.
• Specialization: South African Universities offer comprehensive and broad degree programs like Process Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Civil Engineering. Technical Diploma and Certificate programs are quite specialised. They offer unique qualification in the field of engineering like Motor Mechanics, Boilermaking, Turning & Fitting and Millwright work. Specialization offers in-depth domain related training. Thus, you can qualify easily for the specified job.
• Course Content: Engineering degree is more academic and theoretical. On the other hand, technical Accredited Engineering N1 to N6 diploma Courses focus more on practical applications. An engineer having a degree is likely to be preferred at automotive manufacturing company in project management position. Those with technical qualification can perform technical work effortlessly.
• Completion time: Generally, engineering degree requires full-time studying for four years. Diploma or national certificate has been divided into different courses with each one requiring one year to complete. N1 can be completed in Motor Mechanics to earn National Certificate. Then you can earn N2 qualification. Also will be required to complete learnership program to earn engineering national diploma.
• Affordability: A major factor that influences students in huge numbers to take decision to undergo engineering is funding. South African universities are known to charge very high fees. There are colleges that offer technical qualifications that are quite affordable for even the average students. Most colleges here are found to structure their fees, thereby making it easier to pursue higher studies.
• Places of study: Engineering degree is available only at the University level. There are numerous institutions spread across the country that offer a technical qualification. Each such institution has its own entry requirement criteria that students are to fulfil to get admission. For example, getting admitted into a university will be more difficult when compared to joining a technical college.
Making the right decision
Whether you want to pursue an engineering degree or technical diploma will entirely be based on your budget, domain interest and marks earned in previous exams. Getting into an accredited college will ensure you get the very best education possible that will take you different places.