How to become a certified electrical contractor in South Africa

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As construction industry continues to grow there is constant rise in demand for qualified contractors particularly electrical contractors who can work various projects across Africa.

Despite the fact that South Africa is one of the fastest developing nations in Africa, there has been a shortage of Electrical Contractors. The Electrical Contractors Association of South Africa, ECA (SA), recently gave a breakdown on how to be certified as a contractor.

In order to become a certified electrical contractor in South Africa – and gain confidence in your ability to offer a superior service – it is imperative to obtain the necessary electrical contracting certification.

Currently The Electrical Contractors Association of South Africa, ECA (SA) has over 3000 electrical contractors though their officials still say they are insufficient to deliver the ongoing projects.

The association officials adds that currently more than half of South Africa’s electrical contracting employers are members of ECA (SA) – these members; in turn employ approximately 70% of all certified electricians in the country.

Through professional partnerships and accredited training centres, ECA (SA) offers a variety of skills development and training courses to equip aspiring electrical practitioners.

ECA (SA)’s electrical contractor training encompasses everything from helping contractors establish up-and-coming businesses and registered learnerships, to apprentice training and ongoing skills development.

According to ECA (SA), all electricians are trained under one of four categories to obtain the proper licensing and certification:
• Electrician
• Electrician construction
• Electrician mining
• Electrician engineering

Completing an electrical contractor apprenticeship and passing a Trade Test are preconditions in order to become a certified electrical contractor.

The association also carries yearly refresher courses to ensure that they get their members get up to date information about the industry above all ensure that they work in the guidelines provided by the industry.