About Business Innovation and Partnerships
The Business Innovation and Partnerships division serves as the bridge between academic learning and real-world application, ensuring graduates are industry-ready and equipped with both technical skills and entrepreneurial mindset needed for South Africa’s economic development.
Units with the BIP
The Office of Career Guidance and Job Placement staff is available to assist students with a wide range of issues and concerns that might arise at entry and exit level. We seek to understand the unique experiences of each student, keeping in mind the context of their identities. A student’s race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religious or spiritual identity, sex, ability or disability, country of origin, documentation status, first generation college student status, and other aspects of identity may all impact how they navigate academic challenges, process moments of tension within the community, consideration of stress reduction or a leave of absence, or any other issue with which we might be supporting them, career guidance and job placement services aside.
While much of our work is with individual students, we also engage in education and outreach programmes to community centres, state-owned and non-state-owned organisations. In doing so, we seek to strengthen our relationship with our community thus alleviating challenges and crises that might affect the future workforce. We seek to provide compassionate support which encourages student agency, and we see our work as constantly evolving in our relationship with the students whom we serve. We seek to educate ourselves and welcome feedback at any time in relation to our work.
Career guidance and counselling Exit Skills Workshops
- Entrepreneurship Skills Workshop
- Job Preparedness Skills Workshop
- Financial Literacy Skills Workshop
Provide link to:
- Workplace-Based Experience
- Work Integrated Learning (WIL) / In-service Training
- Learnerships
- Part time/Contract – Permanent Employment opportunities
A big chunk of our day goes in the vocation we choose. What is the quality of those hours we spend? Are we wanting to be there doing what we are doing? Are we able to do it well? Is it meeting the needs of our life? Does it make us happy or leave us stressed at the end of the day? Career Guidance helps students and adults make appropriate choices for our career/vocation/profession. Today this service is also very significant as the mushrooming of several new careers has made it difficult for youngsters to make an informed choice and for parents to guide their children. Career Guidance Unit at Gert Sibande TVET College offers a variety of services to enable youngsters make suitable educational and career choices and find their place in life.
Career Guidance Assessment
Career Guidance Assessment offers detailed assessment of:
- Aptitude
- Interest
- Personality
which helps individuals discover suitable and realistic educational & career choices.
Testing is also carried out for individuals and small groups at the SSS Centre. We conduct Career Guidance testing for students and walk-ins, which helps them explore suitable educational & career options to enable realistic choices rather than stumble into an academic stream or career. Conducting testing helps individuals become aware of their strengths, interest and personality to enable them to make informed choices. This also assist individuals to fine tune their future options and provide them with alternative career choices. Having alternatives helps in avoiding disappointment when they cannot get the only option they have.
Outreach Programmes
Basics of career mapping
Helps learners in local high schools, community centres and other public institutions understand the importance of making a choice rather than stumbling into any career. Individuals are made aware of the factors they need to consider whilst making a suitable choice about their vocation.
Helps individuals with:
- Goal Setting and coping with road blocks in achieving them.
- Making educational and career choices and informing them about the streams of education, career options available, entrepreneurship development and other career alternatives.
This is an interactive platform with PowerPoint presentations, movie clips and several activities. The programme can be tailored to the needs of the target group and environmental factors.
Consultations with Career Guidance Counsellors for students & adults to clarify issues and help in making educational & career choices, also offers help in changing fields. This support can only be provided to individuals in a private setting where one can be able to open up without critics and confide knowing everything will also be kept confidential.
We encourage students, youth, community members and other aligned institutions to make use of our services as our services are tailor-made for people who wants to make lifelong career decisions.
Financial Literacy Skills Workshop
Financial literacy is important because it equips students with the knowledge and skills they need to manage money effectively. In reality, without it, our financial decisions as human beings and the actions we take – or don’t take – lack a solid foundation for success. Thus on our yearly calendar we have dedicated certain days on which each Campus hosts this workshop.
This workshop covers a variety of topics such as:
- Focus on the ability to read, analyse, manage, and communicate about personal financial conditions that affect material wellbeing.
