Summat College

Technical and vocational education in Johannesburg operates within real constraints that shape how teaching happens. Load shedding affects workshop equipment availability, forcing colleges to stagger practical sessions and rely on generator backup during Stage 5 and 6 blackouts. Students pursuing trades must train on current industry equipment — welding, automotive diagnostics, plumbing installations — which means colleges need robust infrastructure and reliable power supply to deliver hands-on competence. Johannesburg's position as an economic hub means employers expect graduates with specific, verifiable skills aligned to local industry demands. Colleges balancing theory and practice face the additional pressure of keeping equipment current while managing costs. Students often juggle work and study, requiring flexible scheduling. The reality of vocational training here isn't classroom-focused; it's about creating conditions where learners can develop genuine technical proficiency despite the logistical challenges that South African institutions navigate daily.