APPRENTICESHIPS
What is an apprenticeship?
- Apprenticeship: refers to the traditional technical training system, including practical and theoretical components offered mostly in trade type occupations.
- An apprenticeship is a work-based route to learning and gaining a trade qualification.
What are the advantages of taking on an apprentice for my company?
- Higher availability of qualified workers for filling posts.
- Apprenticeships are created specifically to suite specific industry needs; you will have employees that are skilled for your industry.
- Improved job performance due to more up-skilled employees.
- Increased profit margins due to improved employee performance.
What is the process for undertaking apprentices?
- Employer is workplace approved by an ETQA to undertake apprentice training.
- Apprentice is indentured in a designated trade in terms of the Manpower Training Act provisions.
- A contract is signed by the employer and apprentice (guardian if under 18 years of age).
- All apprentices sign a contract with the relevant SETA.
- To qualify for a trade test one must have completed N2 certificate (4 subjects) including relevant trade test theory. An exemption to this requirement may be granted.
- Remissions of time may be granted under metal Chamber Conditions of Apprentices, if training Schedules / declarations are completed.
- Trade test application is made once all relevant training has been completed.
- Qualification obtained by national trade test at an accredited trade test centre.
If successful, award of a National trade test certificate by relevant SETA and the apprentice is deemed to be a qualified artisan.
What is the duration of an apprenticeship?
- A minimum of 80 weeks (subject to the completion of all the modules and work experience.
- A minimum of 40 weeks training in a training centre excluding trade test preparation and assessment.
- A maximum of four years.
What are the conditions of an apprenticeship?
- Minimum entry age – 16 years.
- Grade 9, English or Afrikaans, Maths or Science and 2 other subjects or 4 – subjects N1 with trade theory.
Open apprenticeship :
Apprentice: Instrumentation
-Apprentice: Welder
-Apprentice: Boilermaker
-Apprentice:Mechanical Fitter
-Apprentice: Fitter and Turner
-Apprentice: Electrician