- Financial education – aimed to help students better manage their finances, budget effectively, and borrow wisely.
- Planning for financial success etc.
Entrepreneurship Skills Workshop
Would you like to be your own boss? Have you ever dreamed of starting your own business? Don’t know what to do about your great business idea? If you have ever thought about these situations, then you need our Entrepreneurship Skills Workshop. Let our Entrepreneurship Skills Workshop help you achieve your dreams. Being an entrepreneur can be full of risks. These risks are minimised through drafting a business plan, knowing your competition, and successful marketing. All these and more can be found in our Entrepreneurship Skills Workshop which is held annually in each of our Campuses.
Job Preparedness Skills Workshop
This workshop is held annually in each and every site where speakers from various platforms share their perspective in line with expectations from the job market. The focus is on exiting students from both NCV and Nated students. This entails:
- Various soft skills topics that employers highly value when considering job applicants, newly-hired, and long term employees.
- Local employers are also invited periodically to participate in these workshops to offer their real-world perspective.
- Advice, guidance, and direction to students interested in accessing additional resources on this topic (e.g. internet, library, materials, etc.)
- Mock interviewing for students to help them strengthen their interviewing skills.
- Curriculum Vitae preparation assistance.
Advise students/job seekers about the vital role that developing a portfolio plays in effectively illustrating their employability through proper presentation of their qualifications, training, and experience.
Cover Letter
An effective cover letter makes a personal, memorable introduction while detailing your interest, qualification, and compatibility for the job. Rather than reiterating your resume, a cover letter brings your resume to life through stories and examples.
A successful cover letter describes your qualifications (e.g. education, experiences) most relevant to the employer based upon the job description and your knowledge of the company. Ideally, you should write a new cover letter for every job application, since the content should be specific to the needs of the job and company you’re applying to.
Do I need to include a cover letter?
Often, a cover letter is a required part of an application process. However, even when it is optional, it is advantageous to include one. Writing a cover letter demonstrates that you are interested enough to invest extra time drafting a thoughtful letter.
What are some common cover letter mistakes to avoid?
Using a generic cover letter. Employers can usually tell when you’ve used the same cover letter for multiple jobs. It makes a bad first impression because it appears that you aren’t interested in that specific job or don’t understand what unique skills are important. Be sure to write a tailored cover letter for each position that makes strong connections between your experiences and interest in the company and their needs, challenges, and/or mission.
Failing to provide examples. Many cover letters make empty claims, asserting that the applicant is a “good communicator” or “detail-oriented.” Unfortunately, employers say that these claims usually are not believed and have become common clichés. To make your claims more powerful, add an example or proof to each skill you mention. For example, you might write, “I am very detail-oriented, a skill that I honed while completing detailed inventory sheets working in a grocery store”.
Restating the resume. Often, cover letters will fall into the trap of reiterating the facts of the resume — “I worked at Company X for 2 years where I was a cashier. Then, I worked at Company Y in 2018.” Instead of repeating the resume, a good cover letter should draw connections between your skills and experiences, and how these connect to the company’s needs. For example, a cover letter statement could be “As a shift manager at Jimmy John’s, I enjoyed training and coaching new employees to be successful within the team, a skill that I know would be helpful working as a team leader within your organization.”
The Gert Sibande Centre for Entrepreneurship was established on the 13th of March 2015 by the Honourable Minister Lindiwe Zulu.
The Centre was developed by the Department of Small Business Development in partnership with University of Johannesburg and GS TVET College.
With a rising need to improve the local business environment and increase commercial occupancy and development, the Centre for Entrepreneurship was bestowed with the rights to host a Rapid Incubator in partnership with the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA). In July 2018 the Gert Sibande Centre for Entrepreneurship Rapid Incubator was launched.
The Centre for Entrepreneurship Rapid Incubator was developed to promote and develop young entrepreneurs in the province of Mpumalanga.
The purpose of the Centre is to develop self-sustainable entrepreneurs (start and grow activities) who can make a contribution to the economy of the Gert Sibande District, and become fully-fledged and legally complying economically sustainable SMEs. This will contribute to poverty alleviation and address the high youth unemployment rate in the Gert Sibande district.
