What is the process for becoming a qualified artisan, given the high demand for their skills?
Artisans are in high demand, offering favorable employment prospects upon qualification, both domestically and internationally. Artisan salaries are competitive, with skilled artisans often earning well above the median annual wage compared to other professions, as indicated by the US Bureau of Labour Statistics. This is due to the strong demand for artisans.
Definition of an Artisan
An artisan or tradesperson possesses skilled craftsmanship in areas such as carpentry, plumbing, welding, electrical work, mechanical engineering, and other disciplines within the construction or engineering fields.
The following is a compilation of careers related to artisanal work:
Armature Winder
Automotive Electrician
Automotive Machinist
Boilermaker
Carpenter
Die Sinker and Engraver
Diesel Mechanic
EEG Technician
Electrician or Construction Electrician
Fitter and Turner
Gravure Machine Operator or Lithographic Machine-minder
Instrument Mechanician
Locksmith
Measurement and Control Technician
Millwright or Electromechanical
Musical Instrument Builder
Painter and Decorator
Photogravure Engraver
Photo-Lithographer or Electronic Originator
Plastics Technologist or Polymer Scientist
Plumber
Rigger
Roll Turner
Roofer
Rotary Machine Minder
Satellite Systems Technician
Scientific Glass Blower
Sheet Metal Worker
Telecommunications Linework
Telecommunications Technician
Tool Designer
Tool-, Jig- and Die-maker
Choosing an Artisan Path
The trade choice depends on your interest in materials or the industry you wish to engage in. For instance, you were working with wood (carpenter), metal (boilermaker), brick or stone (stonemason), and more.
Personal preferences also play a role, such as working with aircraft (aviation technician), cars (motor mechanic), building (bricklayer), or factory machinery (tool-and-die maker).
Becoming an Artisan
The primary pathway to becoming an artisan is through an apprenticeship. This involves being employed by an organization as an apprentice and receiving theoretical training at a training center or TVET College, along with practical on-the-job training supervised by a qualified artisan. leadership is another option, consisting of structured learning leading to a qualification.
To achieve the full qualification, you must complete a trade test, a national assessment conducted by an accredited trade test center recognized by the National Artisan Moderation Body (NAMB).
Duration
Apprenticeships typically span from 18 months to 4 years, while Learnerships vary from around 1 to 3 years. Learnerships encompass both theoretical and practical training, with hands-on experience taking place on-site.
Getting Started:
Decide on your desired artisan specialization.
Seek out conversations with qualified artisans to learn more about their roles.
Identify potential employers in manufacturing, construction, or engineering fields and inquire about apprenticeship opportunities.
In conclusion
The path to becoming a skilled artisan in high demand involves a deliberate and structured process that offers promising career prospects. Artisans, with their specialized craftsmanship, are sought after both locally and internationally, and their competitive salaries reflect the strong demand for their skills.
The journey begins with defining your artisan specialization based on your interests and preferences, as well as the materials or industries you wish to work with.
Whether it's woodworking, metalworking, construction, or engineering, there is a diverse range of options available.
The primary route to becoming an artisan is through apprenticeship, which combines practical on-the-job training with theoretical instruction. This is typically facilitated by being employed as an apprentice by an organization and receiving guidance from experienced artisans.
Additionally, Learnerships provide a structured learning path toward qualification, blending classroom education with hands-on experience.
The duration of apprenticeships and Learnerships can vary, generally spanning from 18 months to 4 years for apprenticeships and around 1 to 3 years for Learnerships. During this time, you'll develop and refine your skills under the guidance of experts in your chosen field.
A crucial step in your journey involves seeking out conversations with qualified artisans to gain insights into their roles, challenges, and successes. This can help you make informed decisions about your chosen path and provide valuable guidance along the way.
To initiate your artisan journey, identify potential employers in industries such as manufacturing, construction, or engineering.
Reach out to them to inquire about apprenticeship opportunities and express your interest in joining their workforce. This proactive approach demonstrates your commitment and enthusiasm for becoming a skilled artisan.
In the end, the process of becoming a qualified artisan in high demand is a fulfilling and rewarding endeavor that requires dedication, hands-on experience, and a commitment to continuous learning.
As you progress through your apprenticeship or Learnership, you'll be well on your way to mastering your craft and contributing to the ever-growing demand for skilled artisans in various industries.
