Are you looking to upskill quickly and land a job in South Africa’s growing industrial and manufacturing sectors? Artisan Training Institute (ATI) offers Electrical and Instrumentation Short Courses designed for both beginners and experienced artisans who want to expand their skills, comply with industry standards, and boost their employability. Whether you’re a school leaver, an entry-level technician, or a professional artisan, these short courses provide hands-on, focused training in just a few weeks.
In this blog post, we explore what these short courses cover, who they’re for, and how they can help you thrive in 2025 and beyond.
What Are Electrical & Instrumentation Short Courses?
Electrical and Instrumentation short courses are specialized training programmes that typically range from a few days to several weeks. They focus on practical, job-specific skills such as:
- Electrical fault finding and repairs
- Industrial instrumentation
- Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs)
- Motor control systems
- Wiring and panel building
- Process measurement and calibration
- Safety and compliance with SANS/ISO standards
These short courses are not full learnerships but rather compact training programmes meant to equip learners with the technical expertise needed to work safely and efficiently in various sectors, including:
- Mining
- Power generation
- Manufacturing
- Petrochemical industry
- Construction and maintenance
Why Choose Artisan Training Institute (ATI)?
Artisan Training Institute (ATI) is one of South Africa’s leading private technical training providers, known for delivering high-quality artisan development programmes for over 40 years. ATI offers both long-term apprenticeships and short-term skills courses tailored for individuals and companies.
Key reasons to choose ATI for your short course:
✅ Accredited by QCTO, NAMB, and various SETAs
✅ Expert instructors with industry experience
✅ Practical, workshop-based learning
✅ Nationally recognised certification
✅ Convenient locations in Johannesburg, Kimberley, and Port Shepstone
✅ Customised group training for companies
ATI’s training approach blends theory with real-world simulations, which ensures that learners are prepared for the actual demands of the job.
Popular Electrical Short Courses at ATI
Below are some of the most in-demand short courses in Electrical Training at Artisan Training Institute:
1. Basic Electrical Training
- Duration: 5 days
- Who it’s for: Beginners or semi-skilled workers
- What you’ll learn:
- Basic electrical theory
- Tools and safety procedures
- Wire stripping, crimping, and jointing
- Building and testing circuits
2. Electrical Fault Finding
- Duration: 5–10 days
- Who it’s for: Existing electricians or maintenance staff
- What you’ll learn:
- Systematic approach to finding faults
- Testing methods using multimeters
- Replacing faulty components
- Safety troubleshooting on AC and DC systems
3. Motor Control Systems
- Duration: 10 days
- What you’ll learn:
- Single-phase and three-phase motor operations
- Starters and contactors
- Overload protection systems
- Practical wiring and panel building
4. Electrical Installation Regulations (SANS 10142-1)
- Duration: 5–10 days
- Ideal for: Practicing electricians who need compliance training
- Covers: South African wiring code, legal compliance, and safety standards
Related:
- Apply for an AGSA Short Course: Elevate Your Public Sector Skills
- Popular Online Skills You Can Learn in South Africa (2025 Guide)
- Accredited Online Skills Training in South Africa: Learn at Your Pace, Grow Your Career
Instrumentation Short Courses: Mastering Measurement & Control
Instrumentation courses are ideal for those who want to enter the automation, control, and process industries, which are vital in sectors like mining, oil & gas, and manufacturing.
1. Basic Instrumentation & Process Control
- Duration: 10 days
- Topics include:
- Measurement of pressure, flow, level, and temperature
- Signal transmission (4-20mA, HART)
- Calibration techniques
- Control valves and actuators
2. Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC)
- Duration: 10–15 days
- Learn about:
- Introduction to PLC hardware and software
- Ladder logic programming
- Troubleshooting automation systems
- Simulated and real-world applications
3. Instrument Calibration & Maintenance
- Duration: 5 days
- Focuses on:
- Using calibration equipment
- ISO standards for accuracy
- Documenting calibration certificates
- Preventative maintenance planning
Who Should Take These Short Courses?
ATI’s Electrical and Instrumentation short courses are designed for:
- School leavers or matriculants looking to start a career in trades
- Technicians and artisans needing to upskill for new job roles
- Engineers or supervisors seeking hands-on understanding of electrical systems
- Companies that need to train staff quickly and cost-effectively
- Job seekers aiming to boost their CV and qualify for higher-paying roles
Most courses do not require prior qualifications, although some advanced modules may require basic knowledge or experience in the field.
Career Opportunities After Completing a Short Course
Completing a short course at ATI gives you access to a variety of job roles in the technical trades. Graduates often find employment as:
- Electrical assistants or technicians
- Instrumentation technicians
- Panel builders
- Maintenance assistants
- Junior automation technicians
- Workshop assistants
In industries such as:
- Energy (Eskom, Sasol, IPPs)
- Mining (Anglo American, Exxaro)
- Automotive manufacturing
- FMCG and packaging industries
- Municipal infrastructure services
What Do These Courses Cost?
Course prices vary depending on the duration and content, but most short courses range from R3,000 to R12,000. Some training can be sponsored through:
- SETA funding (if employed by a company)
- Company-sponsored skills development plans
- Youth development programmes or bursaries
- National Artisan Development support programmes
ATI also occasionally runs special offers or discounted packages for bundled training modules.
How to Apply for a Short Course at ATI
Applying is quick and easy. Follow these steps:
- Visit the official website: www.artisantraining.co.za
- Browse short courses under the Electrical or Instrumentation tabs
- Download the course brochure or fill in the enquiry form
- Choose your campus and dates (courses run throughout the year)
- Complete the registration and payment process
You can also contact ATI directly at their Johannesburg head office or regional branches for course guidance.
Why Short Courses Matter in 2025
As South Africa embraces the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), there’s a growing need for artisans who are not only certified but digitally and technically skilled. Short courses are a great way to:
- Keep up with industry changes
- Learn new technology like PLCs and automation
- Build skills without committing to years of study
- Meet employer or compliance requirements
- Get job-ready fast!
Final Thoughts
Electrical and Instrumentation Short Courses at Artisan Training Institute offer a cost-effective, hands-on, and industry-relevant way to upgrade your skills or enter the job market in 2025. Whether you’re a young job seeker or an experienced tradesperson, investing in these short courses can open new doors and increase your earning potential.