South Africa’s green economy is accelerating faster than ever—and with it comes a historic opportunity for unemployed and under-employed youth. The Mpumalanga Regional Training Trust (MRTT), in partnership with EISOWAVE (Pty) Ltd, has officially announced the EV OEM / Automaker Workforce Development Programme, a multi-year on-the-job training initiative hosted at the Nkwanakowa Electric Bus Manufacturing Hub.
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If you’ve completed a TVET engineering qualification or you’re still in college with no experience yet, this is your moment to enter the future of automotive manufacturing—electric vehicles (EVs).
This programme is not just another apprenticeship.
It is a pipeline into one of the fastest-growing, highest-demand sectors in South Africa.
Let’s unpack everything you need to know.
Quick Overview: EV Manufacturing Artisan Apprenticeship Programme 2026
| Category | Details |
| Programme Name | EV OEM/Automaker Artisan Workforce Development Programme |
| Location | Nkwanakowa Electric Bus Manufacturing Hub, Nkwanakowa Industrial Park |
| Partner Organisations | EISOWAVE (Pty) Ltd & Mpumalanga Regional Training Trust (MRTT) |
| Duration | 2 – 4 years (on-the-job training) |
| Who Should Apply? | Unemployed/Under-employed Level 4 or N6 TVET Artisan graduates |
| Fields Considered | Automotive, Mechatronics, Welding, Electronics, Chemical, Electrical, Renewable Energy, etc. |
| Stipend | Yes — aligned with the automotive manufacturing sector |
| Closing Date | 19 December 2025 |
| Email to Apply | masilelar@trtrust.co.za |
About the Mpumalanga Regional Training Trust (MRTT)
MRTT is a leading provincial government training institute committed to empowering South African youth through practical skills programmes, artisan development, and workplace training. With years of experience delivering high-impact training, MRTT plays a crucial role in filling technical and vocational skills gaps across the country.
EISOWAVE (Pty) Ltd
A specialist workforce development company working closely with the automotive manufacturing sector. EISOWAVE focuses on building the next generation of electric vehicle artisans, ensuring young South Africans gain access to high-growth career pathways aligned with global trends such as renewable energy, circular economy and sustainable manufacturing.
Together, these organisations aim to transform South Africa’s EV workforce, preparing young artisans for future-fit jobs in the green economy.
What This Opportunity Is Really About
Electric Vehicles (EVs) are reshaping the world—reducing carbon emissions, changing how factories operate, and creating thousands of new technical jobs. South Africa is positioning itself as a major EV manufacturing hub, and this apprenticeship is designed to prepare you for this shift.
This programme gives you:
- Hands-on engineering experience
Work directly in the Nkwanakowa Electric Bus Manufacturing Hub over a period of 2–4 years.
- Real industry exposure
You’ll be trained by skilled engineers and artisans currently building EV components and systems.
- A pathway to employment
The programme includes job placement opportunities after successful completion.
- A stipend
You will earn monthly financial support while you train.
- A career in one of SA’s fastest-growing sectors
The EV and green economy space is expanding rapidly, meaning more jobs, more demand, and better long-term opportunities.
Full Requirements (Eligibility Checklist)
To qualify, applicants should meet one or more of the following:
Formal Qualifications
A minimum of NQF Level 4 or N6 TVET College Artisan Engineering Qualification in:
- Automotive Vehicle Body Building & Spray Painting
- Steel Fabrication & Welding
- Automotive Fitting & Turning
- Automotive Electrician Engineering
- Automotive Upholstery
- Automotive Mechanical Engineering
- Mechatronics Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Electronics Engineering
- Automotive Plant Engineering
- Warehouse Logistics
- Any related artisan field
Workplace Experience (Advantageous, not mandatory)
Training or exposure in:
- Automotive manufacturing
- Chemical or steel production
- Mechatronics
- Plastics and rubber manufacturing
- Precision engineering
- Aerospace engineering
- Renewable energy & circular economy
- Warehouse logistics
Additional Preferred Skills
- Up to 3 years work experience (advantage)
- A valid driver’s licence (advantage)
- Trade Test Certificate (advantage)
- Exposure to community development (critical)
- Understanding of the green economy, renewable energy, circular economy & AI (advantage)
How to Apply
Submit your detailed CV to: masilelar@trtrust.co.za
Closing Date: 19 December 2025
Don’t wait until the last minute—this programme will attract high interest.
