If you are looking for a career that combines practical skills, workplace experience and a pathway into skilled employment, becoming an artisan could be worth investigating.

South Africa continues to face shortages in a range of technical and artisan occupations. Government identifies trades such as welding, plumbing, electrical work, fitting and turning, mechanical fitting, boilermaking, millwright work, bricklaying and carpentry among areas where skilled workers are needed.

At the same time, the country’s skills-development system includes SETA-funded apprenticeships, learnerships, occupational programmes and workplace training that can help eligible learners gain practical experience.

But there is a lot of confusion about how the process actually works.

Does a SETA give you a trade certificate?

Can you become an artisan through a learnership?

What is the difference between an apprenticeship and a learnership?

Do you need Matric?

How does the trade test work?

And what about newer fields such as solar installation?

This guide breaks down the pathways step by step.

Important: Funding, vacancies, entry requirements and programme availability change. A SETA does not simply hand out free training on demand. Usually, an employer, accredited training provider, TVET college or other approved organisation must have an approved programme or funding arrangement. Always verify the specific opportunity before applying.

What Is an Artisan?

An artisan is a skilled worker who has been trained and assessed in a specific trade.

Examples include:

• Electrician

• Plumber

• Welder

• Boilermaker

• Fitter

• Turner

• Millwright

• Motor mechanic

• Diesel mechanic

• Bricklayer

• Carpenter

• Refrigeration mechanic

Government explains that artisan development can involve TVET colleges, employers, SETAs and trade-test centres, with the National Artisan Development Directorate and NAMB playing important roles in the system.

For traditional designated trades, successful completion of the required training and a trade test is what leads to recognition as a qualified artisan.

What Does SETA Mean?

SETA stands for Sector Education and Training Authority.

South Africa has different SETAs responsible for different economic sectors.

For example:

• merSETA – manufacturing, engineering and related services

• EWSETA – energy and water

• Other SETAs cover sectors such as construction, transport, services, agriculture and others.

A SETA’s role includes supporting skills development within its sector.

This can involve:

• Apprenticeships

• Learnerships

• Skills programmes

• Workplace training

• Grants

• Employer support

• Training-provider quality assurance

• Career development initiatives

However, SETA funding does not mean every applicant can walk into a SETA office and receive funding for a trade.

Most opportunities are advertised through employers, training providers, TVET colleges, government departments or SETA channels.

The Most Important Difference: Apprenticeship vs Learnership

These terms are often used interchangeably, but they are not exactly the same.

Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship is a structured pathway towards artisan status in a designated trade.

It combines:

Theory

Practical workplace training

Trade-specific development

Trade test

merSETA describes apprenticeships as a technical training system combining practical and theoretical components to achieve artisan status.

What Is a Learnership?

A learnership combines theoretical learning with workplace experience and leads to a registered qualification.

merSETA explains that learnerships are outcomes-based and can involve both unemployed entrants and existing employees.

A learner may therefore complete:

Theory

Practical workplace learning

Assessment

=

National qualification

A learnership does not automatically mean you will receive a traditional artisan trade certificate.

That distinction is important.

Top Artisan Trades to Consider

Below are some of the major technical fields worth investigating.

1. Electrician

Electrical work is one of the most established artisan pathways in South Africa.

Government lists electricians among the country’s in-demand artisan occupations.

Possible work areas include:

• Construction

• Industrial maintenance

• Manufacturing

• Mining

• Commercial buildings

• Renewable energy

• Electrical contracting

• Municipal services

An electrical career can also provide a foundation for further specialisation.

2. Plumber

Plumbing is another practical trade with applications across:

• Residential construction

• Commercial buildings

• Industrial facilities

• Municipal infrastructure

• Property maintenance

• Construction companies

• Facilities management

Government identifies plumbers among the artisan occupations in demand.

A plumbing apprenticeship can provide a route towards trade testing where the relevant requirements have been completed.

3. Welder

Welding is particularly relevant to:

• Manufacturing

• Construction

• Mining

• Engineering

• Fabrication

• Structural steel

• Industrial maintenance

• Automotive manufacturing

merSETA lists Welder among its designated trades.

This means welding can follow a formal artisan-development pathway involving workplace training, theory and trade testing.

