artisan & electrician

As per the Department of Employment and Labour, the national minimum wage applicable to electricians is R30.49 per hour effective 1 March 2026, equating to R5,952 per month for a standard 45-hour week (195 hours). Under the NEC for the Electrical Contracting Industry Main Agreement (adjusted for 2026), qualified electricians receive a minimum of R26,500 per month. Overtime rates are 1.5 times the ordinary rate for the first 10 hours and double thereafter.

Foreign electricians qualify for the Critical Skills Work Visa, valid for up to 5 years, as the occupation is listed on the 2026 Critical Skills List. Applicants must provide a job offer, SAQA-verified NQF Level 4 Electrician qualification, and 3 years experience. The application fee is R1,520, processed within 8 weeks via VFS Global.

Candidates require a National Technical Certificate N3 in Electrical Engineering, 24 months verified practical workplace experience, and a passing trade test for the Occupational Certificate: Electrician at NQF Level 4. Apprenticeship programmes last 36 months minimum. No prior degree is needed, but maths and science at N2 level are prerequisites.

Submit your trade test pass certificate, completed practical experience logbook (24 months), certified ID or passport copy, two passport photos, and proof of payment of R500 fee to a Labour Centre. Employers must verify via the DOL portal post-submission. Approval grants a registration number valid for 3 years.