Trade – is an occupation/skill for which an artisan qualification is registered in accordance with the Manpower Training and Skills Development Act

Artisan – is a person that has been certified as competent to perform a listed trade in accordance with the Manpower Training and Skills Development.

The artisan qualification consists of both theoretical and practical training. The theoretical knowledge is usually gained at technical colleges or technical schools or accredited private provider. To obtain the necessary practical experience, you need to find an employer that is willing to sign an apprenticeship contract with you and enable you to gain the necessary experience.

You will need to work with a qualified Artisan – also known as a “Mentor, Coach, Instructor, Tradesman, Technician and Engineer”.

Apprenticeships for major trades have traditionally been for a period of three to four years. However, you may sit for a trade test and obtain this qualification in less than three or four years period or alternatively, you may serve the full training period.

As we currently have a major shortage of artisans, a number of alternative routes to trade qualification have been developed as follows:

Apprenticeship route

Learnership route

RPL/Section 28 route

Internship and Skills Programme route

An apprenticeship is usually longer than a learnership – but both lead to a work-based qualification.