What does it really take to become a Registered Electrician in South Africa? Is practical experience enough? And what happens when a qualified electrician returns to studying after years in the industry?
These are questions many South African electricians face as they work towards obtaining their Wireman's Licence.
Today, we're sharing the next chapter in the journey of Milla Baxor Mihle, the winner of the TDMI Training & Nearby Electrician "1 Electrician. 1 Life Changed." Sponsorship Programme 2026.
When we launched this initiative, our goal was not simply to give away a training course. We wanted to invest in one electrician's future by providing the training, registration assistance and professional support needed to progress towards becoming a fully registered electrical contractor.
Milla was selected as our sponsored candidate, receiving a transformation package valued at more than R20,000, including the Unit Standards Electrical Course, Wireman's Licence registration assistance, contractor registration support, Solar PQRS Excel training, one year's free Nearby Electrician membership and ongoing guidance.
But winning the sponsorship was only the beginning.
The real transformation happens through learning, commitment, assessments and the determination to keep moving forward.
And Milla has now reached an important milestone!
🎓 The First Milestone: Training Videos Completed and Two Assessments Passed
We're pleased to report that Milla has completed all her TDMI Unit Standards Electrical Course training videos and successfully completed her first two theoretical assessments.
For someone already working in the electrical industry, this might sound straightforward.
After all, Milla qualified as a trade-tested electrician in 2019 and has practical experience in the industry.
But as she discovered, there is a significant difference between knowing how to perform electrical work and understanding the technical principles behind that work.
We recently asked Milla 16 questions about her experience so far. Her answers offer valuable insights for electricians who are considering further studies, preparing for assessments or working towards professional registration.
Here is what we learned.
⚡ 1. Practical Experience Is Important, but Is It Enough?
We asked Milla: Before starting the Unit Standards Electrical Course, what did you expect?
Milla explained that she expected the course to be challenging, particularly the theoretical sections.
Although she already had practical electrical experience, she recognised that there were areas where she could improve her knowledge.
Her goal was not simply to pass an assessment. She wanted to understand electrical principles better and grow professionally.
After completing the training videos, she shared an important observation:
"I realised that the course is not only about what you know practically, but also about understanding the theory behind electrical work."
This is something we regularly emphasise at TDMI Training.
An electrician may know how to install a distribution board, connect a circuit or locate a fault.
But can that electrician explain why a particular protective device is required? Why conductor sizing matters? Why testing procedures must be followed? Or why certain installations are prohibited by the applicable regulations?
Understanding the reasoning behind electrical requirements is essential.
Experience teaches us how to do the work. Technical knowledge helps us understand why the work must be done that way.
Both are necessary to develop a competent and responsible electrical professional.
📚 2. Learning at Your Own Pace Makes a Difference
One of the questions we asked Milla was about her experience with TDMI's online training videos.
Her response highlighted one of the advantages of structured online learning.
"Being able to pause and replay them was a big advantage, especially when I needed more time to understand a particular topic."
Milla explained that she appreciated being able to revisit sections she found difficult rather than feeling pressured to move forward before she was ready.
This is particularly relevant to electricians who are already employed.
Many electricians cannot simply stop working for several weeks to attend full-time training. They have jobs, families and financial responsibilities.
Being able to study around these commitments can make professional development more accessible.
However, flexibility should never be confused with a lack of discipline.
Online learning still requires dedication, planning and consistent effort.
The advantage is that you can control your learning pace. The responsibility is that you must actually do the learning.
🧠 3. Even Experienced Electricians Find Theory Challenging
We asked Milla whether she found any sections particularly difficult.
She explained that some theoretical concepts required more concentration because she had to move beyond practical experience and understand the technical principles behind the work.
Remembering technical information and understanding unfamiliar concepts sometimes required additional revision.
Her solution?
Return to the training videos, study the material again and work through the difficult sections until her understanding improved.
This is an important lesson for anyone preparing for electrical assessments.
There is nothing unusual about finding technical theory difficult.
Electrical calculations, installation principles, testing requirements and regulatory interpretation all demand careful attention.
