Earn an Artisan Qualification Through ARPL and Receive R2,000 Monthly Support
South Africa is full of talented people who have been doing electrical work for years but have never had the chance to get an official qualification. Many started learning on the job, fixing wiring for community members, assisting electricians on construction projects, or doing installations for contractors. Even though they have the skill and practical experience, they still struggle to access better opportunities simply because they lack formal certification. EASTC 2026 Electrical Program
The good news is that EASTC Technocentric Varsity, together with the Xylem SA Trust, is opening doors for these individuals with their 2026 Artisan Recognition of Prior Learning (ARPL) Electrical Programme. This programme is specifically designed for people who already have real hands-on electrical experience but are unemployed and need a pathway to become certified artisans without starting from scratch.
What makes this initiative stand out is that there are no tuition fees. If you qualify and are accepted, you will receive a R2,000 monthly stipend to support you during the programme. This removes financial barriers for many South Africans who have the skills but have never had the means to formalize them.
Applications are now open and will close on 12 December 2025, giving eligible candidates enough time to prepare and submit the required documents.
What Exactly Is the ARPL Programme?
The Artisan Recognition of Prior Learning (ARPL) programme is a national initiative aimed at helping individuals with practical, informal, or non-formal training to gain official certification. Instead of starting from an entry-level course, ARPL evaluates and recognizes the electrical knowledge and skills a person has already gained through practical experience.
This process includes:
- Assessing your current skills and knowledge.
- Identifying any training gaps.
- Providing targeted guidance to help you meet the requirements for trade testing.
- Preparing you for the official trade test so you can qualify as a certified electrician.
For many people, ARPL is the shortest, most accessible route to becoming a qualified artisan, especially for those who have worked in the field for years.
Quick Overview of the EASTC Electrical ARPL Programme
- Programme: Electrical Artisan Recognition of Prior Learning (ARPL)
- Partners: EASTC Technocentric Varsity & Xylem SA Trust
- Number of Available Spots: 10
- Monthly Stipend: R2,000
- Eligibility:
- Must be unemployed
- Must have at least 3 years of practical electrical experience
- Must provide required documents
- No age limit
- Application Closing Date: 12 December 2025
- Email Applications To: valencia@eastc.co.za
This programme is not a beginner’s training course. It is intended for individuals who already possess substantial experience but have not yet earned their artisan status.
Why This Programme Matters for South Africans
South Africa continues to face a critical shortage of qualified artisans, especially in the electrical trade. Many sectors—construction, manufacturing, housing development, renewable energy, and public infrastructure—need skilled and certified electricians to meet national and community needs. Without sufficient certified professionals, the country struggles with delays in essential projects and reduced productivity.
At the same time, countless South Africans have the talent and hands-on expertise but lack the documents needed to access better jobs. The EASTC ARPL programme is a direct answer to this challenge. It empowers skilled individuals to convert their experience into recognized qualifications that employers trust.
A certified artisan qualification opens doors to:
- Higher-paying job opportunities
- Permanent employment prospects
- Entrepreneurial opportunities
- Better career growth and stability
- Access to large projects that require certified tradespeople
By recognizing real experience, this ARPL programme bridges the gap between practical skills and formal certifications—creating opportunities for both individuals and the workforce at large.
The Importance of the R2,000 Monthly Stipend
One of the biggest barriers for unemployed individuals trying to upskill is financial strain. Many cannot afford to take part in training programmes because they need money for transport, meals, or personal responsibilities. The R2,000 support allowance provided by Xylem SA Trust plays a crucial role.
The stipend helps participants cover:
- Transport costs to and from training sessions
- Meals during training
- Basic personal needs
- Administrative and learning expenses
This financial support ensures that candidates can focus fully on completing the programme and preparing for the trade test without worrying about how they will survive day-to-day.
Who Should Apply for This Programme?
This opportunity is ideal for individuals who have spent several years working in electrical environments but never had the chance to formalize their skills.
You may qualify if you have experience in:
- Installing electrical wiring
- Repairing circuits, breakers, or distribution boards
- Electrical maintenance work
- Working with electricians on construction sites
- Supporting electrical teams in industrial, commercial, or residential environments
- Assisting with installations, repairs, or fault finding
As long as you have at least 3 years of solid electrical experience and can prove it with a company-stamped service letter, you are encouraged to apply.
Application Requirements
To be considered for the programme, applicants must submit the following documents:
- Updated CV
- Should clearly outline your practical electrical experience.
- Certified Copy of ID
- Must be valid and not older than 3 months.
- Certified Copies of Qualifications
- Even partial or incomplete qualifications are accepted.
- Company-Stamped Service Letter
- This must confirm that you have completed at least 3 years of electrical work.
- Proof of Unemployment
- Applicants must be currently unemployed.
There is no age limit, which makes the programme accessible to both younger and older experienced workers.
About the Partners Behind the Programme
EASTC Technocentric Varsity
EASTC is well-known for its commitment to developing skilled artisans in South Africa. The institution offers practical, industry-driven training courses that empower unemployed individuals and strengthen communities. Their focus on technical and vocational education helps reduce unemployment and builds essential skills needed across the country.
Xylem SA Trust
Xylem SA Trust is dedicated to supporting community development projects and funding initiatives that uplift unemployed individuals. Their involvement in this ARPL programme provides the crucial financial resources needed to offer stipends and ensure that training remains accessible to those who need it most.
Together, these organizations are helping to build a more skilled, employable, and empowered workforce for South Africa’s future.
How to Apply
To apply for the programme, submit all required documents via email to:
Make sure your email contains:
- Your CV
- Certified copies of your qualifications
- Certified ID copy
- Company-stamped service letter showing 3+ years of experience
Important:
The closing date for applications is 12 December 2025. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the ARPL programme?
The Artisan Recognition of Prior Learning (ARPL) programme identifies and recognizes a person’s practical skills gained through years of experience. It allows skilled workers to become certified artisans without starting from beginner-level training.
2. Do I need formal qualifications to apply?
No. Formal qualifications are helpful but not required. What matters most is 3+ years of practical electrical experience, proven through a company-stamped service letter.
3. Is there an age limit?
No. The programme accepts applicants of all ages as long as they meet the experience and unemployment criteria.
4. Do I have to pay tuition fees?
No. There are no tuition fees for this programme. Training and assessment costs are fully covered by the partners.
5. Who provides the R2,000 stipend?
The stipend is funded by Xylem SA Trust, making the programme accessible for unemployed individuals.
6. How will the stipend be paid?
The stipend is paid monthly to help participants cover transport, meals, and other essential needs during training.
7. What happens after I finish the programme?
You will be guided toward completing your trade test. Once you pass, you become a certified electrician, giving you access to higher-paying jobs and new opportunities.
8. Can I apply if I’m currently employed?
No. The programme is strictly for unemployed individuals.
9. When is the closing date for applications?
Applications close on 12 December 2025.
Thato Sabethwa is a passionate education advocate and digital content creator dedicated to helping young South Africans access valuable career and learning opportunities. With a strong belief in the power of skills development, Thato writes informative articles about learnerships, internships, bursaries, and job readiness. Through OnlineLearnership.co.za, Thato aims to guide students and job seekers toward the right opportunities that can shape their future. Her content focuses on practical advice, career tips, and reliable updates to empower readers to make informed decisions about their education and career paths.
