Careers & TVET
Artisan career pathways
From first certificate to master artisan — the routes, certifications and support available.
Entry
Artisan Certificate (NVCET Level 3–4)
Foundation trade training at accredited TVET institutions and vocational training centres.
Build
Craft & Trade Test Certification
Government trade tests Grade III to Grade I, recognising on-the-job competence.
Advance
Diploma & Technician Pathways
Progression into technician and technologist qualifications at national polytechnics.
Lead
Master Artisan & Enterprise
Workshop ownership, apprenticeship hosting, assessor and trainer accreditation.
Common questions
Do I need formal schooling to start?
Most artisan certificate courses accept learners with a basic school leaving certificate, and some centres run recognition-of-prior-learning assessments for people already working in a trade.
How do trade tests work?
Trade tests assess practical competence at Grade III, II and I. You can sit them through an accredited test centre without completing a full college programme.
Can I get funded?
Government capitation, TVET loans and bursaries cover much of the tuition at public vocational centres. Several SANAA partners also sponsor tool kits for top apprentices.
Where do apprenticeships fit in?
Dual training combines workshop placement with classroom blocks. Many SANAA winners host apprentices — reach out through the artisan directory.