The Centre for Entrepreneurship and Incubation is strategically poised to effectively address these persistent challenges experienced in the province.
- Established 2015_Funding from the Department of Small Business Development (DSBD).
- The Centre for Entrepreneurship Rapid Incubator is based in Evander at the Govan Mbeki Local Municipality in Mpumalanga.
- In 2024 the Gert Sibande CfERI in partnership with (NBI) National Business Initiative and Exxaro launched a satellite hub within the Nkangala District in Kriel to extend Entrepreneurial support.
OBJECTIVES
- Develop and implement an entrepreneurship programme that will provide college students/ graduates with the Entrepreneurship skills.
- To inculcate a culture of Entrepreneurship in all programmes of the college.
- To support existing SMME to make their businesses more sustainable.
- To develop partnerships and maintain good stakeholder relations.
- To establish student owned enterprises.
Strategic partners:
- SEDFA
- NYDA
- Allan Gray
- INSETA
- MICTSETA
- Mpumalanga Economic
- Growth Agency
- Department of
- Economic and Tourism
- South African Revenue Service
- National Business Initiative
- SERITI
Operational partners:
- Gert Sibande District Municipality
- Msukaligwa Local Municipality
- Govan Mbeki Local Municipality
- Lekwa Local Municipality
- Mpumalanga House of Traditional Leaders
- Nafcoc Business Chamber
- Mpumalanga Black Business Council
- ABSA
- Standard Bank
- Vodacom
- MTN
- CellC
Strategic partners:
- Business screening & registration
- Allan Gray Inter-College Competition
- Allan Gray Entrepreneurship Challenge 2D Game
- Entrepreneurship Start Up Training (5 days)
- Student Ambassadors (responsible to showcase entrepreneurship programme per campus)
- MakerSpace 3D Design and Printing
- Intellectual Property registration (IP)
- Student Funding through NYDA and other funding institutions
- Business Incubation (18 months)
- Innovation competition
Strategic partners:
- Assistance with business compliance
- Networking activities
- Market Linkage
- Accounting and financial management
- High-speed internet access
- Assistance with raising bank finance, grants, seed and venture capital
- INNOVATION SPACE: Shared administrative or office space
- Comprehensive business training
- Mentorship and Coaching
- Business Incubation and Acceleration
- MAKERSPACE: Specialized equipment (CNC Machines and 3D technology)
Incubation Period
Pre – Incubation: 6 months
Incubation: 18 months
Post Incubation – 24 months
- Recycling Works Exhibition (23 April 2025)
- Freedom Day Celebration (27 April 2025)
- 2025 Entrepreneurial Skills Workshop and Allan Gray Inter-Campus Business Pitch Competition (12–30 May 2025)
- College Arts and Culture Inter-Campus Competition (17 May 2025)
- MICTSETA Skills Induction Programme (19 May 2025)
- Strategic Engagement with National Business Initiative (27 May 2025)
- Youth Day Commemoration Event (16 June 2025
- Men’s Dialogue: Financial Stability and Side Hustle Development (21 June 2025)
- Allan Gray College Rounds (23–24 June 2025)
- Centre of Entrepreneurship Rapid Incubator – Kriel Hub and IRM Cohort Bring Hope to Cosmos Children’s Home for Mandela Day (16 July 2025)
- Centre of Entrepreneurship Rapid Incubator and Sasol Cohort Celebrate Mandela Day with Compassion in Action (18 July 2025)
- The Centre for Entrepreneurship successfully hosted an Entrepreneurial Bootcamp at Ndalo Hotel and Conferencing in Badplaas, held from 25 to 27 June 2025.
- A total of thirty-five participants took part in this immersive three-day training programme, which focused on strengthening essential entrepreneurial skills. Key topics covered included:
- ·Sustainability in business
- ·Marketing and brand management
- ·Development of bankable business plans
- ·Financial and operational management
- ·Access to mentorship and coaching support
- In addition to the training modules, the bootcamp featured active engagement from strategic stakeholders, including representatives from the Department of Economic Development, the National Business Initiative (NBI), Old Mutual, and Standard Bank, who contributed to the learning experience and offered valuable insights.
