If you want to become an Electrician in South Africa, there are several things that you need to know. You must have the proper skills to work as an electrician, and if you want to get a good job, you need to know where to apply. You will also have to know the types of jobs that you can do and how stressful it can be.
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships as an electrician in South Africa can lead to a highly rewarding career. As an electrician you will install electrical systems and troubleshoot problems with them. Depending on your qualifications you can work in residential, commercial or industrial settings. In fact, the country needs more engineers and electricians to meet its growing demand.
An electrician apprenticeship typically takes three to five years, but can be shorter if you study for a national qualification such as an NQF level N2. It will require you to complete a theoretical and practical course.
An apprenticeship in South Africa can be done at a college or vocational school. You can also take a pre-apprenticeship course. This is a short twelve week program that gives you a taste of the trade and provides a good pathway to an apprenticeship.
You should also know that apprentices don’t always have to be 18 to apply. There are many opportunities for men and women who are willing to learn. Aside from learning the relevant skills, you will also have the chance to test your mettle on the job.
Aside from completing a requisite apprenticeship you will also have to get licensed. To do this you will need to pass a written test and a trade test. The trade test will determine if you are eligible to apply for a wireman’s licence. Obtaining a wireman’s licence is a prerequisite to working legally in South Africa.
There are a number of accredited schools and universities where you can go to get your education. These include South African Institute of Technology (SATI) and the University of Cape Town (UCT).
An electrician can also study for a National Diploma in Electrical Engineering. This is a three-year course that is similar to the NQF levels N1 – N3. If you don’t have the time or resources to study for a degree, you can still take an apprenticeship.
Choosing an apprenticeship as an electrician can be a great career choice for both you and your family. You’ll have the opportunity to learn new technologies and gain real-world experience, while earning a decent salary.
Wireman’s license
If you are looking to work as an electrician in South Africa, you will need to meet a number of qualifications. The first thing you need to do is to get registered with the Department of Labour. This will ensure that your electrical installation work meets minimum safety standards.
You will also need to complete a trade test. There are several training programmes that offer electrician qualifications. These can be done through TVET Colleges or through an apprenticeship.
After you complete your apprenticeship, you will need to apply for a license. Then, you can work legally as an electrician in South Africa. In order to do this, you will need to have a valid license. If you don’t have one, you will need to undergo an exam. The exam is called the SANS 10142-1 national exam.
After you have completed the exam, you will need to submit a letter of approval from EWSETA. The letter will then be sent to the Department of Labour.
Once you have the letter of approval, you can register with the Department of Labor. This will allow you to conduct tests and inspections. You can then issue certificates of compliance to customers. You can also register with the Electrical Contractors Association of South Africa.
After you complete the apprenticeship and apply for your license, you will need to prove that you have the skills to do the job. The skills you need include high marks in Maths and Science. You may need to do foundational classes, such as physics or mechanical drawing. You will then be able to choose a practical study option. There are two types: theoretical and integrated.
Depending on the institution, you can take courses from six months to three years. You can opt for an intensive fast track course.
When you are working as an electrician, you can make good money. You can also take advantage of bursaries. In addition, you will have plenty of opportunities for advancement. You can also work for your own company.
You can also get certified to hold a national electrotechnical training (NET) AM2 certificate. This will allow you to work in many fields.
Job-type and stress levels
One of the most interesting fields of interest in the construction industry is the one involving electricity. Aside from rewiring and recommissioning old power lines and equipment, you may also get the chance to work on mine power transformers, solar panels, residential roofing spaces, and the like. While there are many variations of this particular field of trade, it is not uncommon to see a man in a suit on a ladder testing an electrical panel. This type of work requires considerable forethought and a little luck. For more information on the field of interest, you might want to take a gander at the Electrical Conformance Board of South Africa. Alternatively, you could choose to enrol in an electrician training course. Several colleges throughout the country offer such programs. This is a great way to learn the ins and outs of the trade. Despite the challenges and obstacles, there are many opportunities to earn a good living in this industry.
Increasing your pay
Electricians are one of the best paying trades in South Africa. Although salaries vary from job to job, there are a few things you can do to increase your pay. Getting an advanced degree, changing jobs, and gaining experience can all help to boost your earnings. In addition, the cost of living in South Africa is high, and so companies will be more willing to pay you more to accommodate their rising costs.
To start with, you’ll want to get a good level of experience. If you’re new to the industry, you’ll be starting out at the bottom of the salary scale. However, as you gain more experience, you’ll move up and eventually earn a higher salary. If you don’t already have a degree, you can still gain experience, but you’ll have to start at a lower position.