South Africa continues to face a major shortage of certified artisans, especially in the electrical trade. Thousands of people work daily as electricians—doing wiring, installations, maintenance, and fault-finding—yet many have never had the opportunity to obtain a formal qualification. Without certification, these workers often struggle to access better wages, secure long-term jobs, or qualify for major contracts. EASTC onlinelearnership Programme 2026
To address this gap, the EASTC Technocentric Varsity, in partnership with Xylem SA Trust, is offering the 2026 Artisan Recognition of Prior Learning (ARPL) Electrical Programme. This initiative gives skilled but uncertified electrical workers the chance to earn an official qualification through a structured assessment and support process. What makes it even more valuable is that successful applicants receive a R2,000 monthly allowance while they complete their training.
If you have more than three years of real electrical experience but lack a formal certificate, this programme may be the opportunity that changes your career.
What the 2026 EASTC ARPL Electrical Programme Offers
The ARPL programme is designed to help people who have gained expertise through hands-on electrical work but have never been formally assessed. Instead of restarting long study programmes, ARPL focuses on evaluating existing skills and helping you complete whatever is missing for your trade certification.
Below is a quick breakdown of the programme:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme Name | Artisan Recognition of Prior Learning (ARPL) – Electrical |
| Number of Positions | 10 Electrical Trade Positions |
| Monthly Allowance | R2,000 until training completion |
| Partners | Xylem SA Trust & EASTC Technocentric Varsity |
| Eligibility | Unemployed individuals with 3+ years of electrical experience |
| Documents Needed | CV, certified ID, certified qualifications, company-stamped service letter |
| Age Limit | None |
| Closing Date | 12 December 2025 |
| Email for Applications | valencia@eastc.co.za |
Why the ARPL Electrical Programme Matters
For many South Africans, electrical work has been a source of income for years—even without formal schooling. ARPL acknowledges and respects those skills. Instead of requiring workers to start from scratch, the programme:
1. Recognises Your Experience
Your on-the-job learning, practical tasks, and years of handling electrical tools and systems have value. ARPL helps convert that experience into a recognised qualification.
2. Boosts Employment Opportunities
Holding a certified trade qualification allows candidates to:
- Apply for better-paying jobs
- Register as qualified artisans
- Work on government or large private projects
- Improve job security and career growth
3. Supports Financially Through a Stipend
The R2,000 monthly allowance helps cover:
- Transport
- Meals
- Personal expenses
- Training-related costs
This makes the programme more accessible, especially for unemployed applicants who may struggle with training costs.
4. Helps Close South Africa’s Artisan Shortage
The country urgently needs more qualified workers in technical fields. ARPL strengthens the workforce without ignoring the knowledge already held by experienced individuals.
About EASTC Technocentric Varsity
EASTC Technocentric Varsity is a respected South African institution known for its commitment to artisan training and technical skills development. The organisation focuses on:
- Providing industry-aligned training
- Supporting unemployed youth and adults
- Offering practical, job-ready skill programmes
- Creating pathways toward recognised qualifications
Their programmes are designed to uplift communities and reduce unemployment by equipping learners with relevant, in-demand technical skills.
About Xylem SA Trust
Xylem SA Trust plays a major role in funding and supporting community development projects. Their involvement in the ARPL programme helps ensure that participants receive the necessary resources, including the monthly R2,000 allowance. The Trust focuses on:
- Skills development
- Community upliftment
- Increasing access to artisan opportunities
- Supporting unemployed individuals
Together with EASTC, the trust ensures the programme is well-structured, accessible, and impactful.
Electrical Trade Offered (10 Positions)
The programme is targeted at individuals who already have hands-on experience in the electrical field. You may qualify if you have been involved in tasks such as:
- Installing electrical systems
- Repairing breakers, plugs, wiring, or circuits
- Supporting qualified electricians
- Doing household or business electrical maintenance
- Working on construction or industrial electrical projects
The main purpose of ARPL is to recognise these skills and guide you toward formal certification.
Entry Requirements for Applicants
To qualify, applicants must meet the following conditions:
✔ At least three years of electrical work experience
Your experience must be verifiable through a company-stamped service letter.
✔ Must be unemployed
This programme is specifically designed to support unemployed individuals.
✔ No age limit
Anyone, regardless of age, can apply.
✔ Submit a complete application with the required documents:
- Updated CV
- Certified copy of ID
- Company-stamped service letter confirming 3+ years of electrical experience
- Certified copies of any qualifications (even partial ones are accepted)
Submitting all documents increases your chances of being shortlisted.
Monthly Stipend: How It Works
All successful participants receive a R2,000 monthly allowance.
This stipend is meant to help you manage the costs associated with completing the programme, including:
- Transportation
- Meals
- Administrative or training-related expenses
- Personal needs during your training period
This financial support ensures that participants can focus on completing their trade certification without facing major financial barriers.
How to Apply for the EASTC ARPL Electrical Programme
Applications must be emailed to:
Your email should contain all required documents:
- Updated CV
- Certified ID copy
- Certified qualifications
- Company-stamped service letter proving 3+ years electrical experience
Important Deadline:
12 December 2025
Late submissions or incomplete applications will not be accepted.
Why This Programme Is a Great Opportunity
Here are the key benefits of joining the EASTC 2026 ARPL Electrical Programme:
⭐ You get a chance to earn a formal qualification
No need to repeat years of training—you simply prove the skills you already have.
⭐ You receive financial support
The R2,000 monthly stipend helps you stay focused on learning.
⭐ You improve your chances of employment
Certified artisans earn more and have access to better work opportunities.
⭐ You join a respected training institution
EASTC and Xylem SA Trust are trusted names in skills development.
⭐ You empower your future
A recognised trade certificate can change your earning potential for life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the ARPL Programme?
ARPL stands for Artisan Recognition of Prior Learning. It is a process that evaluates your existing electrical skills and helps you qualify as a certified artisan without starting from zero.
2. Who can apply?
Anyone who:
- Has 3+ years of electrical experience
- Is currently unemployed
- Can provide a company-stamped service letter
- Has a certified copy of their ID
There is no age limit.
3. Is there a fee to join the programme?
The programme does not mention tuition fees, and participants receive a R2,000 monthly stipend to support them during training.
4. What documents are required?
You must submit:
- CV
- Certified ID
- Company-stamped service letter
- Certified qualifications (even partial studies are accepted)
5. What is the closing date?
Applications close on 12 December 2025.
6. How many positions are available?
There are 10 positions for the electrical trade.
7. Will I get a certificate after training?
Yes. If you successfully complete the ARPL process and assessments, you will receive an official artisan qualification.
8. Where do I send my application?
Applications must be emailed to:
Final Thoughts
The 2026 EASTC ARPL Electrical Programme is a rare opportunity for skilled workers who want to formalize their experience and move ahead in their careers. With a financial allowance, no age restrictions, and a clear path to certification, the programme makes artisan qualification more accessible than ever.
If you’ve been working in the electrical field for years but lack the documents to prove your skills, this could be your chance to change your future. Make sure to prepare your documents, meet the deadline, and send a full application.
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.
