Northlink College’s Bellville Campus is helping experienced workers take the next step in their careers through fully funded Artisan Training opportunities under the Artisan Recognition of Prior Learning (ARPL) programme.
If you have years of hands-on experience as a panelbeater, vehicle painter, or welder but never received a formal qualification, this initiative allows you to gain official certification free of charge, turning your practical skills into a nationally recognised qualification.
Trades Available at Northlink College
The following Artisan Training opportunities are currently available at Northlink College Bellville Campus through the ARPL programme:
- Panelbeater – Learn to repair and restore vehicle bodies to original standards, including removing dents, realigning panels, and refinishing surfaces.
- Career opportunities: Auto body repair shops, car dealerships, insurance assessors, and automotive manufacturing plants.
- Relevant SETA: merSETA (Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority) – responsible for skills development in the motor and manufacturing industries.
- Vehicle Painter (Spray Painter) – Master the techniques of preparing, priming, and painting vehicles for a professional finish that meets safety and aesthetic standards.
- Career opportunities: Automotive body repair workshops, vehicle refurbishment centres, custom paint and detailing businesses.
- Relevant SETA: merSETA – overseeing the automotive refinishing and motor repair trades.
- Welder – Gain recognition for your expertise in welding, cutting, and fabricating metal components used in construction, manufacturing, and engineering sectors.
- Career opportunities: Construction and fabrication companies, shipyards, steel plants, and engineering firms.
- Relevant SETA: CHIETA (Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority) and merSETA both play a role in developing welding skills, depending on the industry focus.
Other Trades Covered by the ARPL Programme
Beyond the trades offered at Bellville Campus, the Artisan Recognition of Prior Learning (ARPL) process applies to a wide range of other high-demand occupations across South Africa, including:
- Electrician – (EWSETA: Energy and Water SETA)
- Plumber – (CETA: Construction Education and Training Authority)
- Fitter and Turner – (merSETA)
- Boilermaker – (merSETA)
- Millwright – (merSETA)
- Carpenter and Joiner – (CETA)
- Bricklayer – (CETA)
- Diesel Mechanic – (merSETA)
Each of these trades forms part of South Africa’s critical skills list, meaning that certified artisans in these fields are in high demand both locally and internationally.
Career Opportunities After Completing Artisan Training
Completing your Artisan Training and ARPL assessment gives you access to a variety of rewarding and stable career paths:
- Formal employment: Join companies in construction, engineering, or automotive sectors where certified artisans are essential.
- Self-employment: Start your own small business or workshop, offering specialised trade services.
- Work abroad: Many South African artisan qualifications are recognised internationally, particularly in countries facing similar skills shortages.
- Further study: Once qualified, you can upskill into foreman, supervisor, or technical training roles — or pursue artisan mentorship to help others qualify.
A trade certificate doesn’t just prove your ability; it creates a long-term career path with growth potential and independence.
How SETAs Support Artisan Development
South Africa’s Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) play a vital role in promoting artisan development and skills recognition. Each SETA is responsible for a specific group of industries and ensures that training standards, assessments, and funding opportunities meet national quality requirements.
Here’s how SETAs can help you:
- Funding and bursaries: Many SETAs provide funded learning opportunities and trade test subsidies for eligible candidates.
- Access to accredited training: SETAs ensure that your Artisan Training takes place at registered and accredited institutions, like Northlink College.
- Quality assurance: They oversee the assessment and certification process to maintain industry standards.
- Career guidance and placement: Some SETAs partner with employers to place qualified artisans in apprenticeships, internships, or full-time positions.
For these Northlink College trades:
- merSETA supports Panelbeaters, Vehicle Painters, Welders, and other engineering and motor trades.
- CHIETA supports Welders working in chemical, petroleum, and manufacturing sectors.
- CETA, EWSETA, and TETA (Transport SETA) support artisans in related technical, construction, and infrastructure fields.
