Exploring the effects of stress on students at a technical and vocational education and training (TVET) college

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14426/jovacet.v8i1.502

Keywords:

Technical and vocational education and training (TVET); academic performance; stress experience; coping mechanism; support framework; social challenge

Abstract

Students in technical and vocational education and training (TVET) colleges experience significant amounts of stress, which can affect their academic performance and their mental and physical health. This article reports on a study using the Lazarus theory of stress to examine the patterns and contextual factors affecting the stress experiences and coping mechanisms of a student group at a TVET college in South Africa. Student interviews and journal literature revealed the key factors contributing to student stress. These include financial constraints, social challenges, daily hardships and demanding academic workloads. The study highlights the importance of targeted support strategies to deal with the negative impacts of stress in technical and vocational education. Based on the findings, a number of recommendations to reduce the impact of stress on students are made. 

Author Biographies

Lee-Anne Nefdt, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Department of Research and Postgraduate Studies, Faculty of Education, Cape Town, South Africa 

Lee-Anne Nefdt holds a Master’s degree in Education from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology. Her research interests focus on technical and vocational education and training, with the emphasis on student development and teaching practice in post-school education. 

Prof. Anna JF (Hanlie) Dippenaar, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, South Africa 

 

Hanlie Dippenaar is Associate Professor and Assistant Dean of the Faculty of Education at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology. She holds a PhD in language teaching from North-West University and a Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education from the University of Pretoria. Her research interests combine community engagement and language teaching. She is currently part of a research team that explores the retention and motivation of student teachers from first year up to and including experienced teachers. Her other research interests are work readiness of English teachers, literacy development and language across the curriculum. She works with the Western Cape Education Department, schools and institutions in the Wellington area as part of the professional development of pre-service teachers of English.

Prof. Penelope Engel-Hills, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Professional Education Research Institute, Cape Town, South Africa

Penelope Engel-Hills is an Adjunct Professor in the Professional Education Research Institute at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology and serves on the council of a technical and vocational education and training college. As an active researcher and supervisor with interdisciplinary collaborations, her contributions draw from diverse experiences. 

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Published

17-10-2025

How to Cite

Nefdt, L.-A., Dippenaar, H., & Engel-Hills, P. (2025). Exploring the effects of stress on students at a technical and vocational education and training (TVET) college. Journal of Vocational, Adult and Continuing Education and Training, 8(1), 22. https://doi.org/10.14426/jovacet.v8i1.502

Issue

Vol. 8 No. 1 (2025): Journal of Vocational, Adult and Continuing Education and Training

Section

Articles

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Copyright (c) 2025 Journal of Vocational, Adult and Continuing Education and Training

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