Coppersmiths work mainly with non-ferrous metals such as copper and brass, manufacturing cylinders, pipes, cisterns and art objects.
Blueprints of the intended structure are studied and the copper plates marked off accordingly. Copper plates are bent to prescribed angles, holes are drilled and edges smoothed. The copper plates are cut either mechanically or by means of a gas cutter. Copper plates are then straightened, bent, rolled or dished to the required forms. The shaping is done with heavy machines working on the cold copper plates. Hot processing is sometimes required when difficult angles have to be shaped. Holes for rivets and stays are drilled into marked-off positions. Overlapping sides are compressed together.
Satisfying Aspects
- working with one's hands
- the satisfaction of seeing results of one's work
- the opportunity to become self-employed
- being creative
Demanding aspects
- the possibility of injury whilst on the job
- unpleasant working conditions
Requirements
A coppersmith should:
- have technical and practical aptitude;
- have mechanical insight;
- be creative;
- have artistic ability;
- pay attention to detail;
- be able to concentrate well;
- have knowledge of and interest in various metals;
- enjoy working with his hands;
- have good health and average physical strength;
- have hand and finger dexterity;
- have good eye-hand co-ordination.
School Subjects
Grade 9 Certificate.
Some employers prefer higher qualifications.
Compulsory Subjects: None
Recommended Subjects: None
Training
There are three ways to qualify as a registered artisan:
1. An apprenticeship is a 4-year contract between company and apprentice, comprising a 12-week theoretical training, which includes 4 subjects at national exam level.
2. A learnership is a structured learning programme that leads to a qualification in a certain field. The learnership programme includes a theoretical and a practical component. It usually takes about a year to complete. The training takes place on-site (on the premises of the organisation). This has the advantage that the learner gets on-the-job experience whilst training.
3. FET colleges offer theoretical training to prospective artisans via the new National Certificate Vocational (NCV). During this 3-year programme (levels 2 to 4), learners complete a school-leaving certificate (this NCV) similar to the
new National Senior Certificate (NSC) in schools. They are also exposed to a practical workshop component.
All learners are required to complete a practical internship under the supervision of an experienced artisan. As an alternative to doing the full qualification, a learner can apply to do a skills programme at a FET College. Skills programmes are short practical hands-on courses.
For more information about qualifications and skills programmes, contact your nearest FET College. FET Colleges are accredited and funded by a SETA (Sector Education and Training Authority) such as MERSETA or CHIETA. They also receive bursary funding through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) for the NCV programme.
All learners are required to complete a practical internship under the supervision of an experienced artisan. As an alternative to doing the full qualification, a learner can apply to do a skills programme at a FET College. Skills programmes are short practical hands-on courses.
For more information about qualifications and skills programmes, contact your nearest FET College. FET Colleges are accredited and funded by a SETA (Sector Education and Training Authority) such as MERSETA or CHIETA. They also receive bursary funding through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) for the NCV programme.
Employer
- Government departments
- Metal manufacturers
- Mining companies
- Large engineering concerns
- Large chemical companies
The coppersmith with the necessary experience can practise his trade on a private basis or start his own business.
Contact
Contact any of the companies listed above.