4. Boilermaker

Boilermaking is another major engineering and manufacturing trade.

Boilermakers can work in areas such as:

• Manufacturing

• Mining

• Construction

• Heavy engineering

• Fabrication

• Industrial plants

• Maintenance

merSETA’s designated-trade information includes Boilermaker.

5. Fitter and Turner

Fitter and Turner is a technical trade associated with machinery, manufacturing and engineering environments.

Potential workplaces include:

• Manufacturing plants

• Mines

• Engineering workshops

• Processing plants

• Industrial maintenance

• Heavy industry

merSETA lists Fitter and Turner among its designated trades.

6. Mechanical Fitter

Mechanical fitters work with machinery and mechanical systems.

The trade can be relevant to:

• Mining

• Manufacturing

• Industrial plants

• Engineering

• Maintenance

• Processing facilities

Mechanical fitters are also identified among the artisan occupations government says are in demand.

7. Millwright

Millwrights combine mechanical and electrical/technical skills and can work in industrial environments.

Government identifies millwrights among the in-demand artisan occupations.

This can make the field worth researching for students interested in both mechanical and electrical systems.

8. Diesel Mechanic

Diesel mechanics work on diesel-powered vehicles and equipment.

Possible industries include:

• Transport

• Mining

• Construction

• Agriculture

• Logistics

• Fleet management

• Heavy equipment

Government lists diesel mechanics among the in-demand artisan areas.

9. Motor Mechanic

Motor mechanics work with vehicle systems, maintenance and repairs.

merSETA lists Motor Mechanic among its designated trades.

Potential workplaces include:

• Dealerships

• Workshops

• Fleet companies

• Transport companies

• Mining

• Automotive businesses

10. Solar Photovoltaic Installation

Solar is an increasingly important skills area, but it needs to be explained correctly.

Solar PV installation is not simply another name for the traditional electrician trade test.

EWSETA currently lists occupational qualifications including:

• Solar Photovoltaic Standalone Systems Installer

• Solar Photovoltaic Standalone System Mounter

• Solar Photovoltaic Service Technician

• Higher Occupational Certificate: Solar Photovoltaic Standalone Service Technician

• Electrician

among its registered qualifications.

This means someone interested in solar should investigate the specific occupational qualification and scope of work, rather than assuming that a short solar course automatically makes them a qualified electrician or artisan.

Solar + Electrical: A Powerful Combination

If you are interested in renewable energy, consider researching a pathway that combines:

Electrical foundation

Solar PV training

Workplace experience

Relevant occupational qualification

This can open different opportunities in the renewable-energy and electrical sectors.

However, electrical installation work is regulated and qualification requirements depend on the specific work being performed.

Don’t advertise yourself as a qualified electrician simply because you completed a short solar course.

Which SETA Covers Which Trade?

The SETA responsible for a particular programme depends on the sector and qualification.

For example, merSETA covers a large range of manufacturing, engineering and automotive-related trades. Its current apprenticeship information lists trades including:

• Boilermaker

• Electrician

• Fitter

• Fitter and Turner

• Millwright

• Motor Mechanic

• Welder

• Diesel Mechanic

• Refrigeration Mechanic

• Rigger

• Turner

• Various automotive trades.

EWSETA has a range of energy and water occupational qualifications, including solar PV and electrician qualifications.

The correct SETA therefore depends on the trade, qualification and employer/provider.

How Does SETA Funding Actually Work?

This is one of the biggest misconceptions.

You may see an advertisement saying:

“SETA-funded apprenticeship”

That usually means the programme is being funded through an employer or training arrangement supported by the relevant SETA.

For example, merSETA describes an apprenticeship process in which:

1. An accredited training centre provides training.

2. An approved employer provides workplace exposure.

3. The apprentice enters into an apprenticeship contract.

4. Training is completed.

5. The required theory is completed.

6. The trade-test application is made.

7. The candidate takes the national trade test.

8. A successful candidate receives a National Trade Test certificate.

So the pathway is much more than:

Apply → get certificate.

The Exact Artisan Pathway

Here is the simplified traditional pathway.

Step 1: Choose a trade

For example:

Welder

or

Plumber

or

Electrician

or

Boilermaker

Step 2: Check the entry requirements

Requirements vary by trade and programme.