- This initiative reflects the Centre’s ongoing commitment to empowering aspiring entrepreneurs through structured capacity-building programmes and multi-stakeholder collaboration
- An outstanding Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSME), nurtured through the Centre’s incubation programme, has made history in the Mpumalanga Province by securing a significant opportunity with one of South Africa’s leading household cleaning brands.
- Nu Choice (Pty) Ltd has been awarded a supply contract with Shoprite, providing essential detergent products—specifically Dishwashing Liquid and Pine Gel, which is a versatile multipurpose cleaner. This milestone not only highlights the company’s growth and market readiness but also reflects the Centre’s continued success in empowering emerging enterprises.
- The Centre remains a strategic partner to Nu Choice by offering access to its fully equipped workshop, which serves as the primary manufacturing facility for the company’s cleaning products. This supportive environment plays a critical role in enhancing the enterprise’s production capabilities and overall development.
- Such accomplishments reaffirm the Centre’s impact in fostering high-potential businesses and strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem within the province and beyond.
Phongola Group: Securing a Lucrative Tender
- The Phongola group, a proud member of our entrepreneurs cohort, has achieved a significant milestone by securing a tender to supply labor for the Kriel Mall project. This accomplishment not only showcases their capabilities but also demonstrates their potential for growth and success in the industry.
Sizazi Trading: Partnership with Ruwacon
- Sizazi Trading, another esteemed member of our cohort, has been appointed to supply labor under Ruwacon, a reputable company with a contract with Exxaro. This partnership highlights Sizazi Trading’s commitment to delivering quality services and their ability to collaborate with major industry players
Emagwalagwa: Renovation and Maintenance Contract with Sasol
- Emagwalagwa has secured a contract with Sasol to renovate and maintain houses, further solidifying their position in the industry. This achievement is a testament to their expertise and dedication to delivering exceptional services.
Isiqalo Guesthouse is a branch of Gert Sibande TVET College, under the Business, Innovation and Partnership Unit. We are the ultimate destination and host for corporate and leisure travellers, offering our accommodation services and private functions. We take pride in our exceptional customer service and in creating a memorable experience for our guests. Isiqalo is known for its home-away-from-home feel and all-around peaceful ambience.
Isiqalo Guest House offers personalized, market-related full accommodation, dining and function facilities to business and holiday travellers, tourists, academic personnel, students, families and interns on workplace training programs. Additional services include conferencing, weddings and catering; Food platters for small business parties and private functions; Children’s functions; in house catering and home-cooked meals; and Braai facilities for guests. We have 17 en-suite bedrooms, one of which is a disability-friendly room, and three self-catering rooms; a candle-lit dinner for day visitors is served upon request, bookings are essential; A full continental breakfast as well as a full English breakfast is offered every morning; A swimming pool, Braai facilities and a well-kept, tranquil garden area.
Isiqalo Guesthouse is not only about receiving but primarily about giving. Our ultimate assignment is to create a learning environment for the African child, to enable them to obtain practical experience and in-service training that will make them marketable for work and better job opportunities. We incubate, train and prepare individuals for work. We offer internship programmes for individuals who have completed their qualification in hospitality, tourism, business administration/management and marketing. Trainees shadow experienced personnel who have the relevant expertise, and in that way, work-ethic is imparted in them, and job training takes place.
Our Vision – Isiqalo Guest House aims to become the leading Guest House and Workplace Training brand in the Standerton area, in support of Gert Sibande TVET College’s universal vision, by providing a tranquil, memorable retreat with a personalised, quality accommodation experience for both visitors, students, hosts and staff.
Our Mission – To become the preferred venue for academic, business and holiday travellers, families and venue tourists. We strive at all times to be, and be seen to be, the best value-for-money accommodation, workplace training and function venue in Standerton through the highest level of personalised, friendly service and extended service offerings at affordable prices. We strive at all times to create an environment which reflects comfort, care and professionalism
Isiqalo Guesthouse is driven by partnership and serves as an ambassador of progress for South Africa’s youth. With you as our partner, we can achieve exceptional service while serving and giving back to the community development through our training and programmes. Let’s join hands, empower and be a change driver in our community for the young people of South Africa. Get in touch with us through the contacts below to contribute to hold hands and contribute to the country’s work skill sustainability.
