What is an Apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is a great way to gain hands-on experience and become a certified artisan if you're interested in a practical, technical career. It's similar to a learnership but specifically focuses on skilled trades. You'll split your time between attending classes at a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college (or a similar institution) to learn the trade's theory and working alongside a qualified artisan for practical training. The National Artisan Moderation Body (NAMB) lists all recognized trades and ensures the trade tests meet national standards.

What is a Learnership?

A learnership is a structured program that combines classroom learning (like at a TVET college) with real-world work experience. If you meet all the requirements, you'll earn a recognized qualification. Learnerships are a great deal – you don't pay anything to participate, and you even get an allowance to help with things like transportation and meals. To make it official, you, a training institution, and your employer will all sign a formal agreement.

What is an Artisan?

Artisans are skilled workers who know how to get things done with their hands and specialized tools. They're in high demand in South Africa and around the world – many trades are even considered "scarce skills." This means that qualified artisans have an easy time landing jobs, or they can put those skills to work and become their own boss!

How does an apprenticeship work?

The processes for apprenticeships vary among the SETAs (Sector Education and Training Authorities), so it's important to look into the specific procedure for the trade you're interested in, which is determined by the relevant SETA. For instance, trades like 'diesel fuel injection mechanic' and 'automotive engine fitter' are overseen by merSETA. Moreover, the National Artisan Moderation Body (NAMB) may implement additional processes or requirements.

merSETA has outlined the steps involved in its apprenticeship programs as follows:

  • The apprentice registers for a recognized trade according to the required training guidelines.
  • An agreement is signed by both the employer and the apprentice, or a guardian if the apprentice is younger than 18 years.
  • The apprentice is "indentured," meaning they enter into a contractual agreement for a specific trade.
  • Completion of a four-subject N2 certificate, including relevant trade theory, at a TVET college is required. The employer covers the costs for classes and assessment fees at the college.
  • Once all necessary training is complete, an application for a trade test is submitted to merSETA.
  • The trade test or assessment takes place at a trade test center accredited by merSETA.
  • Successful apprentices receive a National Trade Certificate, officially recognizing them as qualified artisans.

For details on entry requirements and the duration of programs, please visit the merSETA website (merseta.org.za) or contact the nearest merSETA Regional Office.

A selection of apprenticeship fields available in South Africa includes:

  • Electrician
  • Boilermaker
  • Diesel Mechanic
  • Mechatronics Technician
  • Millwright
  • Refrigeration Mechanic
  • Plumber
  • Fitter and Turner
  • Bricklayer
  • Instrumentation Technician
  • and many more

What are the different routes to becoming an artisan?

According to the merSETA, there are five ways you might be able to become an artisan, though which ones apply depend on the specific trade.

  • Apprenticeship Contract: An individual participates in a formal training program tailored to a particular trade. This program encompasses both the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills, along with mandated on-the-job experience, all under the mentorship of a qualified artisan (referred to as a coach) over a span of three to four years. On this website, individuals in such programs are labeled as 'apprentices.' Historically, these participants were known as 'Section 13' apprentices, named after Section 13 of the Manpower Training Act of 1981, which has since been revoked.
  • National Accredited Technical Education Diploma (NATED): An individual engages in a structured educational program aimed at this specific diploma, which integrates both technical and theoretical learning, as well as the practical knowledge and skills necessary for a selected vocational or occupational field.
  • National Certificate (Vocational): An individual participates in an organized training program to achieve an NC(V) qualification in a specific trade, gaining essential theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and additional training and experience in a workplace setting.
  • Engineering Learnership: An individual signs up for an engineering learnership at NQF Level 4, which includes completing 80 weeks of mandatory workplace experience.
  • Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): An individual demonstrates that they have acquired sufficient theoretical knowledge, skills training, and workplace experience. This approach was formerly known as the 'Section 28' application, named after Section 28 of the Manpower Training Act of 1981, now repealed. The Artisan Recognition of Prior Learning (ARPL) process is employed for the recognized trades.

Do apprentices receive money during apprenticeships?

