The rise of Artisans in South Africa, skill trades filling gaps in the public and private sector. Artisans are increasingly being recognised for their valuable contribution to South Africa’s infrastructure development, economic growth and industrial future. Across municipalities, the private sector and government, the importance of skilled artisans is gaining renewed attention.
According to Ogodiseng Senye, a SANAA Oversight Committee Member, it is time to change the way society views artisan careers and qualifications.
“An artisan’s qualification is a very unique one,” says Senye.
He explains that artisan training combines theoretical education with extensive practical experience.
“You acquire theoretical exposure in the field that you want to study and then you are exposed to a controlled workshop environment.”
This practical environment allows students to test their theoretical knowledge before progressing into high-intensity production environments. Depending on their chosen trade, this could include a factory, mine, agricultural operation or other industrial production environment.
“And that is what we want to make known to society. The importance of artisans and their skills are important for various reasons.”
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Why Artisans Are Critical to South Africa’s Economy
Senye says artisans are fundamental to the country’s economic and industrial development.
“The country relies on artisans,” he says.
From mining and agriculture to manufacturing, construction and infrastructure, artisans apply their technical knowledge through practical execution.
“They are the ones working on pumps, repairing cars and doing maintenance on the roads. The complexity of the work in engineering or any other field is done through artisanship.”
Skilled trades therefore form an essential part of everyday life, ensuring that infrastructure, machinery, vehicles, electrical systems, plumbing and industrial equipment remain operational.
Green Energy Creates New Artisan Opportunities
One of the areas where artisan skills are expected to be particularly important is the green energy sector.
According to Senye, there is a growing focus on developing artisan skills that will support South Africa’s transition towards a more sustainable energy future.
“There is a list of green energy skills that we are focusing on, taking into account the previous skills as well, like your diesel mechanic, your millwright, your electricians, your plumbers, and your mechanical fitters.”
A total of 13 trades has been identified by the Department of Higher Education and Training as part of the focus on emerging and critical skills.
“Through TVET colleges, we are prioritising those trades and making sure that we advocate that learners who are exiting high school must get an opportunity at the TVET college to enrol for these critical skills that are emerging.”
SANAA Helps Challenge Misconceptions About Artisan Qualifications
For many years, society has been influenced by the perception that a university qualification is automatically superior to vocational or technical training.
Senye says this perception needs to change.
He highlights the important role played by Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges in preparing young people for skilled careers.
“TVET colleges have the same quality of education, the same level descriptors of diploma, higher diploma and postgraduate.”
“These are similar to that of universities, and they carry the same weight.”
The Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) plays an important role in occupational qualifications and standards, helping ensure that artisan and occupational training meets recognised national requirements.
The South African National Artisan Awards (SANAA) is also helping to raise the profile of skilled trades. The national programme celebrates exceptional trade professionals, technical innovation and skills development across sectors including engineering, automotive, construction, electrical, plumbing and mechanical trades.
It also recognises artisans and TVET graduates who demonstrate outstanding achievement and contribute to South Africa’s skills development agenda.
Artisan Careers Offer Opportunities for Young South Africans
For young people considering their career options, artisan training can provide an alternative pathway to employment, entrepreneurship and further professional development.
Senye says there are significant opportunities available through TVET colleges and apprenticeship programmes.
Artisan graduates can also become self-employed and establish their own businesses.
“Skill trades like an electrical contractor or a plumber can register with housing bodies or be absorbed in industries where these skills are required.”
An artisan qualification can therefore become the foundation for entrepreneurship. With additional business and management training, qualified artisans can learn how to manage finances, prepare balance sheets, handle procurement and develop sustainable businesses.
“That is the lever that we are pulling in to promote entrepreneurial skills and to make sure that business ownership is central to people.”
TVET Colleges: A Gateway to Artisan Training
Young people considering a career in the skilled trades can explore opportunities through South Africa’s public TVET colleges and apprenticeship programmes.
Senye highlights the growing focus on TVET education and the financial support available to students who meet the relevant requirements.
“There are funds that are diverted to purely support the curriculum and the intake of students at TVET colleges.”
He also acknowledges the work being done by various stakeholders to increase awareness of TVET colleges and artisan training as viable career pathways.
The message is particularly important for women, as artisan careers are no longer the male-dominated professions they were once perceived to be.
“The landscape has changed completely. If you look at candidates who are in the training centres and colleges, who are enjoying the engineering streams, women are in large numbers and most of them have qualified as artisans.”
Greater diversity within the sector is creating opportunities for women to enter skilled trades and progress into engineering, project management and other senior technical roles.
The Ripple Effect of Artisan Employment
The benefits of artisan employment extend beyond the individual worker.
A stable income can support an entire household, helping families pay for education, healthcare, housing and other essential needs. The income earned by workers is also spent within local communities, supporting retailers, service providers and small businesses.
“If you are an artisan, you cannot go to bed hungry because artisan work is everywhere, every day.”
Artisan qualifications can also create employment opportunities for others. Once an experienced artisan establishes a successful business, they can employ apprentices, assistants and other skilled workers, creating a ripple effect throughout the economy.
Building a Sustainable Future Through Skilled Trades
South Africa’s need for skilled artisans is closely linked to the country’s infrastructure, industrial and economic development.
“We are encouraging young South Africans to go the artisan route,” says Senye.
He believes that strengthening the artisan value chain can contribute towards a more sustainable economy while creating meaningful employment and entrepreneurial opportunities.
Artisan trades form the backbone of modern society, turning technical knowledge and raw materials into the infrastructure, products, services and repairs people rely on every day.
As industries evolve and new technologies emerge, the demand for skilled workers is expected to remain significant. From renewable energy and electrical engineering to construction, automotive, agriculture and manufacturing, artisan careers offer young South Africans the opportunity to develop practical skills while building sustainable careers and businesses.
For young people deciding what comes next after school, the artisan route deserves serious consideration. TVET colleges, apprenticeships and occupational training can provide a practical pathway into employment, entrepreneurship and further professional development.
The future of South Africa’s economy will require both academic expertise and practical skills – and artisans have a critical role to play in building that future.
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