They may involve:

• Grade 9

• Grade 10

• Grade 11

• Matric

• N-level subjects

• Mathematics

• Physical Science

• Engineering Science

• Relevant technical subjects

Don’t assume every apprenticeship has the same requirements.

For example, merSETA’s current apprenticeship information shows different academic requirements for different trades and chambers.

Step 3: Find an Accredited Training Route

You can investigate:

• Public TVET colleges

• Accredited training centres

• Employer apprenticeship programmes

• SETA-supported programmes

• Government apprenticeship programmes

Make sure the programme is properly accredited/recognised.

merSETA specifically advises learners to use quality-assured training providers because training from an unrecognised provider may not be accepted by industry.

Step 4: Find an Employer or Apprenticeship Opportunity

This is critical.

A traditional apprenticeship normally requires workplace exposure.

Look for advertisements from:

• Manufacturing companies

• Mining companies

• Construction companies

• Municipalities

• Government departments

• Engineering companies

• Automotive companies

• Energy companies

• Utilities

• Large contractors

Search terms to use include:

“apprenticeship 2027 South Africa”

“SETA funded apprenticeship”

“artisan apprenticeship”

“welder apprenticeship”

“plumbing apprenticeship”

“electrician apprenticeship”

“boilermaker apprenticeship”

“fitter apprenticeship”

Step 5: Sign the Apprenticeship Agreement

If selected, you will enter into the relevant apprenticeship arrangement.

merSETA states that the employer and apprentice enter into a formal contract and that the employer provides workplace training while the training centre provides the relevant theoretical component.

Step 6: Complete Your Theory

Depending on the trade and pathway, your theory may be completed through:

• TVET college

• Training centre

• Approved provider

• Other recognised training route

For certain merSETA apprenticeship pathways, relevant N-level technical theory is part of the requirements.

Step 7: Complete Practical Workplace Training

This is one of the most important parts.

You need to actually develop the skills of the trade.

For example, a plumbing apprentice may gain experience with:

• Pipework

• Water systems

• Drainage

• Installation

• Maintenance

• Fault finding

A welding apprentice may gain experience with:

• Welding processes

• Fabrication

• Joint preparation

• Safety

• Equipment

• Quality checks

An electrician apprentice may gain experience with:

• Electrical systems

• Wiring

• Testing

• Fault finding

• Installation

• Safety procedures

Step 8: Complete the Required Training

The duration depends on the trade and training pathway.

For example, merSETA’s current apprenticeship information shows that some designated trades have different minimum practical-training periods and structures.

Don’t believe anyone who tells you:

“Every artisan qualification takes exactly four years.”

The traditional apprenticeship model is often described as a four-year pathway, but the exact requirements can vary by trade, training system, exemptions and prior learning.

Step 9: Apply for the Trade Test

Once you have completed the relevant training and meet the requirements, you can proceed towards the trade test.

The Department of Higher Education and Training’s Trade Test Application and Assessment Directorate is responsible for trade testing trades accredited by the QCTO to be tested through the national system.

Step 10: Pass the Trade Test

The trade test assesses whether you can perform the practical work associated with your trade to the required standard.

You must pass the test to become recognised as a qualified artisan through the traditional trade-test route.

merSETA states that successful candidates receive a National Trade Test certificate and are deemed qualified artisans.

Step 11: Receive Your Trade Certificate

After successfully completing the trade-test process, you receive the relevant National Trade Test certification.

This is the milestone that matters.

You have moved from:

Learner

to

Trainee/Apprentice

to

Trade-tested artisan

What If I Already Have Experience?

You may not necessarily have to start from the beginning.

South Africa has an Artisan Recognition of Prior Learning (ARPL) pathway.

The system allows experienced workers to have existing skills and experience assessed rather than automatically repeating training they may already have mastered.

The DHET trade-test directorate includes ARPL as part of its responsibilities.

merSETA also provides an ARPL route and trade-test application information.

This can be particularly relevant to people who have worked informally or in a trade for years but don’t have formal certification.

Can I Become an Artisan Without Matric?

Potentially, yes.

There is no single Matric requirement for every artisan pathway.

Requirements vary by:

• Trade

• Employer

• Training provider

• SETA

• Qualification

• Apprenticeship programme

Some apprenticeship routes accept lower school grades or N-level technical qualifications.