The objective is not to memorise information long enough to pass a test.
The objective is to understand it well enough to apply it correctly.
And that understanding becomes particularly important when an electrician takes responsibility for electrical installation work.
💪 4. What Happens When Studying Becomes Overwhelming?
One of Milla's most relatable answers came when we asked whether she had ever felt overwhelmed by the amount of information.
Her response was straightforward:
"Yes, at times the amount of information felt overwhelming."
She explained that preparing for assessments and remembering different concepts sometimes felt challenging.
What helped her was taking the work one step at a time, revisiting the videos and remembering why she had started.
She also recognised the importance of patience, consistency and commitment.
This is advice worth sharing with every electrician who has started a qualification but is struggling to finish.
You do not have to master an entire course in one day.
You need to make progress consistently.
Study one section. Understand it. Revise it. Practise applying the principles. Then move to the next section.
Small, consistent steps eventually become significant achievements.
And if you are struggling, ask for assistance rather than abandoning your goal.
📝 5. Preparing for the First Assessments
Milla has now successfully completed her first two theoretical assessments.
We asked how she prepared and whether the training material helped her understand what was expected.
She explained that she revisited the videos, reviewed difficult topics and concentrated on understanding the concepts rather than simply memorising answers.
She also allowed herself sufficient revision time before attempting the assessments.
According to Milla, the assessments required her to apply what she had learned, not simply repeat information from the videos.
This is an important distinction.
In the electrical industry, understanding is more valuable than memorisation.
An electrician who memorises a calculation without understanding its application may struggle when the circumstances change.
An electrician who understands the underlying principles is better equipped to evaluate different situations and select the correct approach.
The goal of electrical training should never be to produce someone who can only pass an examination. It should be to develop someone who can apply their knowledge safely and correctly.
❤️ 6. Being Nervous Doesn't Mean You Cannot Succeed
We asked Milla what went through her mind before attempting her first assessment.
She admitted that she felt nervous.
She wanted to do well and prove to herself that she understood the material.
However, after completing the assessment, she felt more confident and encouraged to continue.
This led to another important question:
What advice would she give someone who believes they are not good at studying?
Her response deserves attention:
"Do not underestimate yourself. You do not have to understand everything immediately, and feeling nervous does not mean you are incapable."
Milla encourages students to take their time, replay the videos, revise regularly and ask for help when needed.
This message applies to electricians of all ages.
Some people left school many years ago. Others may have struggled academically but developed excellent practical skills.
Returning to studying can feel intimidating.
But struggling with a subject does not mean that you lack the ability to learn it.
It may simply mean that you need more time, a different explanation or additional practice.
Your current level of knowledge does not determine how far you can grow. Your willingness to keep learning plays an important part in that journey.
🔧 7. From Practical Electrician to Responsible Professional
One of the most interesting questions we asked Milla was whether her understanding of electrical work had changed since starting the course.
Her answer was yes.
She explained that the training encouraged her to think more deeply about electrical standards, safety requirements and the reasons behind established electrical practices.
She is learning to connect her practical experience with theoretical understanding.
This is especially relevant to electricians pursuing their Wireman's Licence.
In South Africa, becoming a Registered Person involves meeting the applicable qualification and registration requirements.
It is not simply a matter of having worked in the electrical industry for a certain number of years.
A Registered Person carries significant responsibilities in relation to inspection, testing and the issuing of Certificates of Compliance within the scope of their registration.
Those responsibilities require technical knowledge, sound judgement and a thorough understanding of the applicable requirements.
An incorrectly assessed installation can create serious safety risks.
That is why training, practical competence and regulatory understanding must work together.
At TDMI Training, we believe the objective should be to develop electricians who are not only qualified on paper but who understand the responsibilities that accompany professional registration.
⏰ 8. How Much Time Should an Electrician Set Aside for Studying?
Milla's recommendation is simple: make dedicated study time part of your routine.
That might mean studying every day or several times a week, depending on your circumstances.
What matters most is consistency.
