South Africa’s manufacturing and industrial sector remains one of the most powerful engines for long-term employment — and Columbus Stainless is once again stepping forward to invest directly in local youth through its Apprenticeship Programme in Middelburg.
- Are you Ready for this Apprenticeship Programme? Take the Apprenticeship Readiness Quiz here
- Track Your Daily Career Score here
- Create and Download your CV for this Apprenticeship Programme here
- Create a Motivational Letter for this Apprenticeship Programme here
- Practice Interview Questions and Answers for this Programme here
- View more 2026 Learnerships here
If you are a young South African with Mathematics and Science, a practical mindset, and a strong interest in plant maintenance, engineering, and industrial operations, this opportunity could be the career-defining break you have been waiting for.
This is not just another short-term programme. It is a structured pathway into the stainless steel and heavy manufacturing industry, backed by one of Africa’s leading stainless steel producers.
Quick Overview
| Programme | Columbus Stainless Apprenticeship Learnership |
| Location | Middelburg, Mpumalanga |
| Company | Columbus Stainless (Pty) Ltd |
| Minimum Qualification | N3 or Matric with Maths & Science / NCV Level 4 |
| Target Area | Steve Tshwete Local Municipality (preference) |
| Industry | Stainless Steel Manufacturing & Plant Maintenance |
| Closing Date | 25 December 2025 |
| Employment Type | Apprenticeship / Learnership |
| Outcome | Skills development for a career in plant maintenance |
About Columbus Stainless
Columbus Stainless is the only producer of stainless steel flat products in Africa and one of the most respected names in the global stainless steel market.
Based in Middelburg, Mpumalanga, the company supplies stainless steel products used in:
- Mining and energy
- Automotive manufacturing
- Construction and infrastructure
- Food processing and packaging
- Household appliances
Columbus Stainless is known not only for production excellence but also for its strong commitment to skills development, transformation, and local community upliftment.
Their apprenticeship and learnership programmes form part of a long-term strategy to develop scarce technical skills within South Africa while creating sustainable employment pathways.
Understanding the Apprenticeship Opportunity
This programme is designed for individuals who may not yet have extensive work experience but demonstrate:
- Technical interest
- Logical thinking
- Willingness to learn
- Physical and mental readiness for industrial work
Successful candidates will be trained for an outstanding career in plant maintenance, a field that includes mechanical systems, equipment servicing, fault-finding, and preventative maintenance in large-scale industrial environments.
You will be expected to adapt to:
- Shift work
- Overtime when required
- Safety-critical operational environments
This is real industry exposure, not classroom theory alone.
Educational Requirements
You must have either:
- N3 or Matric with Mathematics and Physical Science, with at least 40% in each subject, OR
- NCV Level 4 with 7 subjects, including Mathematics and Science, each with 40% or higher
This ensures you have the technical foundation required for engineering-related training.
Personal Requirements
You must:
- Be a South African citizen
- Be medically fit to work in an industrial plant
- Be willing to work shifts and overtime
- Have a practical, logical mindset
- Show an interest in equipment maintenance and technical work
Location Preference
Important:
Preference will be given to candidates residing in the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality.
You must submit proof of residency with your application.
Mandatory Documents (Do Not Skip This)
Columbus Stainless has made it clear: incomplete applications will not be considered.
Your application must include:
- Certified copies of your qualifications
- Proof of residency within Steve Tshwete Local Municipality
- A CV with your preferred cellphone number clearly indicated (for SMS communication)
Applications without these documents will be automatically disqualified.
How to Apply
APPLY FOR THE COLUMBUS STAINLESS APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMME 2026 INTAKE HERE
Closing Date and Selection Process
- Closing Date: 25 December 2025
- If you are not contacted within 6 weeks after the closing date, consider your application unsuccessful.
- Shortlisted candidates may be contacted via SMS, so ensure your phone number is correct and active.
Before you Apply, Check the Edupstairs Youth Tools Hub below that can be helpful in your application
- Edupstairs Financial Literacy Mini-School
- 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 to Applicants
At Edupstairs, we strongly recommend that you:
- Apply early — do not wait for the closing date
- Double-check that all documents are included
- Ensure your Maths & Science marks are clearly visible
- Use a simple, professional CV (no unnecessary decorations)
- Prepare mentally for shift work and industrial discipline
If you are serious about building a career in engineering or manufacturing, this opportunity is worth prioritising.
Career Growth Path After This Apprenticeship
Completing this apprenticeship does not end your journey — it starts it.
Possible career progression includes:
- Qualified Artisan (Mechanical / Electrical / Maintenance-related)
- Plant Maintenance Technician
- Process Technician
- Engineering Assistant
- Maintenance Planner
- Technical Supervisor
- Further trade testing and specialised certifications
The stainless steel and manufacturing sector offers long-term stability, competitive salaries, and opportunities both locally and internationally.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Is this programme paid?
Apprenticeship learnerships typically include structured training support. Specific stipend details are usually communicated during selection.
- Can I apply if I do not live in Steve Tshwete?
You may apply, but preference will be given to residents of Steve Tshwete Local Municipality.
- Do I need work experience?
No. This programme is designed for candidates without extensive experience.
- What happens after completion?
Successful completion improves your chances of employment, trade testing, or further technical training.
- Can I apply if I studied NCV?
Yes — as long as you have NCV Level 4 with Maths and Science at 40% or above.
CLOSING DATE: 25 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
Disclaimer
Edupstairs is not the employer.
We share verified opportunities to assist young South Africans.
Applicants must always:
- Verify details directly with the employer
- Submit applications through official channels
- Avoid paying any fees to apply
Columbus Stainless reserves the right to amend or withdraw this opportunity if required.
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