For example, merSETA’s current apprenticeship information lists Grade 9 or Grade 10 routes for certain trades, depending on the trade and chamber.

Other programmes may require Matric or specific Mathematics/Science subjects.

Can TVET College Students Become Artisans?

Yes.

TVET colleges are an important part of South Africa’s artisan-development system.

Government describes artisan training as involving collaboration between trade-test centres, TVET colleges and SETAs.

A possible route can therefore be:

TVET College

↓

Engineering/technical theory

↓

Apprenticeship

↓

Workplace training

↓

Trade Test

↓

Qualified Artisan

NATED + Apprenticeship Route

Students following NATED Engineering Studies may also encounter artisan pathways.

For example:

N1

↓

N2

↓

N3

↓

Apprenticeship / workplace training

↓

Trade test

↓

Artisan

The exact requirements depend on the trade.

This is why our previous NextStepZA article on NATED N1–N6 Courses is an important internal link for this article.

NC(V) + Artisan Pathway

NC(V) can also be relevant to artisan development.

Students should investigate whether their specific NC(V) qualification meets the academic requirements of the trade or apprenticeship they want.

Don’t assume that completing NC(V) automatically qualifies you to write a trade test.

The trade’s specific requirements still apply.

What About Short Skills Courses?

Short courses can be useful.

For example:

• Basic welding

• Solar installation

• Plumbing

• Electrical basics

• Occupational health and safety

• Construction skills

But a short course is not automatically equivalent to a trade qualification.

This distinction is extremely important.

Someone who completes a two-week welding course should not automatically describe themselves as a qualified artisan welder.

Similarly, completing a short solar installation course does not automatically make someone a qualified electrician.

How to Check If a Training Provider Is Legitimate

Before paying for training, ask:

1. Who accredits the programme?

2. What qualification will I receive?

3. What is the SAQA ID?

4. Which quality council is responsible?

5. Is the provider accredited for this specific programme?

6. Does the programme lead to a trade test?

7. Which SETA is involved?

8. Is workplace training included?

9. Who arranges the trade test?

10. What happens after I complete the course?

If the provider cannot answer these questions clearly, investigate further before paying.

Be Careful With “SETA Accredited” Advertising

A common marketing phrase is:

“SETA accredited course.”

That statement alone doesn’t tell you enough.

Ask:

Which SETA?

Which qualification?

Which accreditation?

What certificate will I receive?

Is it an apprenticeship, learnership, occupational qualification or skills programme?

Does it lead to a trade test?

This can prevent you from paying for a course that does not lead where you expected.

How to Find SETA-Funded Opportunities

You should monitor several sources.

1. SETA Websites

Follow the SETA relevant to your sector.

For engineering and manufacturing trades, investigate merSETA.

For energy and water-related opportunities, investigate EWSETA.

2. TVET Colleges

Check:

• Apprenticeships

• Engineering programmes

• Learnerships

• Occupational qualifications

• Workplace opportunities

3. Government Departments

Government departments and municipalities sometimes advertise apprenticeship opportunities.

For example, the Department of Cooperative Governance has previously advertised apprenticeship pathways involving trades such as plumbing, bricklaying, electrical, diesel mechanic and motor mechanic.

4. Large Employers

Monitor:

• Mining companies

• Manufacturing companies

• Construction companies

• Engineering companies

• Automotive companies

• Energy companies

• Municipalities

• Utilities

Many apprenticeship opportunities are recruited directly by employers.

What Should You Put on Your CV?

If you are applying for an apprenticeship, your CV should be simple and relevant.

Include:

Personal information

• Full name

• Contact number

• Email

• Location

Education

Example:

Grade 12 – Mathematics and Physical Sciences

or

N2 Engineering Studies

Technical skills

Only list skills you genuinely have.

Examples:

• Basic welding

• Hand tools

• Computer literacy

• Basic electrical knowledge

• Workshop safety

Experience

Include:

• Volunteer work

• Informal work

• Workshop experience

• Construction experience

• Mechanical work

• School projects

Certifications

List relevant certificates.

Artisan CV Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t write:

“Qualified Electrician”

if you haven’t completed the required qualification/trade-test pathway.