She also advises students not to rush through the training videos simply to finish them.
The knowledge gained during training must eventually be applied during assessments and practical electrical work.
For electricians considering further studies, here is a practical approach:
Set realistic weekly study goals.
Reserve dedicated time for theory and revision.
Revisit difficult sections until you understand them.
Practise calculations and technical applications.
Seek assistance when you encounter difficulties.
Track your progress and celebrate completed milestones.
You do not need unlimited free time to improve your qualifications.
You need a realistic plan and the discipline to follow it.
👷♀️ 9. A Message to Women Considering the Electrical Industry
One of the most meaningful parts of our conversation with Milla came when we asked what she would say to a woman who dreams of becoming an electrician but feels the industry might not be for her.
Milla was clear:
"We belong in this industry too. Believe in yourself, take up the opportunity, and never be afraid to learn something new."
She acknowledged that entering and progressing in the industry may not always be easy.
There may be moments of doubt and challenges along the way.
But she believes that determination, discipline, confidence and a willingness to learn can help women build successful careers in the electrical trade.
Her message is an important reminder that technical ability, professionalism and commitment are not determined by gender.
South Africa needs skilled electrical professionals who are willing to learn, work safely and contribute positively to the industry.
And every capable person who enters the trade has the potential to strengthen it.
🏆 10. What Has Been Milla's Proudest Moment So Far?
When we asked Milla about her biggest achievement during the course, she identified completing the training videos and successfully completing her first two theoretical assessments.
For her, these achievements are about more than passing tests.
They have reminded her that she is capable of learning, growing and moving beyond her comfort zone.
She is proud of the progress she has made and recognises it as an important step towards her professional goals.
This is exactly what we hoped to see when we launched the sponsorship.
Not simply someone receiving a free qualification.
But someone taking ownership of the opportunity, putting in the effort and growing in confidence with every completed milestone.
🚀 11. The Journey Is Far From Over
Milla has completed an important first stage, but there is still work ahead.
Her next steps include progressing through the practical assignments and preparing for her final assessment.
After successfully completing the necessary training and assessment requirements, the next stages of her sponsorship will focus on the applicable registration processes.
Our commitment through TDMI Training and Nearby Electrician remains to assist her through the journey towards becoming a Registered Person and establishing herself as a compliant electrical contractor.
Milla is also looking forward to applying what she has learned and continuing to develop her qualifications.
She knows there will be challenges.
But she is moving forward with greater confidence.
And that is what progress looks like.
⚡ A Message to Every Electrician Reading This
Perhaps you are a qualified electrician who has never completed the requirements for professional registration.
Perhaps you started your Installation Rules studies but never finished.
Maybe you have years of practical experience but feel uncomfortable with theoretical assessments.
Or perhaps you are just entering the electrical industry and wondering whether you have what it takes to succeed.
We hope Milla's journey reminds you of something important:
You do not need to know everything before you begin. But you must be willing to learn, take responsibility and keep moving forward.
Experience is valuable.
Qualifications matter.
Understanding electrical regulations is essential.
But none of these develop without effort.
You cannot expect professional growth while remaining in exactly the same place.
Take the next step. Complete the outstanding course. Revise the difficult subject. Prepare for the assessment. Work towards the registration you have been postponing.
Your future in the electrical industry will be shaped by the actions you take today.
💙 Milla, We Are Proud of You!
On behalf of everyone at TDMI Training and Nearby Electrician, congratulations on reaching this milestone.
Thank you for sharing your experiences so openly and for allowing other electricians to learn from your journey.
Your progress demonstrates that even an experienced electrician can benefit from returning to the classroom, strengthening technical knowledge and challenging themselves to grow.
We look forward to documenting your next milestones, including your practical assignments, final assessment and registration journey.
To everyone following Milla's story, stay with us.
There is still much more to come!
1 ELECTRICIAN. 1 LIFE CHANGED. ⚡
An initiative proudly supported by TDMI Training & Nearby Electrician.
Together, we are building a safer, more competent and more professional electrical industry in South Africa.
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