Apprenticeships – all you need to know
What is an apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships are work-based learning opportunities for individuals wanting to become a certified artisan. During an apprenticeship, the individual will engage in a work-based route towards a qualification in practical/ technical fields.
Whilst an apprenticeship is similar to a learnership, one key difference is that apprenticeships are focused on trade. During an apprenticeship, the individual will participate in formal instruction sessions at a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college/ any other institution. During this time, they will receive trade-related knowledge, theory, hands on experience, and engage in the workplace environment, working closely with professional artisans. Through this, the apprentice will become proficient in their field and ultimately, gain valuable workplace experience.
What is an Artisan?
An artisan is an individual who is qualified and able to practice a trade that requires advanced manual skills done by hand or with technical equipment. The global demand for artisans is high as most of these jobs fall into the ‘scarce skills‘ category. As such, a qualified artisan will find employment a lot easier, or could use their skills to start and run their own business.
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What is a Trade?
When an individual enters an apprenticeship, they will need to sign a contract with an employer as well as a training provider to complete their programme. Once completed, the individual can then apply to do various trade tests at accredited trade centers. Should they be successful, they will then become a certified artisan in a trade field (e.g. a diamond cutter, cabinet maker, tailor, goldsmith, tailor, hairdresser, upholster, or tool maker).
How do apprenticeships work?
- Apprentices will spend most of their time with a mentor, gaining on-the-job experience. The other 20% of their time will be dedicated to their studies.
- Apprenticeships require individuals to complete a minimum of 40 work hours a week, as well as training levels. Apprentices need to acquire enough hours to complete a 2 to 4 year apprenticeship programme.
- Once the apprenticeship is complete, the apprentice will engage in a multiple choice exam. Should they pass, they will then become a certified artisan.
What are the entry requirements for an Apprenticeship?
Before you begin an apprenticeship, it is essential that you meet a few criteria, including:
- You must be at least 16 years old
- You must have completed Grade 10 (minimum qualification)
- You must be studying towards a skilled trade
Studying towards a skills trade will allow the individual to be exposed to many career avenues, such as:
- Electrical work
- Carpentry
- Plumbing
- Cooking
- Mechanical work
- Construction
- Manufacturing
- Transportation
- Service jobs
Are Apprenticeship qualifications accredited?
Apprenticeship qualifications are accredited as they are monitored by The Quality Council For Trades & Occupations (QCTO).
This is further supported by the National Artisan Moderation Body (NAMB) who checks the quality of the programme. Through this, the apprentice is ensured that the skills they have obtained are of a high caliber and that they will be a valuable asset to the work-force and scarce skills division.
What are the benefits of an Apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a great way to kickstart your career by allowing you to experience the working world whilst gaining skills. Should you be interested in an apprenticeship, you are strongly encouraged to learn about them, conduct research, and look at the benefits it could have to your field of work.
Some other benefits of apprenticeships are:
- The opportunity to gain practical work experience: Apprenticeships allow you to learn the theory of your chosen job and practice in a work space. Mentors can also easily teach an apprentice practical skills that they may need on a daily basis.
- You earn while you learn: During an apprenticeship, the apprentice will be employed at a company that conducts the programme. As such, they get paid for their labor whilst still acquiring a qualification.
- Apprenticeships can lead to a full time job: This happens in most cases as during the apprenticeship, the individual is already employed at a company. This gives the apprentice more stability, security, and ultimately cuts out the stress of having to find a job once they graduate.
- Your chosen job will be in demand: Completing an apprenticeship will allow you to have skills that are in high demand, thus becoming a professional in the trade industry.
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