Address: Isiqalo Guesthouse 5A Kieser Street Standerton 2430
Tel: 017 714 0039
Phone: 063 1524885
Email: Isiqaloguesthouse@gscollege.edu.za
Facebook: Isiqalo Guesthouse
Nestled within the Skills Academy and Artisan Development Centre, the Gert Sibande TVET College Tissue Factory stands as a testament to innovation, sustainability, and community empowerment. As a cornerstone initiative of the Business Innovation and Partnerships division, the factory represents far more than a production facility – it is a living laboratory where education, enterprise, and economic development converge.
Established to address both institutional needs and community demands, the Tissue Factory has grown into a fully operational manufacturing hub that supplies all seven campuses across the college network. From lecture halls to administrative offices, the factory ensures a steady, cost-effective supply of essential tissue products, demonstrating the college’s commitment to self-sufficiency and practical resource management.
Beyond serving the college community, the factory has extended its reach to the wider public, offering quality tissue products at competitive prices to residents throughout the region. This dual role – serving both the institution and the broader community – has positioned the factory as a valuable local enterprise that contributes to the area’s economic landscape.
Perhaps most significantly, the Tissue Factory serves as a vital training ground for students and a gateway to employment. As a key pillar of job placement for interns, it provides hands-on experience in manufacturing processes, quality control, inventory management, and business operations. Students gain invaluable practical skills in a real-world production environment, bridging the gap between classroom theory and workplace reality. For many interns, the factory has been the launching pad for successful careers in manufacturing and related industries.
Through its commitment to skills development, community service, and sustainable business practices, the Gert Sibande TVET College Tissue Factory exemplifies the transformative power of technical and vocational education, proving that institutions can be both centres of learning and catalysts for economic growth.
Production Training Services:
- Hands-on operation of tissue manufacturing machinery
- Quality control and testing procedures
- Production line management and workflow optimization
- Machine maintenance and troubleshooting
- Safety protocols and workplace compliance training
Technical Skills Development:
- Pulp preparation and processing training
- Packaging machinery operation
- Industrial automation and control systems
- Product formulation and recipe development
Quality Assurance Training:
- Standard operating procedures (SOPs)
- ISO and industry standards compliance
- Documentation and record-keeping
- Batch tracking and traceability
Business and Production Management:
- Production planning and scheduling
- Inventory management and raw material sourcing
- Costing and pricing strategies
- Supply chain fundamentals
- Customer order fulfilment
- Waste reduction and efficiency optimisation
Work-Based Learning Programs:
- 12–18-month internship for diploma/certificate students
- Rotating assignments across different production departments
- Supervised practical experience
- Competency-based assessments
- Industry certification preparation
- Mentorship from experienced technicians
Community Production Services:
- Contract manufacturing for local businesses
- Small batch production runs
- Custom tissue products for events and organizations
- Affordable products for community consumption
- Social enterprise initiatives
Through its commitment to skills development, community service, and sustainable business practices, the Gert Sibande TVET College Tissue Factory exemplifies the transformative power of technical and vocational education, proving that institutions can be both centres of learning and catalysts for economic growth.
Isiqalo Tissue Factory is driven by partnership and serves as an ambassador of progress for South Africa’s youth. With you as our partner, we can achieve exceptional service while serving and giving back to the community development through our training and programmes. Let’s join hands, empower and be a change driver in our community for the young people of South Africa. Get in touch with us through the contacts below to contribute to hold hands and contribute to the country’s work skill sustainability.
Address: No.2 Tambourin Ave, Standerton, 2430
Tel: 017 714 1594
Email: sibande.bb@gscollege.edu.za
Tel: 017 712 2180
Email: nhleko.g@gscollege.edu.za
The Clothing Factory was strategically designed to operate in close collaboration with the Skills Academy and Artisan Development Centre, providing Clothing Production students with valuable hands-on work experience. Students are placed in the Factory for an 18-month period to fulfil the practical training requirements for their National N Diplomas. Additionally, they are encouraged to explore entrepreneurial opportunities through the support services offered by the College’s Centre for Entrepreneurship and Rapid Incubator (CfeRI).
