Boilermaker requirements in South Africa depend on your route. For the apprenticeship route run by merSETA, you must be at least 16 and have Grade 9 (English or Afrikaans, Maths or Science, and two other subjects) or a 4-subject N1 with trade theory. You then sign a contract with an approved employer, complete the training and pass the national trade test.
Boilermaker is a designated trade under merSETA’s Metal and Plastics chamber. Courses that do not lead to a trade test do not make you a qualified boilermaker, however they are marketed.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
- Minimum age of 16 for metal apprenticeships
- Grade 9 with English or Afrikaans, Maths or Science and two other subjects, or a 4-subject N1 with trade theory
- A signed apprenticeship contract with a merSETA-approved employer, accompanied by a medical certificate
- A 4-subject N2 with the relevant trade theory, completed during the apprenticeship
- At least 80 weeks of practical on-the-job training, subject to completing all modules, within a maximum of four years
- A national trade test at a merSETA-accredited centre
If you have worked in the trade without an apprenticeship, you may be able to apply for the trade test through Artisan Recognition of Prior Learning (ARPL). Under the Trade Test Regulations, applicants must also meet any medical or legal requirement that applies to the trade.
Education and Subject Requirements
merSETA’s Metal chamber lists Grade 9 with English or Afrikaans, Maths or Science and two other subjects, or a 4-subject N1 with trade theory. Matric is not listed as a requirement. merSETA’s older induction material for metal apprentices (induction guide) lists Maths and Science as compulsory subjects, so ask your merSETA regional office which version the employer applies.
Theory is part of the apprenticeship: you must complete a 4-subject N2 with the relevant trade theory, and the employer pays for classes and examination fees at the technical college. Theory alone does not qualify you for a trade test.
Age, Fitness, Licence and Background Requirements
The minimum entry age for metal apprenticeships is 16. If you are under 21, your guardian must co-sign the apprenticeship contract.
The medical certificate that accompanies the contract is paid for by the employer. merSETA does not publish further fitness, vision or background-check rules, and any additional site safety certificates are set by the employer, so ask the employer before you start.
Documents and Evidence Required
For an apprenticeship, merSETA requires the following with the contract.
- A medical certificate
- A certified copy of your ID
- A certified copy of your highest school certificate
When you apply for the trade test after training, the merSETA induction guide lists the application form, a 100% signed-off module book, copies of your ID and highest certificate, and a company letter confirming 80 practical weeks. Confirm the current form with merSETA.
For the ARPL route, the ARPL trade test application form asks for a certified ID, certified qualification, and a service letter on company letterhead giving the company registration number, your daily duties and start date. Certified copies must not be older than three months.
Application and Selection Process
Employers advertise apprenticeships in the media of their choice, and you apply following the process in the advertisement. The employer must be approved by merSETA and the training centre accredited. Details are on the merSETA apprenticeships page.
Once all training is complete, you apply to merSETA for the trade test. The metal trade test involves two days of practical testing, and tasks where you were not yet competent can be redone. Passing makes you a qualified artisan.
Without an apprenticeship, the ARPL route has several entry criteria, including: 4 years’ South African work experience with Grade 9, or 3 years’ experience plus N2 with trade theory, or an NQF Level 3 engineering certificate, or 3 years’ experience plus a toolkit assessment. Boilermaker has an ARPL toolkit assessment. Check the current form and criteria with merSETA.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes me a qualified boilermaker?
Passing the national trade test at an accredited centre after completing the required training. That makes you a qualified artisan.
Do I need Mathematics?
merSETA’s web page for the Metal chamber says Maths or Science, together with English or Afrikaans and two other subjects at Grade 9. Its older induction guide lists Maths and Science. The N1 route does not require Grade 9 subjects but needs trade theory. Confirm with your merSETA regional office.
Do I need matric to become a boilermaker?
merSETA does not list matric for the Metal chamber apprenticeship; Grade 9 or a 4-subject N1 with trade theory is the stated entry level. The ARPL route also accepts Grade 9 with 4 years’ experience.
Can I qualify through a short course?
No. Courses that do not lead to a trade test do not produce a qualified artisan. Check that the training centre is merSETA-accredited.
Where do I find an apprenticeship?
Approved employers advertise them, and you apply as the advertisement directs. merSETA can advise through its regional offices.
How long is a boilermaker apprenticeship?
A metal apprenticeship is a maximum of four years, with at least 80 weeks of practical training, subject to completing all modules.
What if I fail the trade test?
If you pass at least 50% of the tasks, you keep recognition for those tasks for a maximum of 3 attempts or 18 months, according to the ARPL form. Ask merSETA how this applies to your route.
Confirm current requirements with merSETA, and see the job requirements hub and browse all career requirements.