Young South Africans who want to become qualified artisans have an important opportunity to gain structured technical training through the Eskom Learner Artisan Programme 2026 at Matimba Power Station in Lephalale, Limpopo.
Eskom is recruiting 12 Learner Artisans/Apprentices for training within its operations. The programme is particularly relevant to applicants who have completed Grade 12 together with an N3, N4, N5 or N6 technical qualification, or Grade 12 together with an NCV Level 4 qualification in one of the specified technical fields.
The available pathways cover a wide range of trades, including Electrical, Instrumentation, Fitting, Fitting and Turning, Boilermaking, Welding, Plumbing, Carpentry, Rigging, Civil, Millwright and Bricklaying.
For TVET College graduates who have been searching for an opportunity to move from technical studies into practical artisan training, this intake deserves serious attention.
Applications close on 21 September 2026.
Quick Overview: Eskom Learner Artisan Programme 2026
| Programme Details | Information |
| Employer | Eskom |
| Programme | Learner Artisan / Apprenticeship |
| Number of Posts | X12 |
| Listing Reference | eskom_006971 |
| Reference Number | Appren x12 Mat Gx |
| Position/Task Grade | L5 |
| Business Unit | Matimba Power Station |
| Department | Human Resources |
| Location | Lephalale, Limpopo |
| Industry | Electricity, Energy & Water Supply |
| Category | Engineering, Technical, Production and Manufacturing |
| Qualification | Grade 12 + N3/N4/N5/N6 OR Grade 12 + NCV Level 4 in a relevant trade |
| Mathematics | Minimum 50% |
| Science | Minimum 50% |
| Citizenship | South African Citizen |
| Remuneration | Market Related |
| Closing Date | 21 September 2026 |
| Application Method | Online |
What Is the Eskom Learner Artisan Programme?
The Eskom Learner Artisan Programme is a structured technical training opportunity designed to develop participants towards artisan careers.
Successful candidates will receive institutionalised training and on-the-job training.
This distinction is important for young people trying to understand the difference between an ordinary entry-level job and an apprenticeship.
An artisan pathway generally combines technical knowledge with practical workplace training. Depending on the particular trade and training route, candidates may ultimately need to satisfy the applicable occupational requirements and complete the relevant trade-testing process before becoming qualified artisans.
Applicants can explore additional apprenticeship and artisan-development pathways through the Edupstairs SETA Platform, which brings together programmes and pathways across South Africa’s 21 SETAs.
The platform includes dedicated pathways for apprenticeships, artisan development, occupational qualifications, learnerships, WIL, internships and other skills-development programmes.
Which Trades Are Included?
The Eskom advertisement identifies several technical disciplines.
Applicants may have qualifications related to:
- Electrical
- Instrumentation
- Fitter
- Fitter and Turner
- Boilermaker
- Welder
- Plumber
- Carpenter
- Rigger
- Civil
- Millwright
- Bricklaying
These are not interchangeable qualifications.
Your technical qualification should correspond with the training programme or trade for which you are applying.
For example, someone with an electrical qualification should not simply select boilermaking because they think there may be less competition.
Apply for the pathway that genuinely matches your academic and technical background.
Research the Trade Before Applying
If you are uncertain about what these occupations involve, use the Edupstairs Career & Qualification Explorer.
The Explorer allows users to investigate South African careers, OFO occupations, SAQA qualifications, NQF levels and career-to-qualification connections.
Aspiring artisans can search terms such as:
Electrician, Fitter, Fitter and Turner, Boilermaker, Welder, Plumber, Carpenter, Rigger, Millwright and Bricklayer.
This is particularly useful if you have completed a technical qualification but are still unsure which occupational pathway you want to pursue.
Do not think only about getting into the apprenticeship.
Think about the career you are trying to build after the training.
Official Qualification Requirements
Eskom lists two main educational routes.
Route 1: Grade 12 + N3/N4/N5/N6
Applicants may qualify with: Grade 12 plus an N3, N4, N5 or N6 Certificate in one of the relevant fields:
Electrical, Instrumentation, Fitter, Fitter and Turner, Boilermaker, Welder, Plumber, Carpenter, Rigger, Civil, Millwright or Bricklaying.
Applicants must also have: Mathematics – 50% and Science – 50%
Route 2: Grade 12 + NCV Level 4
Applicants may alternatively qualify with:
Grade 12 plus NCV Level 4 in a relevant technical field, including Electrical, Instrumentation, Fitter, Fitter and Turner, Boilermaker, Welder, Plumber, Carpenter, Rigger, Civil, Millwright or Bricklaying.
The advertisement again specifies: Mathematics – 50% and Science – 50%.
South African Citizenship Is Required
Eskom states that applicants must be: South African citizens.
Applicants should therefore make sure that the personal information entered on the online recruitment system is accurate and consistent with their official identification documents.
Why This Opportunity Is Particularly Relevant to TVET College Students
This Eskom intake is especially significant for TVET College graduates because many of the qualifications identified in the advertisement fall directly within technical and vocational education pathways.
