Occupational Programmes

What is an apprenticeship?

• Apprenticeships combine theory, practical work and workplace practice in a chosen trade field and in the case of a listed trade ends in a trade test and an artisan certificate of competence.
• In South Africa, apprenticeships are monitored by the QCTO. The National Artisan Moderation Body (NAMB) oversees the quality assurance of apprenticeships on behalf of the QCTO.
• NAMB is responsible for moderating trade tests, developing and managing a national database of registered artisan trade assessors and moderators, recording artisan achievements and recommending the certification of artisans to the QCTO.

Why are apprenticeships important?

• Apprenticeships are aimed at developing trade-specific skills. In South Africa there are several industries that desperately need skilled artisans. By establishing a formal skills development structure, such shortage of skills can be addressed by training people in the necessary fields.
• If you are interested in becoming an artisan, speak to qualified artisans and, where possible, visit their workplaces to see if this is the type of work you would like to do. Also contact your local TVET college`s advisory center for guidance.

How does apprenticeship work?

• A formal contract is signed between the apprentice and the pre- approved employer for the duration of the apprenticeship.
• The apprentice is viewed as an employee of the company and works for the company for the agreed time in order to gain the skills and experience necessary to work in the industry. This is done in conjunction with an education and training component often facilitated by a TVET College.
• An apprentice`s work-based experience is restricted to a single employer which is the contracted employer of the apprentice.

What is the benefit for the apprentice?

• The apprenticeship programme consolidates the apprentice`s ability in the trade through practical skills and experience; it also encourages further education and training opportunities.

What is the benefit to the employer?

• The employer develops and provides training in the skills required for the sustainability of his/her business. Participating in apprenticeship programmes can also increase productivity, efficiency and ultimately profitability of a business enterprise.

Who is eligible?

• Anybody wishing to enter a listed trade is eligible for an apprenticeship. Once you sign the apprenticeship contract, you become employed as an apprentice.

Read: Vuselela  TVET College Vacancies 2023-2024

How long does an apprenticeship typically take?

• It usually takes three to four years to achieve artisan status, after which employment is generally guaranteed should the parties agree to a continued employment relationship.

What qualification will I leave with?

• The certificate issued is trade-specific and is known as an Artisan Certificate of Competence. You will complete a Nated or “N” courses recognized on the NQF. Also, to qualify as an artisan in a listed trade, you will need to pass a trade test.

Who provides the education and training component of the qualification?

• Education and training is provided by Accredited public TVET Colleges, and in the case of a listed trade, must culminate in a trade test by an accredited trade test center (public or private).

Duration: 

• 3 Years (36 months)

Qualification: 

• 3 Years (36 months)