Apprentices are paid for the hours they work, but the wage rates vary across different apprenticeships. Some apprenticeship wages are set by the relevant Bargaining Council and are updated yearly. The table provided outlines the wages set by the Metal Industries Bargaining Council for the period from 1 July 2014 to 30 June 2015 for Electricians and other trades.

What is a Trade?

This term describes a job that necessitates both an artisan qualification and a successful completion of a relevant trade test. The National Artisan Moderation Body (NAMB) is tasked with overseeing trade tests and lists all recognized trades. Examples of such trades include cabinet maker, chef, diamond cutter, diesel mechanic, electrician, goldsmith, hairdresser, mechatronics technician, millwright, refrigeration mechanic, tailor, toolmaker, upholsterer, and welder. The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) publishes a comprehensive list of these trades in the Government Gazette 35625 dated 31 August 2012(), which outlines the specific occupations that require artisan qualifications.

An apprentice enters into an apprenticeship through a contract involving an employer and a training provider, aiming to fulfill all requirements of a comprehensive apprenticeship program. Upon finishing the program, those apprentices who meet the prerequisites may seek to undertake trade tests at a certified trade test center. Achieving success in these tests qualifies them to be officially recognized as artisans, with potential designations including cabinet maker, diamond cutter, goldsmith, hairdresser, tailor, toolmaker, or upholsterer.

Apprentices benefit from earning a wage while gaining practical experience, as they receive payment for the hours worked under an employer during their apprenticeship period. These programs provide them with valuable skills, enhancing their employability or empowering them to start their own ventures. In South Africa, artisans are particularly sought after, with numerous trades identified as "scarce skills" due to the significant demand. This high demand for skilled tradespeople is underscored by the findings of a Talent Shortage Survey conducted in May 2015, which reported that vacancies in these areas have been the hardest to fill for four years in a row.

Individuals may be eligible to apply for a trade test to qualify as an artisan via the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) under specific criteria. This procedure is known as Artisan Recognition of Prior Learning (ARPL) for the designated trades, serving as the updated method to the previously known 'Section 28' process, derived from the Manpower Training Act of 1981, which is no longer in effect. On this website, the label 'apprentice' is reserved exclusively for those who undergo the entire training program following the signing of an apprenticeship contract, distinguishing them from RPL candidates.

What is the trade test, how do I apply for it, and what do I get if I pass the test?

Applying for the trade test

After completing all the required tests, assignments, and practical elements of both the theoretical knowledge and workplace learning components of their apprenticeship, apprentices are eligible to register for a trade test. This test acts as the final external assessment. It encompasses practical tasks that the apprentice must perform within a time frame set by the National Artisan Moderation Body (NAMB) for their particular trade. NAMB oversees the supervision and moderation of all trade testing processes. This includes the accreditation of assessors and moderators, maintaining the quality and relevance of trade tests to meet industry demands.

To apply for a trade test, individuals must submit their applications via the appropriate Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) or through its regional offices. These applications are then evaluated based on specific criteria to verify that all the required documentation and evidence have been submitted to qualify for the trade test. If the provided evidence is deemed adequate, the application will proceed and be sent to the nearest trade test center to the applicant. Additionally, applicants have the option to schedule their trade tests online through the National Artisan Development Support Centre (NADSC) website at http://nadsc.dhet.gov.za/

Trade test centres

The trade test is conducted at a center accredited by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO), ensuring the assessment's credibility and standard. Among these centers is INDLELA, a government-subsidized center located on Old Pretoria Road in Olifantsfontein, although there are numerous other accredited trade test centers throughout the country. For those seeking a convenient location, the National Artisan Development Support Centre (NADSC) offers a comprehensive list of accredited centers, which can be filtered by province and city through their website: http://nadsc.dhet.gov.za/site/db/Accredited%20List%20of%20Testing%20Centres.aspx

The cost of the trade test and who pays for it

The expense associated with taking trade tests can differ significantly, with some centers operating as private enterprises. Trade tests conducted at INDLELA, a center in Olifantsfontein near Pretoria that receives government subsidies, are more affordable. The fees at INDLELA for various trades range from R250 to R450. In contrast, the costs at private trade test centers can range from R1,500 to R3,000, depending on the specific trade and center policies.


