A new initiative aimed at strengthening technical skills development has been launched in the Western Cape, with Hisense South Africa, the National Business Initiative (NBI) and Northlink TVET College joining forces to train young people in appliance repair and maintenance.
The partners officially launched the Hisense-Northlink Technical Academy at Northlink TVET College's Belhar Campus on 26 August 2026.
The new academy will provide students and young people with practical, industry-relevant training in appliance repair and maintenance. Learners will develop hands-on skills to diagnose, service and repair household appliances.
The initiative brings together TVET education and industry, with the aim of creating pathways into employment, entrepreneurship and self-employment while developing skilled technicians for South Africa's growing technical sector.
New Technical Skills Opportunities For TVET Students
The Hisense-Northlink Technical Academy is expected to give students access to practical training that complements their technical education.
Through the partnership, young people can develop skills that are directly relevant to the appliance repair and maintenance industry. This could help graduates pursue employment opportunities or use their skills to establish their own businesses.
The initiative also highlights the role that partnerships between TVET colleges and industry can play in addressing skills shortages and preparing young people for the workplace.
Northlink TVET College Welcomes Partnership
Lebuhang Mosia, Acting Campus Manager at the Belhar Campus of Northlink TVET College, said the institution values its partnership with the NBI and Hisense South Africa.
“Northlink TVET College highly values the partnership established with the National Business Initiative (NBI) and Hisense South Africa for this project. This collaboration will significantly contribute to the College’s vision of expanding Occupational programmes that respond to skills in high demand within industry, while creating meaningful opportunities for our students to enter the workplace.
As part of this initiative, the College is committed not only to equipping students with relevant technical skills and practical industry experience, but also to supporting them beyond their training. We aim to facilitate pathways for graduates to be absorbed into industry or, where appropriate, to establish and grow their own businesses. Through partnerships such as this, we can strengthen the link between TVET education, industry requirements and sustainable employment opportunities for our graduates.”
Strengthening The Link Between TVET And Industry
The launch of the Hisense-Northlink Technical Academy demonstrates how collaboration between educational institutions and businesses can support technical and vocational skills development.
By combining classroom-based education with practical, industry-focused training, the initiative aims to ensure that young people develop skills that can be applied in the workplace.
The academy could also contribute to expanding opportunities for young people interested in technical careers, while supporting entrepreneurship and self-employment in the appliance repair sector.
The partnership between Hisense South Africa, NBI and Northlink TVET College ultimately aims to strengthen the connection between education, industry and employment, helping prepare students for sustainable careers in South Africa's technical economy.
