How to Become a Plumber or Electrician in SA: The “Red Seal” Guide

Key Takeaways: “Dirty Hands, Clean Money”

• The Goal: You are not truly qualified until you pass your Trade Test and receive your Red Seal Certificate from the QCTO. A college certificate alone is not enough.
• The Two Routes:
  • Apprenticeship: You work for a boss for 3–4 years and go to college in blocks. (Best option).
  • College (NATED/NCV): You study theory first (N1–N3) and then must find your own 18-month practical placement. (Harder route).
• The “License” Step:
  • Electricians: Need a Wireman’s License (Dept of Labour) to sign off Certificates of Compliance (COC).
  • Plumbers: Need to register with the PIRB to issue COCs for geysers and solar.
• The Money: A qualified artisan with their own business can earn R40,000+ per month, often more than university graduates.
• Scam Alert: Avoid “2-week” training centres. You cannot become a plumber in 2 weeks. It takes minimum 3 years.

In South Africa, we have a surplus of lawyers and a shortage of artisans. If you want a career where you will never be retrenched, the “Trades” are the answer.

However, the path is confusing. You cannot just do a course and call yourself an electrician. You have to follow a strict legal process governed by the QCTO (Quality Council for Trades and Occupations).

Here is the definitive guide to becoming a qualified Plumber or Electrician in South Africa.

1. The Destination: What is a “Red Seal”?

Before you start, you need to know the goal.

The Red Seal is the official certificate issued by the government (QCTO) that certifies you as a qualified Artisan.

• Without a Red Seal, you are just a “General Worker” or “Handyman.”
• With a Red Seal, you can legally supervise sites, sign off work, and command higher wages.

To get the Red Seal, you must pass the Trade Test at an accredited center (like Indlela). You cannot write the Trade Test until you have done your time (theory + practicals).

2. Route A: The Apprenticeship (The “Gold Standard”)

This is the traditional and best way to qualify. You earn while you learn.

How it works:

1. Find an Employer: You apply to a company (e.g., a large construction firm or a local plumbing boss) for an Apprenticeship.
2. The Contract: You sign a 3 or 4-year contract registered with a SETA (CETA for construction, EWSETA for electrical).
3. The Routine: You work 70% of the time on-site (getting paid a small stipend) and spend 30% of the time at a training center learning theory.
4. The Result: Because you have a boss, your “practical hours” are guaranteed. At the end of 4 years, you automatically qualify to write the Trade Test.

Pros: Guaranteed experience; you get paid.

Cons: Very hard to find an employer willing to take apprentices.

3. Route B: The TVET College Route (The “Student” Path)

If you cannot find a boss to hire you, you go to college first.

Step 1: The Theory (N1 – N3)

• You enroll at a TVET College (e.g., Majuba, False Bay, Northlink).
• You study N1, N2, and N3 in Electrical Engineering or Civil Engineering (Plumbing).
• Note: You must pass Maths and Physical Science (or Engineering Science).

Step 2: The Practical Nightmare

• This is where most students get stuck. Once you have your N3 (or N6), you CANNOT write the Trade Test yet.
• You must find a company to employ you for 18 months to 2 years as an “Apprentice” or “Learner.”
• You need a logbook signed by a qualified artisan proving you have done the work.

Step 3: The Trade Test

• Once you have N2/N3 + 18 months of verified logbook experience, you apply to write the Trade Test.

4. Electrician Specifics: The “Wireman’s License”

Being a “Red Seal Electrician” allows you to fix wires. It does not allow you to sign the legal Certificate of Compliance (COC) that homeowners need when selling a house.

To sign a COC, you need a Wireman’s License (Registration as a Registered Person).

The Process:

1. Get Red Seal: Pass Trade Test.
2. Pass Installation Rules: You must write two extra exams (Paper 1 & 2) known as “Installation Rules” (SANS 10142).
3. Apply to Dept of Employment & Labour (DEL): You submit your Red Seal, your Installation Rules results, and proof of experience.
4. The Card: They issue you a card designating you as an Installation Electrician (IE). Now you can sign COCs.

5. Plumber Specifics: PIRB Registration

Plumbing has changed. You are no longer just a “pipe fixer.” You are responsible for public health and energy efficiency.

The Body: Plumbing Industry Registration Board (PIRB).

The Process:

1. Get Red Seal: Pass Trade Test.
2. Register with PIRB: You register as a “Licensed Plumber.”
3. CPD Points: To keep your license, you must earn “Continuous Professional Development” points every year (e.g., attending solar geyser workshops).
4. The Benefit: Only PIRB-registered plumbers can issue the COC for geyser installations, which insurance companies now demand.

6. The Costs (Estimated)

TVET College:

• N-Courses: Approx R2,000 – R4,000 per trimester (NSFAS funds this).
• Trade Test Prep: Private centers charge R10,000 – R15,000 for a 3-week “prep course” before the test.
• Trade Test Fee: Approx R1,500.

Private Colleges:

• Colleges like Sol-Tech or CDI offer world-class training but cost R80,000 – R150,000 for a 3-year artisan program. NSFAS does not pay for this.

7. Salary Expectations (2026 Estimates)

Why do people choose trades? The money.

Career Level	Electrician (Monthly)	Plumber (Monthly)
Apprentice (Year 1)	R4,500 – R6,500	R4,000 – R6,000
Semi-Skilled (No Trade Test)	R8,000 – R12,000	R7,000 – R11,000
Red Seal Qualified	R20,000 – R35,000	R18,000 – R30,000
Master / Business Owner	R50,000+	R45,000+

Note: Electricians generally earn slightly more due to the higher risk and regulatory complexity (Wireman’s License).

8. How to Spot a Training Scam

This industry is full of fake schools.

The “2-Week” Lie:

If a school says “Become a Plumber in 2 Weeks for R5,000,” run away.

• You cannot learn a trade in 2 weeks.
• These certificates are “Attendance Certificates.” They are worthless for the Trade Test.
• You need a SETA-accredited provider (look for an accreditation number from QCTO or NAMB).

Summary: Which Trade is For You?

Choose Electrical If:

• You are good at Maths (you need it for calculations).
• You are detail-oriented (one mistake can kill you).
• You prefer indoor/roof work over digging trenches.

Choose Plumbing If:

• You prefer physical, active work.
• You want to get into the “Green Economy” (Solar Geysers/Water Harvesting).
• You want a lower barrier to entry (Maths is less intense than electrical).

Action Plan:

1. Visit a TVET: Go to your nearest campus and ask about the N1–N3 Engineering availability.
2. Fix your Maths: If you failed Maths in Matric, look for a “Bridging Course” (N2 Maths) at the college. You cannot become an artisan without it.
3. Look for “Apprenticeships”: Search on Pnet or LinkedIn specifically for “Apprentice” roles, not “General Worker.”

Disclaimer: Requirements for Trade Tests are managed by NAMB (National Artisan Moderation Body). Rules regarding the Wireman’s License are managed by the Department of Employment and Labour.