Mer-seta skills development learning programmes apprenticeships
The apprenticeship system is a well known technical training system, including practical and theoretical components offered in designated trades to achieve artisan status.
Apprenticeships
Overview
Conditions Chamber
Auto Metal Motor
Minimum entry age – 16 years
Grade 10 English, Afrikaans, Maths and 2 other subjects or N1 with trade theory
Minimum entry age – 16 years
Grade 9 English or Afrikaans, Maths or Science and 2 other subjects or 4-subject N1 with trade theory
Minimum entry age – 16 years
Grade 10 Afrikaans, English, Maths and at least 1 other subject
Period of apprenticeship Chamber
Auto Metal Motor
A minimum of 26 weeks on-the-job
A maximum of 4 years
A minimum of 80 weeks (Subject to the completion of all the modules)
A maximum of four years
Determined by each trade and level – CBMT
Spraypainter – 3 Levels
Motor Mechanic – 4 levels
Automotive body repairer – 4 Levels
Automotive machinist – 4 levels – Time based
With the exception of Diesel Fuel injection technician and Vehicle Body builder, all other time based trades have a minimum of 85 weeks practical training. Motor time based apprentices have a 4 years contracts with an automatic extension of an additional year.
Diesel Fuel injection technician and Vehicle Body builder has a minimum of 72 weeks practical training prior to trade test
Grade 10 Afrikaans, English, Maths and at least 1 other subject
Apprentice wages Chamber
Auto Metal Motor
A percentage of the artisan minimum rate as determined by the industry bargaining council per level (4 levels)
Determined by the industry bargaining council annually.
Determined by the industry bargaining council per level (four levels)
Process
Training Centre is accredited by merSETA to undertake apprenticeship training.
Employer is approved by merSETA ETQA to undertake apprentice training.
An Employer/Company will advertise for apprentices using the media platform of their choice.
Prospective candidates may apply following the process indicated in the advertisement.
Training centre and employer provide relevant training and workplace exposure to apprentice.
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 21 years of age)
A 4 subject N2 with the relevant trade theory has to be completed. Employer pays for classes and examination fees at the technical college.
Training schedules/declarations are completed. Remission of time and exemptions are possible with merSETA approval.
Trade test application is made with merSETA once all relevant training has been completed.
Qualification by national trade test at a merSETA-accredited trade test centre.
If successful, awarded with a National Trade Test certificate and the apprentice is deemed to be a qualified artisan.
Grants from merSETA Contact the merSETA regional office for details on discretionary grants.
Tax rebates A tax rebate for employers can also be claimed from SARS.
Apprenticeship contract changes
All employers indenturing apprentices are required to ensure that:
Two original apprenticeship contracts are signed
All contracting parties must initial every page of the contracts
A medical certificate must accompany the contracts. (N.B. The cost of the medical examination is borne by the employer)
Certified copies of the identity document and highest school certificate must accompany the contracts.
Apprenticeships
Designated Trades
What qualifications/trades are available? in alphabetical order
Metal & Plastics Chambers Motor Chamber (time-based) Motor Chamber (CBMT) Auto Chamber (time-based)
Armature Winder Automotive Electrician Motor Mechanic Automotive Electrician
Boilermaker Automotive Engine Fitter Automotive Body Repairer Electrician (Engineering)
Diesel Fitter Automotive Trimmer Automotive Machinist Electronics Equipment Mechanician
Domestic Appliance Mechanician Diesel Mechanic Spray Painter Fitter
Domestic Radio Mechanician Fitter and Turner
Machine Tool Setter
Domestic Radio and Television Mechanician Diesel Fuel Injection Mechanic
Motor Mechanic
Earthmoving Equipment Mechanic Motorcycle & Scooter Mechanic
Turner Machinist
Electrician Vehicle Body Builder
Electronics Equipment Mechanician Tractor Mechanic
Fitter
Fitter and Turner
Forklift Mechanic
Instrument Mechanician (Industrial Instrumentation and Process Control)
Lift Mechanic
Millwright
Motor Mechanic
Moulder
Patternmaker
Plastics Mould Maker
Refractory Mason
Refrigeration Mechanic (Commercial)
Refrigeration Mechanic (Industrial)
Rigger
Roll Turner
Scale Fitter
Sheet Metal Worker
Telecommunications Mechanician
Tool, Jig and Die Maker
Tractor Mechanic
Turner
a
Welder
About the Author
My Job Locate
Administrator
To qualify, applicants usually need: ✅ Age: 18–35 years old. ✅ Education: Minimum Grade 11 or Grade 12, depending on the programme. ✅ Citizenship: Must be a South African citizen with a valid ID. ✅ Employment status: Many programmes target unemployed youth, though some are open to employed learners too. ✅ Documents: CV, certified copies of ID, qualifications, and proof of residence.
