Key Takeaways: The Double Trade
- What is a Millwright? It is a hybrid trade. You are 50% Electrician and 50% Mechanical Fitter. You fix the motor (electrical) and the gearbox (mechanical).
- The Campus: At Northlink, the Wingfield Campus is the engineering powerhouse for this trade.
- The Money: Millwrights are often the highest-paid artisans in factories because one person does the job of two.
- The Course: You generally study N1 – N3 Engineering Studies.
- The Subjects: You must be careful with your subject choice. You need Mathematics, Engineering Science, Industrial Electronics, and a Trade Theory (often mixing Electrical and Mechanical streams).
- Admission: You need at least Grade 9 with Maths/Science for N1. If you have Matric Maths, you can skip to N2 or N3.
In the world of trades, the Millwright is King.
Factories love them because instead of calling an electrician and a fitter to fix a broken conveyor belt, they just call the Millwright. Because of this versatility, Millwrights often earn R30,000 – R45,000+ per month once qualified.
However, becoming one is twice as hard. You have to master Ohm’s Law (Electrical) and Hydraulics (Mechanical) at the same time.
Northlink College in Cape Town is widely regarded as one of the best training grounds for this specific trade, thanks to its massive workshops at the Wingfield Campus. Here is your guide to getting in for 2026.
1. Why Northlink (Wingfield)?
Northlink has 7 campuses, but you cannot study Millwrighting just anywhere.
- Wingfield Campus: Located in Goodwood (near the N1/N7 interchange), this is the former military technical base. It has massive hangars filled with lathes, milling machines, and electrical simulators.
- Bellville Campus: Also offers engineering, but Wingfield is the primary hub for the “heavy” trades like Fitting and Millwrighting.
- Reputation: Northlink is a QCTO-accredited trade test centre, meaning they don’t just teach you the book work; they know exactly what is needed to pass the Red Seal exam.
2. N1 – N3: The Curriculum (The Hybrid Mix)
This is where students get confused. There is no single subject called “Millwrighting 101.” You have to take a specific combination of subjects that covers both trades.
The “Super Artisan” Subject Split:
To qualify for a Millwright Trade Test, you generally need N2 with four subjects. However, most students do up to N3 to be more employable.
Typical N1 – N3 Subjects:
- Mathematics: (Compulsory – You need this for all calculations).
- Engineering Science: (Compulsory – Physics, levers, heat, electricity).
- Industrial Electronics: (Electrical side – Circuits and logic).
- Electrical Trade Theory: (Electrical side – Wiring, motors, transformers).
- Mechanotechnology (N3) / Fitting & Machining (N2): (Mechanical side – Gears, pumps, hydraulics).
Critical Note: Because you are doing a “double trade,” you sometimes have to take 5 subjects instead of 4, or ensure your N3 certificate has the right mix. Always ask the Programme Manager at registration: “Does this subject combination qualify me for the Millwright Trade Test?”
3. Admission Requirements (2026)
Northlink is strict. They receive thousands of applications for Engineering.
For N1 Entry:
- Grade 9: Must have passed Mathematics and Natural Science (50%+).
- OR Grade 10/11: With Maths and Science.
- Note: Technical Drawing is an advantage.
For N2/N3 Entry:
- National Senior Certificate (Matric):
- Pure Mathematics: 40%+ (Level 3).
- Physical Science: 40%+ (Level 3).
- Math Literacy: If you have Math Lit, Northlink will usually make you start at N1 or N2 to build your foundation. You cannot jump to N3/N4 Engineering with Math Lit.
4. The Route to Red Seal (How long does it take?)
You do not become a Millwright just by finishing college.
Step 1: The Theory (College)
- Complete N1, N2, and N3 at Northlink.
- Duration: 3 Trimesters (1 Year).
Step 2: The Apprenticeship (Work)
- You must find a company (e.g., SAB, Coca-Cola, Consol Glass) to hire you as an Apprentice Millwright.
- You work there for 80 weeks (approx. 2–3 years).
- You fill in a Logbook proving you can weld, wire circuits, and fix gearboxes.
Step 3: The Trade Test
- Once your logbook is signed off, you go to a Trade Test Centre (like Indlela or Northlink’s testing centre).
- You do a 2-day practical exam.
- Pass: You get the Red Seal Certificate. Now you are a qualified Millwright.
5. Career & Salary Scope
Why go through all this trouble?
- The Pay:
- Apprentice: R6,000 – R9,000 pm.
- Qualified Red Seal: R25,000 – R35,000 pm.
- Experience (5 Years+): R45,000+ pm.
- The Industries:
- FMCG: (Food factories like Tiger Brands). Conveyor belts run on motors (electrical) and rollers (mechanical). They need Millwrights 24/7.
- Automotive: VW/Toyota assembly lines.
- Mining: Underground machinery.
6. How to Apply at Northlink
Northlink uses an online application system. There are NO walk-ins.
Step 1: Aptitude Test (Pre-Entry)
- Go to
www.northlink.co.za. - You must complete the Career Guidance / Placement Test.
- This test checks if your brain is wired for engineering (spatial reasoning and maths).
Step 2: Submit Application
- Upload your ID, Results, and Proof of Address.
- Select “Wingfield Campus” and “National Certificate: Engineering Studies (Millwright)”.
Step 3: Funding
- Apply for NSFAS immediately. Northlink is a public college, so tuition is free if you qualify for NSFAS.
Summary: The Hardest but Best Route
Becoming a Millwright is not for the lazy. You have to be good with your hands AND good with calculations. But if you graduate from Northlink Wingfield with this trade, you will rarely be unemployed.
Action Plan:
- Check your Maths: If you have low marks, start fixing them or enroll for N1 Bridge.
- Apply Online: Applications for Trimester 2 open in April.
- Visit Wingfield: Go to the Open Day to see the workshops. It will motivate you.
Disclaimer: Course availability changes. Always verify the specific subject combinations with the Northlink Engineering Head of Department.