What Is An Artisan?

An artisan is a person who is highly skilled with their hands and can perform unique manual labour tasks. There is a wide variety of artisans spanning across several professions. Artisans tend to work primarily in a technical field and are often in fields with a skills shortage. An artisan can range from anything from a jewellery maker to plumber, electrician, carpenter and many other areas.

How do I become an artisan?

To become an artisan, you will have to pass a Trade Test in your field to be nationally recognised as an artisan. But first, you'll need to attend a TVET college to learn the theoretical skills necessary to study the required practical skills to become an artisan.

Aspiring artisans must begin by selecting a particular field of work. For example, within the artisan sector, there are opportunities to become an electrician, mechanic, plumber, carpenter or joiner, to name just a few.

For those who want to develop their skills further, there are a technician or engineering-related jobs. As you can see, these are all highly practical yet skilled jobs. While artisan learning programmes are primarily practical, there is a substantial amount of theory that must be obtained at a school or vocational college.

To train at a vocational college, learners must meet the requirements.

Admission requirements

The minimum requirements to enter a recognised learning programme to become an artisan are outlined in the new Draft Trade Test regulations. Students who wish to apply for entrance must achieve 40% for mathematics (excluding maths literacy) and a Grade 9 or National Certificate level 2 pass.

In the case of civil, mechanical and electrical categories of trades a minimum of 40% in the relevant N2 Trade theory or the related vocational subjects of the National Certificate (Vocational) Level 2 is required.

Occupational knowledge

Students will begin their learning programme by joining a relevant and accredited training course. Prospective artisans are trained to perform specific tasks such as fault finding, manufacturing, repair and servicing.

The training programme may include academic components like mathematics, science, drawing or technical language specific to the trade. Everything you learn will be very relevant to the practical skills you will be applying.

At the same time, learners will get an opportunity to complete practical elements in preparation for their apprenticeships or the workplace learning component of becoming an artisan.

Workplace Learning

On-site learning is a critical part of the developmental process because this is where technical knowledge and practical training is tested in a work environment. Students will be exposed to real-life situations such as work ethics, safety responsibilities and industry level performance standards, as well as getting to know what it's like to be an artisan in South Africa.

They will also be under the tutelage of an experienced mentor to get a feel for the entire scope of their chosen trade. In doing so, learners can fully comprehend what will be expected from them once they are qualified in the artisanal discipline of their choosing.

Artisan trade test

The road to becoming a recognised and qualified artisan requires you to cover both theoretical and practical tests. While your assessments can be completed through your learning program it is all seen as preparation for the trade test. Once a student has completed the professional knowledge and workplace learning segments, they will be required to take the trade test.

To become a qualified artisan and receive national recognition, learners must pass the trade test. Students can sign up to write the exam at a National Trade Test centre that is accredited by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations.

Tell us your artisanal story

Are you a qualified artisan? How has the career path changed your life? Are you interested in becoming an artisan? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.

Are you looking to promote your business?

South African artisans and manufacturing business owners can create your free business listing on nichemarket. The more information you provide about your business, the easier it will be for your customers to find you online. Registering with nichemarket is easy; all you will need to do is head over to our sign up form and follow the instructions.

If you require a more detailed guide on how to create your profile or your listing, then we highly recommend you check out the following articles. 

• How to create a nichemarketer profile 
• How to create a nichemarket business listing 

Recommended reading

If you enjoyed this post and have a little extra time to dive deeper down the rabbit hole, why not check out the following posts on artisans.

• Get Your Artisan & Specialist Skill Business Listed Online
• What Exactly Does A Fitter & Turner Do?

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