Clothing factories services:
Production Services:
- Cut, make, and trim (CMT) services for bulk orders
- Sample garment development and prototyping
- Pattern making and grading
- Quality control and inspection
- Garment finishing and pressing
- Packaging and labelling
Training and Skills Development:
- Practical training in industrial sewing techniques
- Pattern drafting and design instruction
- Quality assurance training
- Production planning and workflow management
- Machine operation and maintenance training
- Health and safety compliance training
Design and Technical Services:
- Custom design consultation
- Technical specification development
- Fabric sourcing and selection assistance
- Costing and pricing guidance
- Production timeline planning
Specialised Services:
- Alterations and repairs
- Custom tailoring
- Uniform production
- Corporate wear manufacturing
- Promotional clothing production
Community and Social Services:
- Work placement programmes
- Internship programmes
- Skills certification preparation
- Employment readiness training
Isiqalo Clothing Factory is driven by partnership and serves as an ambassador of progress for South Africa’s youth. With you as our partner, we can achieve exceptional service while serving and giving back to the community development through our training and programmes. Let’s join hands, empower and be a change driver in our community for the young people of South Africa. Get in touch with us through the contacts below to contribute to hold hands and contribute to the country’s work skill sustainability.
Address: 2 Kruger Street, Standerton, 2430
Tel: 017 712 2180
Email: nhleko.g@gscollege.edu.za
With the rise of road accidents in South Africa and the increasing number of people using transport without proper documentation, it’s crucial to understand the legal implications. According to the National Road Traffic Act, driving without a licence can result in a penalty of between R1,000 and R2,000, depending on the vehicle class. In response to this, the College has decided to provide you with the opportunity to learn to drive in a supportive environment, helping to reduce the escalating number of unlicensed drivers on the national roads.
The Isiqalo Driver Education Programme is designed to serve students nearing completion of their studies, specifically those enrolled in National Certificate Vocational (NCV) and Report 191 (NATED) programmes, providing them with vital driver education and licensing support as they transition from the college into the workplace.
Core Driver Training Services:
- Learner’s Licence theoretical training and testing preparation
- Code 08 (Light Motor Vehicle) practical driver training
- Code 10 (Heavy Motor Vehicle) for learners’ license
Licensing Support:
- Licence application assistance
- Booking and scheduling of driving tests
- Partnership programmes with transport and logistics companies
Objectives for the Isiqalo Driver Education Programme
Educational Enhancement Objectives:
- To provide students with practical life skills that complement their academic qualifications and enhance their overall employability upon graduation
- To integrate driver education as a value-added component of the college’s holistic student development strategy
- To bridge the gap between theoretical learning and practical competencies required in the modern workplace
- To ensure students graduate with multiple certifications that broaden their career prospects across various industries
Student Empowerment Objectives:
- To equip exiting students with driving licences, thereby removing a significant barrier to employment in transport, logistics, and mobile service sectors
- To enhance students’ independence and mobility, enabling them to access a wider range of employment opportunities
- To provide equal access to driver education regardless of students’ socio-economic backgrounds
- To build students’ confidence and self-reliance as they transition from academic life to professional careers
Institutional Sustainability Objectives:
- To generate revenue through the provision of driver education services, contributing to the college’s financial self-sustainability
- To establish the college as a comprehensive skills development centre beyond traditional academic programmes
- To create additional employment opportunities for qualified instructors and administrative staff within the college
- To maximise the utilisation of college resources and infrastructure through diversified service offerings
Strategic Development Objectives:
- To expand the range of driving qualifications offered in response to student and market needs (Code 08, Code 10, Code 14, PrDP)
- To develop partnerships with motor vehicle manufacturers, dealerships, and transport companies for resource sharing and student opportunities
- To create a pipeline for specialised driver training that supports various college programmes (engineering, logistics, business)
- To establish the programme as a model that can be replicated across other TVET colleges in the region
Isiqalo Driver Education Programme is driven by partnership and serves as an ambassador of progress for South Africa’s youth. With you as our partner, we can achieve exceptional service while serving and giving back to the community development through our training and programmes. Let’s join hands, empower and be a change driver in our community for the young people of South Africa. Get in touch with us through the contacts below to contribute to hold hands and contribute to the country’s work skill sustainability.
