Discover the Right Electrical Contractor Training for You

The first thing you must be aware of if you want to become an electrical contractor is that you need proper electrical contractor training. This will lead towards gaining a certificate which in turn will provide peace of mind to your clients and proof that you know what you are doing.

Let’s find out more about training to be an electrician now.

Do you have to decide what type of contractor you want to be before you embark on a training course?

Yes, there are four different categories of electricians in South Africa. You must choose the appropriate course so you gain the required skills in that area.

For example there is a course to become an electrician. But you can also become an electrical contractor in the engineering or mining industries. You may also want to go into construction, so you must decide which route to take before choosing the appropriate course.

What type of training do you have to undergo?

While the specific training course will depend on which route you take, in every case you will take part in an apprenticeship. This is highly advantageous because it does not restrict you to classroom learning. Instead you will learn alongside someone who is already a qualified electrician.

Of course you must do the required amount of written work and appropriate studying. But it also helps to get the practical experience as you go along. The nature of being an electrician – regardless of the area you go into – means you cannot simply do the classroom work without having practical experience. Following an experienced electrician will ensure you get this amount of experience under your belt during the training procedure.

Do you have to pass any kind of exam or test in order to qualify?

Yes, there is a Trade Test that is required in order to complete your training and be properly qualified. This requires that you have a minimum of three years of experience in the field, and this must be provable. You will also need to have studied and completed N2 Electrical Trade Theory as an absolute minimum.

Once you have this and you have passed the Trade Test, you can then call yourself a properly qualified electrician and embark on your career.

Is there any quicker way to become an electrician?

No – three years is the quickest path to achieving your goal. This is assuming you have also gone through the training modules known as M0 to M7, with a proper training provider that has been officially accredited as such. Without this you’ll need five years worth of practical experience along with the N2 Electrical Trade Theory.

However once you have passed you will have a proper skill you can use to earn money in lots of different jobs. If you have the natural ability and the determination to learn everything about this job, you could be assured of a good skill and a good career path to follow long into the future.