What is an artisan?
An artisan is a skilled and trained person who generally works with his or her hands to build, maintain or control working machinery or systems. There are about 125 listed trades that fall under the title of artisan.
What subjects do I need?
If you are doing matric:
– Maths or Maths Lit (depending on trade selected)
– Physical science
– Technology subjects and engineering graphics & design
– English
Or choose a technical or vocational FET course at any stage after grade nine
What skills do I need?
– Technical aptitude
– Ability to think three-dimensionally
– Good basic maths skills
– Problem-solving skills
– Practical skills
– Patience
– Good fine motor skills
– Enjoy working with your hands
Qualifications
– National Certificate (Vocational) linked to specific trade – e.g. NCV Mechanical Engineering
– Nated (Technical) National Certificate linked to specific trade – e.g. N4 – N6 Engineering studies
– Apprenticeship after minimum Grade 9, with a minimum age of 16, with National Trade Test certificate
Career Options
– Aircon technician
-Armature winder
– Auto electrician
– Automotive engine fitter
– Automotive body repairer
– Automotive machinist
– Automotive trimmer
– Blacksmith
– Boilermaker
– Bricklayer
– Carpenter
– Crane technician
– Diesel fitter
– Diesel fuel injection mechanic
– Diesel mechanic
– Domestic appliances mechanician
– Domestic radio mechanician
– Domestic radio and television mechanician
– Draughtsman
– Drill rig operator
– Earth moving equipment mechanic
– Electrician
– Electronics equipment mechanician
– Fitter
– Fitter & turner
– Forklift mechanic
– Glazier
– Instrument technician
– Instrument mechanician
-Joiner
– Lift mechanic
– Machine tool setter
– Mechanic
– Millwright
– Motor mechanic
– Motorcycle and scooter mechanic
– Moulder
– Packaging technician
– Patternmaker
– Painter
– Plasterer
– Plastics mould maker
– Plumber
– Radar technician
– Refrigeration mechanic (commercial or industrial)
– Rigger
– Roll turner
– Safety mine officer
– Scale fitter
– Sheet-metal worker
– Spray painter
– Steel fixer
– Telecommunications mechanician
– Tiler
– Tool, jig & die maker
– Toolmaker
– Tractor mechanic
– Turner machinist
– Underground electrical foreman
– Vehicle body builder
– Welder
Professional bodies
– Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services SETA
Tel: 010 219 3000
www.merseta.org.za
– Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of South Africa (SEIFSA)
Tel: 011 298 9400
www.seifsa.co.za
– Master Builders South Africa
Tel: 011 205 9000
www.mbsa.org.za
– Plastics South Africa
Tel: 011 653 4782
www.plasticsinfo.co.za
– Institute of Plumbing South Africa
Tel: 044 873 6285
www.iopsa.org.za
Useful contacts
– National Artisan Development Support Centre
Tel: 011 206 1000
nadsc.dhet.gov.za
DID YOU KNOW?
South Africa has a dire shortage of artisans across numerous industries.