Address: 18a Beyers Naude, Street Standerton, 2430
Tel: 017 712 9040
Email: manamelaes@gscollege.edu.za
The Isiqalo Techno Centre stands as a beacon of digital accessibility and entrepreneurial empowerment within the Standerton community. As a key initiative of the Business Innovation and Partnerships (BIP) division, the centre was originally established to address a critical need: providing college students with affordable access to internet services in an increasingly digital world.
From its inception, the centre recognised that its mission extended beyond the college gates. By opening its doors to the surrounding Standerton community, the Techno Centre has become a vital resource hub, offering a comprehensive range of services that respond to the evolving demands of the digital age. From internet access and computer services to printing and document processing, the centre has established itself as an essential facility for students and community members alike.
In 2025, the centre underwent a transformative expansion through a strategic partnership with the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Rapid Incubator (CfERI), another dynamic BIP initiative. This collaboration marked a significant milestone, broadening the centre’s scope to encompass entrepreneurship development services. Now operating as the Techno and Entrepreneurship Centre, the facility serves a dual purpose: bridging the digital divide whilst nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit of aspiring business owners.
Today, the centre provides not only technological infrastructure but also business support services, training programmes, and incubation opportunities for emerging entrepreneurs. This integrated approach reflects the college’s commitment to holistic development – equipping individuals with both the digital literacy and business acumen necessary to thrive in today’s economy.
As a pillar of the Business Innovation and Partnerships division, the Techno and Entrepreneurship Centre exemplify how educational institutions can serve as catalysts for community development, creating pathways to opportunity through accessible technology and entrepreneurial support.
Techno Centre Services:
- Photocopying
- Internet Access
- Laminating
- Binding
- Documentation and CV Typing
- Scanning and Emailing
- School Projects
Entrepreneurship Services:
- CIPC Registrations
- COIDA Registrations and Renewals
- NHBRC Registrations
- CSD Registrations
- Business Profile Development
- Capacity Building
- Business Advisory
Objectives of the Isiqalo Technology and Entrepreneurship Centre:
Innovation and Technology Development Objectives:
- To foster a culture of innovation and technological advancement amongst students and staff within the TVET environment
- To provide access to cutting-edge technology and digital tools that enhance learning and practical skills development
- To serve as an incubation hub for technology-driven solutions addressing local and national challenges
- To bridge the digital divide by ensuring equitable access to technological resources for all students
- To promote research and development activities that align with Industry 4.0 requirements and emerging technologies
Institutional Sustainability Objectives:
- To generate revenue through commercial activities, training services, and consultancy offerings
- To attract external funding from government, donors, and private sector partners for centre operations and student support
- To create intellectual property and innovations that can be commercialised for institutional benefit
- To enhance the college’s reputation and competitiveness by positioning it as a centre of innovation and entrepreneurship
- To optimise resource utilisation by creating shared facilities accessible to multiple programmes and stakeholders
Social Impact and Community Development Objectives:
- To address social challenges through technology and entrepreneurship solutions developed by students
- To promote inclusive entrepreneurship, ensuring equal access and support for women, youth, and disadvantaged groups
- To contribute to community development by solving local problems through innovative student projects
- To foster social entrepreneurship that balances profit generation with positive social and environmental impact
- To create role models and success stories that inspire future generations of TVET students
Vision: To be a leading centre of innovation and entrepreneurship, empowering TVET students to become successful technology-driven entrepreneurs and job creators.
Mission: To provide accessible technology and entrepreneurship training, incubation support, and industry partnerships that equip students with the skills, resources, and mindset to create sustainable businesses and contribute to economic development.