Before you Apply, Check the Edupstairs Youth Tools Hub below that can be helpful in your application
- Grow your Confidence – 30-day Challenge
- SA Bursary Probability Checker
- Edupstairs Simple CV Builder Tool
- Edupstairs AI Cover Letter Generator Tool
- Edupstairs Learnership Application Checklist Tool
- Edupstairs Internship Application Checklist Tool
- Edupstairs Interview Q & A Coach Tool
- SA Youth Apprenticeship Readiness Quiz
- Edupstairs Learnership Stipend Calculator Tool
- NSFAS Funding Eligibility Checker Tool
- Edupstairs Qualification-to-Career Pathways Tool
- South African Salary Explorer Tool
- TVET College Enrolment Eligibility Checker Tool
- Edupstairs Career Personality Tool
- Daily Career Score Tracker
- Learnership and Internship Readiness Quiz
Edupstairs Advice (From One Youth to Another)
South Africa is shifting towards electric mobility, renewable energy, and green manufacturing. This apprenticeship places you at the centre of that transformation. If you have a TVET qualification—even without experience—this programme could become your ticket into a high-demand, future-proof career.
Opportunities like this do not come often.
Move fast. Apply now. Dream bigger.
Career Growth After Completing This Programme
Once you complete this 2–4 year EV apprenticeship, your career can grow in several directions:
- Electric Vehicle Technician / EV Artisan
Work in manufacturing plants building electric buses, cars, and components.
- Renewable Energy Technician
Enter the solar, battery storage, or green energy sectors.
- Mechatronics & Automation Specialist
Support robotics, automation, and smart factory systems.
- Industrial Maintenance Artisan
Provide technical support to factories transitioning to green manufacturing.
- Quality Control & Testing Technician
Ensure EV parts meet global safety standards.
- EV Charging Infrastructure Technician
Install and maintain EV charging stations—another booming field.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Do I need experience to apply?
No. Experience is an advantage but NOT a requirement.
- Will I be paid during training?
Yes. You receive a stipend aligned with the automotive manufacturing sector.
- Can I apply if I am still studying?
Yes, if you are a Level 4 or N6 engineering student with no experience yet.
- Where is the training based?
At the Nkwanakowa Electric Bus Manufacturing Hub in the Nkwanakowa Industrial Park.
- What is the duration of the programme?
Between 2 and 4 years, depending on the artisan pathway.
- How do I submit my application?
Email your CV to masilelar@trtrust.co.za before 19 December 2025.
- Is a Trade Test Certificate compulsory?
No, but it is a strong advantage.
CLOSING DATE: 19 DECEMBER 2025
You can also:
- View latest Internships
- View latest Learnerships
- View Latest Bursaries
- View latest Government jobs
- View latest Company Vacancies
- View latest Municipality vacancies
- Visit the Edupstairs blog for daily updates
Disclaimers
- Edupstairs does not recruit or select candidates for this programme.
- Always verify the official email address before submitting documents.
- Never pay anyone for job placements or training opportunities.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted by the hiring organisation.
EDUPSTAIRS IS A REGISTERED NON-PROFIT ORGANISATION NPO No: 232 – 182, PUBLIC BENEFIT ORGANISATION (PBO): 930066984. EDUPSTAIRS DOES NOT, IN ANY WAY OR FORM, SOLICIT MONEY OR CV’S FROM PEOPLE FOR JOBS. PLEASE BE AWARE OF PHONY JOB POSTINGS AND RECRUITMENT FRAUD. FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT OUR SCAM/FRAUD ALERT PAGE HERE