Building contractors are independent construction specialists who bid on specific assignments within major construction projects. The construction of one large building might involve many contractors and subcontractors working together towards its completion.
A contractor first analyses the work specifications, determines the materials, personnel and related costs required to complete the assigned task and then submits a quotation. If the tender is accepted, the contractor purchases materials and works according to the job specifications and makes use of various skilled artisans and labourers who are assigned to the project.
Satisfying Aspects
- seeing a completed assignment or project
- solving problems and helping to make advances in all areas of technology
- the challenge and variety of the many specialities
- working in a field that offers high salary, good advancement opportunities
- the respect of the community
Demanding aspects
- a lot of competition.
Requirements
A building contractor should:
- enjoy solving problems;
- be able to make decisions;
- be innovative, able to think about old problems in new ways;
- be accurate and persistent;
- show good judgement;
- have a business inclination;
- be able to work with people of all levels from managers to labourers.
School Subjects
National Senior Certificate meeting degree requirements for a degree course
National Senior Certificate meeting diploma requirements for a diploma course
Each institution will have its own minimum entry requirements.
Grade 10 Certificate for learnership training
Compulsory Subjects: Mathematics
Recommended Subjects: Accountancy, Economics
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.
Most building contractors begin their careers as artisans: carpenters, painters, bricklayers, plumbers and electricians. They then gain a contractor’s licence to register as a building contractor.
Degree: Construction Economics / Management - NMMU, UCT, UP, Wits, UFS, UJ.
Diploma: Building - TUT, CUT, DUT, CPUT, VUT and FET Colleges eg KZN Coastal, Tshwane South, Northlink, S Cape College, also Damelin.
Employer
- Private construction companies
- Public utility companies
- Partnerships
- Self-employed
Contact
Master Builders South Africa (MBSA)
P O Box 1619
Halfway House, 1685
CMA Office and Conference Park
234 Alexandra Avenue
Midrand
Tel: (011) 205-9000 Fax: (011) 315-1644
www.mbsa.org.za