Career guide
Operates and monitors industrial boilers and steam plant safely, watching pressure, water treatment and efficiency. Shift work in factories, hospitals and mines.
Grade 9 with Mathematics is the SAQA minimum for entry to many trades, though most employers now prefer Grade 12; Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy plus Technical subjects or Physical Sciences help.
An apprenticeship of 3 to 4 years, or a merSETA learnership at NQF 2-4 over at least 2 years, combining college theory (N1-N3 or NCV) with workplace training. **You are not qualified until you pass the Trade Test**, which is managed by the National Artisan Moderation Body (NAMB) - the trade test, not the college certificate, is what makes you a Qualified Artisan. Recognition of Prior Learning is available for people already working in the trade. Entry requirements differ by employer and college - confirm directly with the institution.
TVET colleges plus a host employer; merSETA-accredited providers; trade test through NAMB
A qualified career counsellor works through your child's personality, interests, strengths and subjects, and writes them a report on what fits.
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