Terminology used in education and training is often a challenge to many. The objective of this article is to address common terms used in relation to trade skills.

Artisan

The terms bricklayer, carpenter, plumber, etc are often used very loosely. These are used to define an artisan, which is a person who has been certified as competent, through a trade test, to undertake a listed trade in accordance with the applicable legislation. The South African trade test is recognised internationally and trade tested persons with a South African Trade Certificate “red seal” are readily absorbed internationally.

Trade Test

This is a final external practical and summative assessment taken by candidates who meet the requirements included in an occupational qualification for a listed trade. This test is conducted at an accredited trade test centre. Trade certificates are issued by the Quality Council for trades and Occupations (QCTO) which is the statutory council responsible for quality assurance and the certification process for trade and occupation qualifications. Working closely with the QCTO, is the National Artisan Moderation Body. 

National Artisan Moderation Body

The National Artisan Moderation Body (NAMB) was launched in terms of Section 26A of the Skills Development Act of 1998 and falls under Department of Higher Education and training. Its functions are to:

• Monitor the performance of accredited trade test centres;
• Develop and moderate trade tests;
• Develop, maintain and apply a national data base of instruments for assessing and moderating trade tests;
• Develop and maintain a national data base of registered trade assessors and moderators;
• Record artisan achievements;
• Attend to appeals against assessment decisions; and
• Recommend certification of artisans to the QCTO.

All accredited trade test centres report to NAMB to enable NAMB to monitor their performance.

Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship is a learning programme towards the achievement of a listed trade. It includes and trade test in respect of that trade. It covers theory, practical and structured workplace learning. An apprentice is indentured to an employer for the duration of the apprenticeship, which could be for three years or more.

Learnership

A learnership is a structured learning programme which includes theoretical, practical and workplace experiential learning. On average learnerships have a 12-month duration and lead to an occupationally related qualification registered on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).

Skills programme

A skills programme is a learning intervention designed to be an occupationally based, short term learning programme. It constitutes credits towards a qualification registered on the NQF. The combination of unit standards chosen should be directed towards an occupation. Its duration is also governed by rules set out by DHET, SAQA and the relevant SETA.

Internship

An internship is a structured and monitored workplace intervention, designed to give the intern exposure and interactions within a work environment. The duration of the internship is determined by the qualification rules.

Victor Smith | Training Manager