Plumbers, electricians, welders, boilermakers, locksmiths and pipefitters are all trades-people. To be considered a qualified tradesperson, individuals must complete a trade test.
A trade test is the final summative assessment for individuals who are completing an artisan qualification for a listed trade.
Trade tests can be completed at an accredited Trade Test Centre by an Assessor, who is registered with the National Artisan Moderating Body.
Electricians are tradespeople who install, connect, test and maintain electrical systems for a variety of purposes, such as lighting, climate control, security, communications and electronic controls for machines.
The electrician’s role is to ensure that electrical systems are safe, reliable and efficient. This can be carried out on an industrial scale or a domestic one.
The trade of an electrician is one of the more respected trades in the construction industry and electrical workers have a very high degree of respect within their industry.
Once you have completed the relevant electrician qualifications at a recognised TVET college, and have undergone some practical experience within the field of being an electrician, you'll be ready to take on a trade test.
Depending on where you choose to take your trade test, the entry requirements may differ; therefore it is important to do enough research before deciding to apply and take the test.
A trade test is done once the individual has completed their chosen artisan course (in this case, electrical studies) at a registered Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college or private service provider.
Here Are The Entrance Requirements Of A Trade Test
- N2 Certificate including the four relevant subjects of Maths, Engineering, Science and a fourth subject as required by the trade; or
- Technical trade theory programs quality assured by a SETA deemed to be equivalent to NQF level 3; or
- Relevant Engineering NCV Certificate with seven subjects at NQF level 3; or
- Technical Grade 11 with Maths, Science, Language and related trade theory subject; or
- Relevant (directly related to the trade theory subjects) N6 certificate or National Technical Diploma (T, S or N stream.)
In addition to the above mentioned minimum level of educational qualification, the applicant must also have:
- Successfully completed all of the job practical training unit standards (in the case of learnerships) or modules (in the case of an apprenticeship) of an artisan learning program at an accredited training provider as verifiable by training records.
- Satisfied the requirements of the structured workplace, on the job, learning for a minimum period of 12 months verifiable through a workplace learning record (e.g logbook).
Keep in mind that for the career of becoming an electrician, the requirements will apply to that specific trade.
Working in a trade can be an attractive career option for young people in South Africa, as skills are always required.
Trades-people jobs can entail a steady stream of work and competitive remuneration. Trades-people also have the freedom of working as independent contractors and being “their own boss”.
