| Description |
The apprenticeship system is a well known technical training system, including practical and theoretical components offered in designated trades to achieve artisan status. |
| Conditions |
| Chamber |
| Auto |
| – |
Minimum entry age – 16 years |
| – |
Grade 10 English, Afrikaans, Maths and 2 other subjects or N1 with trade theory |
|
| Metal |
| – |
Minimum entry age – 16 years |
| – |
Grade 9 English or Afrikaans, Maths or Science and 2 other subjects or 4-subject N1 with trade theory |
|
| Motor |
| – |
Minimum entry age – 16 years |
| – |
Grade 10 Afrikaans, English, Maths and at least 1 other subject |
|
|
| Period of apprenticeship |
| Chamber |
| Auto |
| – |
A minimum of 26 weeks on-the-job |
| – |
A maximum of 4 years |
|
| Metal |
| – |
A minimum of 80 weeks (Subject to the completion of all the modules) |
| – |
A maximum of four years |
|
| Motor |
| – |
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 |
| – |
A percentage of the artisan minimum rate as determined by the industry bargaining council per level (4 levels) |
|
| Metal |
| – |
Determined by the industry bargaining council annually. |
|
| Motor |
| – |
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. |