Don’t write:

“Certified Welder”

unless you actually hold the relevant certification.

Instead say:

Completed introductory welding training

or:

Welding experience – 12 months

depending on what is true.

Honesty matters because technical employers can test your practical skills.

Which Artisan Trade Should You Choose?

Instead of asking:

“Which trade is the best?”

ask:

What type of work do I enjoy?

Do you like:

Electricity?

Investigate electrical trades.

Machines?

Investigate mechanical fitting, millwright or mechanical trades.

Metal?

Investigate welding or boilermaking.

Buildings?

Investigate plumbing, bricklaying or related construction trades.

Vehicles?

Investigate motor or diesel mechanics.

Renewable energy?

Investigate solar PV and electrical pathways.

Your choice should be based on your interests, qualifications, local opportunities and the requirements of the occupation.

A Simple Artisan Career Map

Here’s how the journey can look:

Choose a trade

↓

Check requirements

↓

Find an accredited pathway

↓

Apply for apprenticeship / learnership / occupational programme

↓

Complete theory

↓

Complete practical workplace training

↓

Complete required assessments

↓

Apply for trade test where applicable

↓

Pass trade test

↓

Receive National Trade Test certificate

↓

Apply for artisan jobs

↓

Build experience

↓

Specialise / advance your career

Example 1: Becoming a Welder

Step 1

Choose welding.

Step 2

Check the academic requirements.

Step 3

Find an apprenticeship or recognised training route.

Step 4

Complete theory.

Step 5

Complete practical welding experience.

Step 6

Complete required training and assessments.

Step 7

Apply for the trade test when eligible.

Step 8

Pass the trade test.

Step 9

Receive the relevant trade certification.

Step 10

Apply for welding and fabrication opportunities.

Example 2: Becoming a Plumber

Step 1

Research plumbing apprenticeship requirements.

Step 2

Apply to an employer or accredited training route.

Step 3

Complete theoretical training.

Step 4

Gain supervised workplace experience.

Step 5

Complete the required training.

Step 6

Meet the trade-test requirements.

Step 7

Complete the trade test.

Step 8

Receive the relevant certification.

Step 9

Build experience.

Step 10

Progress into plumbing employment or, where legally and professionally permitted, pursue further registration/business opportunities.

Example 3: Solar PV Career

The solar pathway needs a slightly different approach.

Step 1

Learn the fundamentals of electrical safety.

Step 2

Investigate recognised solar PV qualifications.

Step 3

Check EWSETA/QCTO/SAQA information.

Step 4

Choose an accredited provider.

Step 5

Complete the relevant occupational training.

Step 6

Gain practical experience.

Step 7

Build your solar portfolio.

Step 8

Investigate additional electrical qualifications if you want to expand your scope of work.

EWSETA currently lists recognised solar PV occupational qualifications, including the Solar Photovoltaic Standalone Systems Installer qualification.

How Long Does It Take to Become an Artisan?

There is no single answer.

The traditional apprenticeship model is often described as taking up to four years, but the actual period depends on:

• Trade

• Training model

• Prior learning

• Academic requirements

• Workplace exposure

• Competency

• Exemptions

• Trade-test readiness

merSETA’s current apprenticeship information gives different training structures for different trades.

So be suspicious of anyone promising:

“Become a qualified artisan in three weeks.”

That is not the normal traditional trade-test pathway.

Can You Earn Money During an Apprenticeship?

Depending on the programme, apprentices may receive an allowance or remuneration.

merSETA states that apprenticeship wages are determined according to the applicable industry arrangements, while its learnership information says unemployed/pre-employed learners receive regulated minimum allowances.

The amount depends on the programme and employer.

Always read the actual advertisement and contract.

What If I Already Work in a Trade?

Don’t assume you have to start from zero.

If you have years of practical experience but no formal trade certificate, investigate Artisan Recognition of Prior Learning (ARPL).

The ARPL process exists specifically to recognise relevant existing knowledge and skills. DHET’s trade-test directorate includes ARPL within its national responsibilities.

This can be particularly valuable for experienced informal workers.

The 30-Day Artisan Opportunity Challenge

If you want to become an artisan, use the next 30 days productively.

Days 1–3: Choose your trade

Select one or two areas.

