Around 40 000 qualified artisans are in South Africa.
Are South African artisans in high demand?
The South African government has classified artisanal and technical skills as ‘highly valued’ in the market and has designated them as ‘priority skills.’
Is being an artisan a good job?
Craftsman incomes are also good, and according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, a competent artisan will make far more than the median annual pay for all jobs. The reason for this is because Artisans are in high demand.
The benefits and drawbacks of working as a skilled craftsman
A position in technical engineering, like any other, has advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages
The main advantage of these jobs is that they do not require a university degree; instead, a technical qualification and work experience – such as an apprenticeship – will allow you to work in these industries. You may also make money while training. These vocations also provide excellent job chances because these abilities are in high demand, and competent individuals may expect outstanding salary prospects. There are prospects for entrepreneurship and self-employment depending on the technical vocation, notably for electricians. These jobs are also ideal for folks who prefer hands-on work rather than sitting behind a desk at an office job.
Disadvantages
Many of these jobs, if not all, need work experience in the form of an apprenticeship, which might take years to accomplish. These jobs can also be physically demanding and dangerous, depending on the job location and career/job-specific needs. Welders, for example, are frequently at risk of burning themselves. Job sites can also provide health and safety hazards such as toxic gases and other dangerous items. Furthermore, professions in these industries sometimes require lengthy and unpredictable working hours, which can put a burden on an artisan’s personal or family life.
Advancement of one’s career
Every experienced tradesperson begins their career as an apprentice. A student will be guided by a master tradesperson and obtain real job experience throughout an apprenticeship. Once the student has gained sufficient experience, they will work in entry-level roles before progressing to master craftsperson. Students begin with a N1 certification and work their way up to a N3 qualification in College SA’s national technical certificate (NTC) programmes.
College SA is helping me to become an artisan.
College SA provides nationally recognized and authorized courses in boiler manufacturing, motor trade, electrical, welding, fitting and turning crafts, and other related fields. These are included on the National Qualification Framework (NQF), and each of the five courses has three levels ranging from NQF 1 to NQF 3.
A matric certificate is not required to enroll in these courses at College SA; instead, a Grade 9 pass in English, Mathematics, and Science is required. For potential students who want to pursue a trade course but do not fulfill the admission requirements, College SA now offers an NTC bridge course.
Because College SA is a distance-learning institution, you may study and complete your course from the convenience of your own home. There are no enrollment deadlines because registration is available all year. Our courses are reasonably priced, and costs can be paid in full or in monthly installments.