The financial terms for the apprenticeship, including who bears various costs, are specified in the contract that an apprentice signs with their employer when the apprenticeship begins. However, the agreement does not typically detail who is responsible for funding the trade test. This cost may be covered by the apprentice's employer or possibly by the relevant Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA). If neither of these funding sources is available, the apprentice will be responsible for paying the trade test fee themselves.

Certification as an artisan

Apprentices who pass the trade test are officially recognized as artisans and are awarded a certificate by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO). This certificate specifies the qualification and the trade for which they have been certified. Commonly known as the “red seal,” this certificate serves as a mark of proficiency and qualification in the specified trade.

What processes are there to ensure the quality of trade testing?

The National Artisan Moderation Body (NAMB) plays a crucial role in overseeing, moderating, and ensuring the quality of all activities related to trade testing. It is tasked with registering assessors, moderators, and others who contribute to the development of assessments and the trade testing process. Furthermore, NAMB is committed to maintaining the relevance of trade testing to the requirements of the industry and ensuring that apprenticeship programs effectively equip learners with the skills and knowledge needed to become proficient artisans.

Every accredited trade test center is required to report to the National Artisan Moderation Body (NAMB) according to specific guidelines, which allows NAMB to oversee their performance effectively. In this capacity, NAMB functions as the 'ombudsman' for artisan development, providing a point of contact for any issues or concerns related to trade tests. This ensures a consistent standard of quality and fairness in the assessment and certification of artisans.

How can I become an artisan through Recognition of Prior Learning?

Individuals with extensive work experience in a job related to a trade and who fulfill certain educational criteria can apply to take a trade test based on the skills and knowledge they have gained over the years. Although this approach is sometimes still unofficially known as 'Section 28'—a reference to a provision of the now-repealed Manpower Training Act—it has been officially updated and renamed as the Artisan Recognition of Prior Learning (ARPL) process. Unlike the structured program for contracted apprentices, these candidates do not need to complete the aforementioned apprenticeship program and are not classified as apprentices. Their trade test applications are facilitated through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process. This process allows individuals who satisfy the educational and work experience requirements for the trade test to undergo a supportive procedure to complete their trade test.

The merSETA RPL trade test application form provides detailed information on the conditions, process, and specific requirements needed to qualify for a trade test via Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). It also outlines the documents that must accompany the application. This form is available on the merSETA website and helps applicants understand the eligibility criteria for the trade test. These criteria cover aspects such as the requisite number of years of relevant work experience, the type and level of qualifications needed, and specific subjects that may be required, such as mathematics and engineering science.

The merSETA website also describes the following conditions under which former ‘Section 13’ apprentices can apply for a trade test through RPL:

  • Individuals who were previously engaged as apprentices and met the criteria for a Section 13 trade test but had their contracts rescinded before they could qualify as artisans are eligible; as well as
  • those former Section 13 apprentices whose contracts were terminated prior to qualifying for a trade test. These individuals must either demonstrate their eligibility for an Artisan RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) trade test based on the skills they acquired during the formal training portion under Section 13, or they must have completed additional approved training that fulfills the requirements.

The merSETA describes the RPL process for a trade test (this was previously known as a ‘Section 28’ application) as follows:

  • The applicant completes and signs an application form, which is then submitted to the relevant merSETA regional office along with original certified copies of service certificates, educational certificates, and identity documents.
  • If required, a Quality Assurer provides guidance to the applicant on how to proceed with a pre-assessment interview, offering directions and support through this preliminary stage.
  • A subject matter expert, specialized in the trade relevant to the RPL application, from an accredited training center or provider, carries out a pre-assessment interview with the applicant. This interview utilizes the applicable training schedules as a framework for evaluating both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Following this interview, the subject matter expert compiles and provides a comprehensive formal evaluation report on the candidate.
  • Should the applicant fulfill all necessary requirements, merSETA will proceed to arrange a trade test date and notify the applicant of this scheduled date.
  • Upon successfully passing the trade test, the candidate will be awarded a national trade test certificate, officially recognizing them as a qualified artisan.

It's important to remember that processes may vary among different Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs), as they handle trades outside the scope of merSETA. Additionally, the National Artisan Moderation Body (NAMB) might implement alternative processes or additional requirements.

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