Artisan Occupational Qualification
Blended Learning, Practical Workshop Training and Workplace Experience
The Occupational Certificate: Electrician prepares learners to become competent electrical artisans capable of working safely and effectively across a range of electrical environments.
Electricians install, wire, connect, test, inspect, commission, maintain, fault-find and repair electrical equipment, electrical installations and control systems.
The qualification combines theoretical knowledge, extensive practical training and structured workplace experience to develop the occupational competence required of an electrician.
It is suitable for learners seeking a career in electrical construction, manufacturing, engineering, mining, energy, municipal services, agriculture, rail and industrial environments.
On successful completion of the required learning and workplace experience, learners will be able to:
NQF Level 1 qualification with Mathematics and Science.
Learners should also have an interest in electrical work, technical problem-solving and practical artisan activities.
Because the programme includes extensive practical and workplace activities, learners must be able to participate safely in electrical workshop and workplace environments.
Recognition of Prior Learning may provide access to the qualification for applicants who have acquired relevant knowledge and skills through previous education, training or workplace experience.
RPL may also be applied in accordance with applicable QCTO requirements when determining whether prior learning satisfies specific programme requirements.
Approximately 3 Years
Actual completion time may vary according to the learner's workplace exposure, training schedule, previous experience and progression through the programme.
The Occupational Certificate: Electrician consists of 360 credits divided into three integrated components:
These modules develop the theoretical and technical knowledge required to understand electrical installations, equipment and systems.
Practical training develops the learner's ability to perform electrical tasks safely and competently within a controlled workshop environment.
Workplace experience forms a substantial part of the qualification.
Learners must gain structured occupational experience within an appropriate electrical workplace where they can apply the knowledge and practical skills developed during training.
Workplace activities must be appropriately supervised, recorded and verified.
Blended Learning
Artisan Launcher combines different learning environments to provide learners with both technical knowledge and practical occupational competence.
The knowledge component may be delivered through a combination of:
Practical modules require physical participation at an appropriately equipped electrical training facility.
Learners must physically demonstrate their ability to perform electrical tasks safely and correctly.
The workplace component is completed within an appropriate approved workplace where learners gain exposure to actual electrical installations, equipment, maintenance and repair activities.
Electricians require substantial hands-on competence. Practical training therefore forms an essential part of the programme.
Learners may work with equipment and systems including:
Practical training focuses on developing safe working habits, accuracy, problem-solving ability and the ability to perform electrical work according to prescribed procedures.
Throughout the programme, learners develop competence in:
Understand electrical principles, electricity and electronics and how electrical systems operate.
Apply occupational health and safety requirements, electrical safety procedures, legislation and safe working practices.
Select, inspect and safely use electrical hand tools, power tools and test instruments.
Install electrical equipment, wireways, conductors, cables and related components.
Wire and connect electrical equipment, circuits and control systems.
Develop an understanding of rotating electrical machinery and associated electrical systems.
Understand and work with low-voltage electrical protection systems.
Test and inspect electrical equipment, control systems and installations.
Perform appropriate commissioning procedures and tests on electrical installations and systems.
Apply systematic fault-finding techniques to identify electrical problems.
Maintain and repair electrical equipment, installations and control systems.
Learners are required to gain meaningful exposure to real electrical work.
The workplace component enables learners to develop competence that cannot be achieved through classroom or simulated training alone.
Artisan Launcher
may work with approved workplace partners to provide learners with access to appropriate occupational experience where required.
Learners maintain the prescribed workplace evidence and records throughout this component.
Assessment takes place throughout the programme and includes:
Learners must successfully complete the prescribed knowledge, practical and workplace components before progressing to the external assessment process.
The final external assessment is conducted through an accredited Trade Test Centre in accordance with the applicable QCTO and trade requirements.
The external assessment evaluates whether the learner can integrate and practically apply the knowledge and skills required to operate competently as an electrician.
The registered qualification specifies an external assessment involving examination and practical tasks conducted at an accredited assessment/trade test centre.
The qualification can prepare learners for employment opportunities across numerous sectors.
With additional training, workplace experience and applicable authorisations or registrations, qualified electricians may progress into specialist electrical fields, supervisory positions or electrical contracting.
Qualified electricians may pursue further development and specialisation in areas such as:
The qualification also provides an articulation pathway towards relevant electrical qualifications at NQF Level 5.
Applicants should enjoy practical work, technical problem-solving and working with electrical equipment and systems.
Training at Artisan Launcher → Knowledge Modules → Practical Skills Modules / Electrical Workshop Training → Workplace Experience Modules → Statements of Results confirming completion of all required modules and workplace experience → Electrician Trade Test at a QCTO-accredited Trade Test Centre → QCTO Trade Certification as a Qualified Electrician