Are you an experienced artisan in South Africa who is currently unemployed but lacks a formal qualification? Northlink TVET College, in partnership with merSETA, is offering a fantastic opportunity to formalise your existing skills through their Artisan Recognition of Prior Learning (ARPL) programme. This initiative is designed to help skilled individuals like you obtain a nationally recognised 'Red Seal' artisan qualification, significantly boosting your career prospects. Best of all, it's fully funded by merSETA!
What is the merSETA ARPL Programme?
The Artisan Recognition of Prior Learning (ARPL) programme is a key initiative by merSETA aimed at assessing and formally recognising the practical skills and knowledge of experienced, yet unemployed, artisans. Northlink TVET College is the facilitating institution for this programme, providing the necessary training, assessment, and support for the final trade test. For eligible candidates, merSETA covers all associated costs, including assessment and trade test fees.
Available Trades and Eligibility Criteria
This valuable funding opportunity is available for several critical trades:
- Boilermaker
- Diesel Mechanic
- Motor Mechanic
- Welder
To be considered for this programme, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be 19 years of age or older.
- Possess a minimum of three years of relevant work experience in one of the listed trades within South Africa.
- Be currently unemployed.
Fully Funded by merSETA: What's Covered?
A significant advantage of this merSETA ARPL programme is that it is fully funded for unemployed candidates. This means successful applicants will not incur any tuition or registration fees. The merSETA funding explicitly covers:
- The cost of the skills assessment process to recognise your prior learning.
- Any necessary gap training required to bridge skill deficiencies.
- The final trade test fee, crucial for obtaining your official 'Red Seal' qualification.
Required Documentation for Your Application
To ensure your application is complete, please prepare the following documents. Ensure all copies are certified and not older than three months:
- An updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Service letters from previous employers confirming your relevant trade experience in South Africa.
- A certified copy of your South African Identity Document (ID).
- A certified copy of your highest obtained qualification (if any).
Application Deadlines and How to Apply
If you meet the requirements, please email the above documents to Meggan Adams at madams@northlink.co.za
Spaces within each trade are limited, and recruitment follows a strict first-come, first-served policy until enrolment targets are met. It is highly recommended to submit your application as early as possible.
The official closing date for applications is 10 April 2026 at 16:00 PM. Please note that while this is the primary deadline, programme scheduling can sometimes lead to slightly different dates being communicated for similar 2026 programmes.
For more detailed information and to access the application portal, please visit the Northlink College website:
For general information regarding merSETA and their broader initiatives, you can explore their official website:
The merSETA ARPL programme, facilitated by Northlink TVET College, represents a significant opportunity for experienced but unemployed artisans in South Africa. By formalising your hard-earned skills into a 'Red Seal' qualification, you can unlock enhanced career prospects and professional growth. Make sure you meet all the entry requirements, gather all necessary documentation, and submit your application promptly before the deadline to seize this fully funded chance.
Don't miss out on this chance to formalise your skills. Visit the Northlink College website today to apply!
