Formalise Your Skills: The Northlink & merSETA ARPL Programme 2026 is Open!
Are you an experienced South African artisan working in the industry but without formal certification? A golden opportunity has arrived to officially recognise your practical skills and boost your career. Northlink TVET College, with funding from merSETA, has opened applications for its Artisan Recognition of Prior Learning (ARPL) programme for 2026. This initiative is a game-changer for countless individuals and a vital step towards addressing South Africa's critical artisan skills shortage.
What is ARPL and Why Does it Matter?
South Africa's economy heavily relies on skilled tradespeople across sectors like manufacturing, engineering, and automotive. However, many talented individuals gain extensive practical experience through informal work or apprenticeships but never obtain official trade certification. This lack of formal recognition can hinder career progression, limit employment opportunities, and often leads to lower wages.
The Artisan Recognition of Prior Learning (ARPL) process is designed precisely to bridge this gap. Instead of requiring you to restart years of training, ARPL allows experienced individuals to:
- Have their existing, practical skills formally assessed against national standards.
- Identify and close any knowledge gaps through targeted support and training.
- Prepare comprehensively for the national trade test.
- Ultimately, obtain a nationally recognised artisan qualification.
The fact that this programme is merSETA-funded is incredibly significant, as it removes the financial barrier of training and assessment costs for eligible unemployed individuals. This makes certification accessible to those who need it most, transforming informal workers into certified professionals ready to contribute formally to the economy.
Programme Details at a Glance
To ensure you have all the essential information, here's a quick overview of the Northlink TVET College & merSETA ARPL programme:
- Programme Type: Artisan Recognition of Prior Learning (ARPL)
- Training Provider: Northlink TVET College
- Funding Body: merSETA (Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services SETA)
- Target Audience: Unemployed individuals with practical industry experience.
- Trades Covered:
- Boilermaker
- Diesel Mechanic
- Motor Mechanic
- Welder
- Minimum Age: 19 years or older
- Experience Required: A minimum of 3 years of relevant industry experience.
- Employment Status: Must be unemployed at the time of application.
- Application Closing Date: 13 March 2026 at 16:00 PM (Don't miss it!)
- Application Method: Email submission
- Email Address for Applications: madams@northlink.co.za
- Selection Process: Applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis due to limited spaces. Apply early!
High-Demand Trades to Consider
The four trades offered through this ARPL programme are crucial for South Africa's industrial growth:
- Boilermaker: Specialises in manufacturing, assembling, and maintaining heavy metal structures and industrial equipment. Essential for mining, power generation, and shipbuilding.
- Diesel Mechanic: Focuses on repairing and maintaining diesel engines found in trucks, buses, construction machinery, and agricultural equipment. A backbone of the transport and logistics sectors.
- Motor Mechanic: Deals with the inspection, maintenance, and repair of light vehicles. With a booming automotive sector, these skills are always in demand.
- Welder: Joins metal parts using various welding techniques. Critical across almost all industries, from construction and manufacturing to automotive and repair.
Tips for a Successful Application
Given the first-come, first-served selection process and limited spaces, preparation is key:
- Gather Your Documents: Have proof of your age, South African ID, and any documentation related to your 3+ years of experience ready.
- Craft a Clear CV: Even if you've worked informally, a well-structured CV highlighting your practical experience, skills, and any projects you've worked on is crucial. Emphasise your hands-on abilities relevant to your chosen trade.
- Write a Concise Motivational Letter: Explain why you are applying, how your experience aligns with the ARPL programme, and what achieving formal certification means for your career and contribution to South Africa.
- Submit Early: Do not wait until the last minute. Email your application as soon as possible to increase your chances.
This merSETA-funded ARPL programme through Northlink TVET College is an incredible pathway for skilled South Africans to gain the formal recognition they deserve. Don't let this opportunity pass you by – take the step towards a brighter, certified future!
