Not all students succeed in traditional classroom settings or office environments. For those leaving school who enjoy physical work, tackling practical issues, and achieving visible outcomes each day, skilled crafts are becoming more widely seen as viable professional paths instead of second choices.
As final-year students think about their future options Careers in plumbing, electrician jobs, mechanics, and construction fields are once again receiving increased focus as routes that align hands-on skills with current economic needs.
South Africa is experiencing a significant lack of qualified craftsmen, leading the government and businesses to promote occupations like plumbing, electrician work, and mechanical expertise as attractive options for school leavers and young students.
As stated by South Africa's government, the nation plans to educate 30,000 craftsmen annually by 2030 to tackle skill gaps in vital economic areas.
Occupations deemed necessary by the government encompass diesel mechanics, instrumentation specialists, rigging experts, automotive electricians, machinists, boiler makers, welders, electrical workers, plumbers, assembly personnel, machine installers, masons, and woodworkers.
During a span of ten years, 172,805 craftsmen became eligible, a number that still falls short of what is needed.
Consequently, companies - especially within the fields of construction and mining - often bring in traditional craftsmanship to address ongoing shortfalls.
How much do craftsmen make in South Africa
Income from trade can differ significantly based on factors such as level of experience, geographic area, field of expertise, and whether the craftsman is working for someone else or running their own business.
Common income figures reported in sector and employment studies suggest that:
- Entry-level electricians may make between approximately R7,000 and R12,000 per month, with earnings increasing to between R15,000 and R30,000 monthly upon gaining qualifications and experience.
- Tradespeople typically begin from entry-level positions but may make over R16,000 per month as they gain expertise, with greater earning opportunities for individuals who operate their own companies.
- Trainees typically receive a monthly allowance during their apprenticeship, generally varying from R10,500 to R18,500, based on the specific trade and the company providing the training.
Being self-employed, working on-call, or possessing specialized expertise may lead to income higher than these average figures.
Qualifications and training pathway
In order to be considered an artisan, students need to finish both structured education and practical work exposure.
The typical pathway includes :
- Registration at a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institution or an approved training organization for both classroom-based and hands-on learning.
- Achieving completion of a vocational training program or work-based education, typically spanning three to four years.
- Completing a trade assessment at an approved center, resulting in a widely recognized Red Seal trade certification.
Admission criteria differ depending on the course, though numerous programs demand completion of secondary school with subjects including mathematics and physical sciences, or an appropriate technical certification like N2 or N4.
Where learners can study
Handcrafted skill development is provided via various governmental and non-governmental organizations.
Government-run TVET institutions throughout every province provide courses in electricity, piping, welding, mechanics, and building trade fields. Several of these programs qualify for state financial support, such as the National Student Financial Aid Scheme, depending on specific requirements.
Independent training institutions and specialized craft schools also provide vocational education and exam readiness courses, typically designed for students looking for fast-track or concentrated learning options.
Furthermore, certain students join the system directly via workplace-related apprenticeships, integrating compensated employment with structured education supervised by SETA.
Hands-on career
Kevin Buret, the director of campus operations at NewGen Trade Schools, has earlier mentioned that there are few choices for students who struggle within traditional educational settings.
"Thousands of young people aged 15 to 19 in South Africa are dropping out or moving aimlessly through traditional education systems with few opportunities ahead. Several are classified as underperforming students or end up in settings that fail to recognize their abilities," Buret stated.
Buret stated that an education system emphasizing commerce-related learning for younger students might alleviate both skill gaps and joblessness among young people.
"A school centered around commerce, tailored exclusively for younger students, provides a hands-on and suitable setting that can alter the learning path of pupils and equip them with abilities required by the economy," he stated.
Economic risk of inaction
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"The shortage of skilled workers won't fix itself. It demands cooperation among teachers, businesses, government officials, and local groups. Vocational institutions targeting youth aren't the sole answer, yet they offer a practical and expandable approach that can speed up improvements," he stated.
Buret also mentioned, "Without sufficient skilled workers, the economy can't expand as quickly as required. Without other options for our young people, the chances of joblessness and marginalization increase."
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