What electricians do
Electricians install, maintain and repair electrical systems: wiring in homes and buildings, distribution boards, motors and control systems in factories, and electrical infrastructure in mines and utilities. The work splits roughly into domestic, commercial and industrial specialisations, with industrial work generally paying the most.
Where electricians work
- Electrical contracting companies (domestic and commercial installations)
- Mines and heavy industry (maintenance electricians)
- Municipalities and Eskom (infrastructure and distribution)
- Manufacturing plants and food processing facilities
- Self-employment — many qualified electricians run their own contracting businesses
Entry requirements
You need at least a Grade 9 certificate to begin the trade, but matric with Mathematics and Physical Sciences is strongly recommended and required by many employers and colleges for apprenticeships.
Training routes
- TVET college route: Study Electrical Engineering N1–N6 (or NC(V) Electrical Infrastructure Construction) at a public TVET college. The NATED route takes you through theory levels, and the practical component is usually completed through an apprenticeship or learnership.
- Apprenticeship route: Find an apprenticeship with an employer (often through SETA-funded programmes). Apprenticeships combine on-the-job training with college or training-centre blocks, and they end in the trade test.
- Learnership route: Some employers offer electrical learnerships, particularly utilities and large industrial companies.
Trade test and registration
To be recognised as a qualified electrician you must pass the national trade test at an accredited trade test centre. After passing, you can register as an installation electrician or qualify for the single-phase tester or master electrician registration with the Department of Employment and Labour. Registration affects what work you may legally sign off — master electricians can issue Certificates of Compliance, which is where much of the contracting value lies.
Salary expectations
Apprentice electricians earn a training allowance. Newly qualified electricians typically earn in the R12,000–R20,000 per month range, with experienced and industrial electricians earning significantly more. Master electricians and business owners can earn considerably higher incomes. See the full breakdown in our electrician salary guide.
Career progression
- Apprentice / trainee → Qualified electrician (trade tested)
- Specialise: industrial automation, PLC programming, solar/PV installation, hazardous areas
- Supervisor / foreman → Site or project manager
- Single-phase tester → Master electrician → own contracting business
Who hires electricians?
Electrical contractors, mining houses, manufacturing companies, municipalities, property maintenance firms and solar installation companies all hire regularly. ESKOM and large construction firms also run apprenticeship intakes. Many electricians start with a contractor and later work for themselves.