Through SETA involvement, the ARPL system ensures that artisan qualifications remain relevant, credible, and aligned with South Africa’s economic needs.
Who Should Apply
You are encouraged to apply if you meet the following criteria:
- You are unemployed
- You are 19 years or older
- You have at least three years of relevant work experience in your chosen trade
The ARPL programme is ideal for people who learned their trade through on-the-job experience and now want to obtain a formal qualification to advance their careers.
Related: Northlink College Tygerberg Campus 2026 Courses
How to Apply for the ARPL Artisan Training at Northlink College
Applying for this opportunity is simple but because spaces are limited, it’s important to ensure your application is complete and accurate before submitting. Follow the steps below carefully.
Step 1: Prepare Your Application Documents
Before sending your email, make sure you have all the required documents ready and clearly labelled. Incomplete applications may not be considered. You will need:
- Updated CV (Curriculum Vitae)
- Your CV should outline your personal details, contact information, work history, and the specific trade you have experience in (e.g. Welder, Vehicle Painter, or Panelbeater).
- Include the names of the companies or workshops you’ve worked for, your job title, and the number of years spent in each role.
- Service Letter(s) or Proof of Experience
- A Service Letter is an official document from your previous employer(s) confirming that you have worked in the trade.
- It must be on the company’s letterhead, signed by a supervisor or manager, and should include details such as your job title, employment period, and the type of work performed.
- Only RSA (South African) service letters will be accepted.
- Certified Copy of Your South African ID
- Ensure your ID copy is recently certified (not older than 3 months) by a Commissioner of Oaths, police officer, or post office.
- Certified Copy of Your Highest Qualification
- This could be your matric certificate, a technical course certificate, or any other formal qualification.
- Certification must also be recent (within the last 3 months).
Tip: Combine all your documents into a single PDF file before sending, clearly named as:YourFullName_ARPL_Application.pdf
This helps administrators process your application faster.
Step 2: Send Your Application
Once your documents are ready, email them to:
📧 Meggan Adams
Email: madams@northlink.co.za
Subject line: ARPL Application – [Your Trade] (e.g. ARPL Application – Welder)
In the body of your email, briefly introduce yourself and specify which trade you’re applying for. Here’s an example you can follow:
Example email body:
Dear Ms. Adams,
I would like to apply for the fully funded ARPL opportunity at Northlink College Bellville Campus in the [name of trade] category.
I have over [number of years] years of experience working as a [trade name] and would like to formalise my qualification through this programme.
Please find my CV and supporting documents attached.
Kind regards,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Contact Number]
Step 3: Wait for a Response
After submitting your application, Northlink College’s ARPL team will review your documents and contact you if you meet the eligibility criteria. Successful applicants may be invited for:
- A pre-assessment interview or skills evaluation to verify your trade experience.
- Guidance on the next steps for registration, assessment, and training dates.
If you don’t receive feedback immediately, please allow a few working days — remember that the process is first-come, first-served and demand is high.
The ARPL application is completely free and offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to earn your trade qualification without paying tuition fees. Make sure your documents are in order and apply as soon as possible to secure your spot.
Why Choose Northlink College for Your Artisan Training?
Northlink College is one of South Africa’s leading public Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions. It is known for producing highly skilled and employable artisans through industry-aligned training, expert lecturers, and practical learning environments.
At the Bellville Campus, students and ARPL candidates benefit from:
- Modern workshops equipped for real-world training
- Experienced facilitators with industry backgrounds
- Supportive staff guiding candidates through the ARPL and trade test process
This combination of practical support and industry relevance ensures that Northlink graduates stand out in the job market.
If you have the skills, Northlink College has the pathway. The fully funded Artisan Training opportunity at Bellville Campus allows you to formalise your experience, gain recognition, and secure a brighter career future.
Don’t wait, apply before 24 October 2025 at 12:00 PM to become a qualified artisan through the ARPL programme.