Artisan and trade careers: qualifying, earning and getting hired

Trade demand is steady because qualified, trade-tested artisans retire faster than new ones qualify. Employers in mining, manufacturing and FMCG hire year-round.

The standard route is an apprenticeship or learnership at a TVET college, workplace hours logged under a qualified artisan, then a trade test at an accredited centre for your Red Seal.

Keep a signed logbook of hours and machines worked on. It is the single document that most often blocks a trade-test application.

On your CV, list machine types, PLC brands, welding codes, wiremans licence, and any SAQCC or ECSA registration — recruiters search on these exact terms.

Certificates matter more than cover letters in this field: attach scanned copies of your trade certificate and licences when you apply.