Trades & Technical Careers
Electrician
You install and repair the electrical systems in homes, factories and solar setups.
- Starting salary
- R8 000 – R16 000 (apprentice)
- Job demand
- Always needed
- Key subjects
- Mathematics or Maths Literacy, Physical Sciences
What do they do?
You install and repair the electrical systems in homes, factories and solar setups.
A day in the life
You wire buildings, fault-find, service equipment and issue compliance certificates.
Skills you need
- Practical skill
- Safety
- Fault finding
- Customer service
School subjects that help
- Mathematics or Maths Literacy
- Physical Sciences
- Electrical Technology
How long does it take?
4 main steps after school, usually 2–4 years of training after school.
Study path
- 1High school / N-courses
- 2Apprenticeship
- 3Trade test
- 4Qualified electrician
- 5Own business
Ways in: TVET College · Apprenticeship · Learnership · Entrepreneurship. University is not the only route.
Where can I study?
- TVET Colleges nationwide
- SETA-accredited training centres
- Tshwane University of Technology
- Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Admission requirements differ by institution, always check the official website.
What can I earn?
Entry level
R8 000 – R16 000 (apprentice)
per month (estimate)
Mid career
R20 000 – R35 000
per month (estimate)
Experienced / senior
R40 000 – R80 000+ (own business more)
per month (estimate)
Estimated salary ranges only. Salaries vary based on experience, qualification, industry, location and employer.
How to start preparing now
- • Do N1–N3 electrical at a TVET
- • Learn circuits safely
- • Assist a qualified electrician
Try this career
Map every plug and light circuit in your home and draw the layout.
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This tool is designed to help you explore career possibilities. It does not replace professional career counselling, school guidance or official university admission requirements.