For example:

• Welding

• Plumbing

• Electrical

• Fitting

• Boilermaking

• Diesel mechanics

• Solar PV

Days 4–7: Research requirements

Find out:

• Required education

• Required subjects

• Relevant SETA

• Available apprenticeships

• Accredited training providers

• Trade-test route

Week 2: Prepare your CV

Create:

• Artisan CV

• Certified qualifications where required

• ID copy

• School results

• Certificates

• References

Week 3: Apply

Apply for:

• Apprenticeships

• Learnerships

• TVET opportunities

• Employer programmes

• Government programmes

Don’t apply only once.

Week 4: Build your skills

While waiting:

• Study

• Practise

• Watch legitimate technical training

• Learn safety

• Improve mathematics

• Learn technical terminology

• Research employers

Artisan Scam Warning

Be extremely careful with advertisements such as:

“Pay R5,000 and we guarantee you a SETA apprenticeship.”

or:

“Pay us and we will give you a trade certificate without a test.”

or:

“Become a qualified electrician in seven days.”

These claims require serious verification.

Never pay someone simply because they claim to have access to SETA funding.

Verify the programme with the relevant SETA, training provider, employer, TVET college or official government body.

What Is the Trade Test Actually For?

The trade test is not just another exam.

It is designed to assess whether the candidate has achieved the occupational competence required for the relevant trade.

The national trade-test system is administered through the relevant accredited structures, with DHET’s Trade Test Application and Assessment Directorate responsible for trade testing trades accredited by the QCTO for testing.

What Happens After You Become a Qualified Artisan?

Your journey doesn’t have to stop at the trade certificate.

You can potentially progress into:

• Senior artisan roles

• Supervisory roles

• Technical specialisation

• Maintenance

• Construction

• Manufacturing

• Mining

• Engineering support

• Self-employment

• Further education

Your future path depends on your trade, experience, qualifications and applicable professional/regulatory requirements.

Important 2026 Change: South Africa Is Moving Toward Occupational Qualifications

There is another reason this topic is important right now.

South Africa is transitioning from some older qualification structures towards a more occupationally focused system.

In June 2026, the Minister of Higher Education and Training explained that government is working to modernise the qualifications system and strengthen the connection between classroom learning, practical training and workplace experience.

Government also stated that occupational qualifications are designed to integrate learning with workplace experience rather than separating theory from practical exposure.

This means students should pay attention not only to the word “SETA”, but also to:

• QCTO

• SAQA

• Occupational qualifications

• Accredited providers

• Workplace experience

• Trade-test requirements

NATED Students and Workplace Experience

If you are following NATED/Report 191, workplace experience is also important.

The Department has stated that it is working with SETAs, industry and other partners to expand workplace opportunities for TVET students who require experiential learning.

This connects directly with our NextStepZA articles on:

NATED N1–N6

and

TVET Colleges in South Africa.

Artisan Funding Checklist

Before applying for a SETA-funded opportunity, check:

☐ What trade is being offered?
☐ Which SETA is involved?
☐ Is the employer approved?
☐ Is the training provider accredited?
☐ What qualification will I receive?
☐ What is the SAQA ID?
☐ What are the entry requirements?
☐ Is workplace training included?
☐ Is there an allowance or salary?
☐ How long is the programme?
☐ Does it lead to a trade test?
☐ Who pays for the trade test?
☐ Where will the trade test take place?
☐ What certificate will I receive?
☐ Is the opportunity advertised through a legitimate source?

Final Word from NextStepZA

South Africa does not only need people with degrees.

It also needs people who can build, repair, install, maintain, manufacture and keep essential systems running.

That is why artisan careers deserve serious consideration.

Whether you are interested in:

Welding

Plumbing

Electrical work

Boilermaking

Mechanical fitting

Millwright work

Motor mechanics

Diesel mechanics

or

Solar PV

there are different education and workplace pathways you can investigate.

But don’t stop at the phrase:

“SETA-funded.”

Find out exactly what qualification you are getting, who is providing the training, what workplace experience is included, and whether the pathway leads to the trade test or another recognised occupational qualification.

Your goal isn’t simply to complete a course.

Your goal is to leave with skills that you can use.

NextStepZA — Where Ambition Meets Opportunity.

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