Students and prospective students can use the Edupstairs TVET Colleges Explorer to explore South Africa’s 50 public TVET Colleges, including their campuses, programmes, admission information and study pathways.
If you are currently completing an N-level or NCV programme and do not yet meet Eskom’s requirements, the advertisement can still help you understand what employers may expect when recruiting future artisan trainees.
A useful pathway can look like:
Matric → TVET technical qualification → apprenticeship → workplace training → trade development → artisan career
The exact pathway varies according to the trade and applicable occupational requirements, but the important point is that the TVET qualification is often only one stage of the journey.
Practical workplace training matters.
Which SETA Is Relevant to Eskom and Energy Careers?
Applicants interested in electricity, energy and water careers should also become familiar with EWSETA – the Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority.
The Edupstairs SETA Platform allows applicants to explore EWSETA alongside the other 20 South African SETAs.
However, some of the trades listed by Eskom also overlap with skills-development pathways found in other sectors and SETAs.
For example, engineering and manufacturing artisan development is strongly associated with merSETA, while construction-related trades may intersect with CETA pathways.
Do not assume that this specific Eskom apprenticeship is funded by a particular SETA unless Eskom explicitly confirms that.
The SETA resources are provided as additional career-development pathways for applicants.
You can also read the Edupstairs guide to all 21 SETAs in South Africa and their learnerships, apprenticeships, bursaries and skills programmes.
What Training Will Successful Applicants Receive?
According to Eskom: The incumbent will be afforded institutionalised and on-the-job training.
This is one of the most important parts of the opportunity.
Technical knowledge learned in a classroom must eventually be connected with practical workplace competency.
Successful learners could therefore gain exposure to the systems, procedures, equipment, safety requirements and practical activities associated with their respective training programmes.
The exact training activities will depend on the trade and Eskom’s training programme.
Applicants should not interpret selection as an immediate artisan qualification.
Training and competency requirements still need to be completed.
About Matimba Power Station
The X12 positions are advertised at Matimba Power Station in Lephalale, Limpopo.
Matimba is part of Eskom’s coal-fired power station fleet and operates six generating units.
For aspiring artisans, training within a large power-generation environment can provide exposure to an industrial workplace containing electrical, mechanical, instrumentation, maintenance, engineering and other technical systems.
Applicants should, however, consider the location carefully before applying.
The advertised business unit is Matimba Power Station in Lephalale.
Do not assume that Eskom will automatically place you near your home.
Skills and Competencies Eskom Is Looking For
Technical qualifications alone do not make someone effective in a workplace.
Eskom identifies several competencies and personal characteristics.
Leadership
Applicants should demonstrate that they can be a:
Team player
Technical environments depend heavily on teamwork because artisans, technicians, engineers, operators and other employees frequently need to coordinate their activities.
Behavioural Competencies
Eskom identifies:
- Integrity
- Professionalism
- Customer focus
Knowledge
The advertisement refers to:
Knowledge of Eskom’s policies and procedures.
New applicants should not interpret this to mean that they must already know every internal Eskom procedure.
Successful employees and learners will be expected to understand and comply with the policies, procedures and standards applicable to their work environment.
Communication and Interpersonal Skills
Eskom lists:
- Communication skills
- Sound interpersonal skills
- Negotiation skills
- Liaising skills
Personal Attributes
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Politeness
- Promptness
- Energy
- Self-motivation
- Assertiveness
These qualities matter during training because an apprenticeship requires more than simply attending work.
Learners need to participate actively, communicate appropriately, follow instructions, learn from experienced employees and take responsibility for their development.
University Students and Prospective Students
The advertised qualification routes are strongly aligned with technical and vocational training, but young people considering engineering careers may also want to investigate university pathways.
The Edupstairs University Explorer can help prospective students investigate university programmes, admission requirements, APS requirements, applications and related student resources.
It is important, however, to distinguish between an artisan career and an engineering professional career.
An electrician, fitter, boilermaker or millwright follows a different development pathway from an electrical, mechanical or civil engineer.
Neither pathway should automatically be treated as “better”.
They involve different qualifications, occupational responsibilities and training routes.
Use the Career & Qualification Explorer before choosing your study direction.
Why Artisan Training Can Be a Powerful Career Route
Many school leavers believe that university is the only meaningful route after Matric.
That is incorrect.
South Africa also needs skilled artisans who can build, install, operate, repair and maintain the infrastructure and equipment used throughout the economy.
Artisan skills are relevant across:
energy, manufacturing, mining, construction, transport, water, engineering, automotive production, municipalities and many other industries.
The critical issue is choosing legitimate training that forms part of a recognised occupational pathway.
That is why applicants should connect opportunities such as this Eskom intake with their longer career plan.
Use the Career & Qualification Explorer to investigate the occupation.
Use the TVET Colleges Explorer to investigate technical study options.
Use the SETA Platform to investigate apprenticeships and artisan-development programmes.
And use the University Explorer if your longer-term goal involves a university engineering qualification.
How to Apply for the Eskom Learner Artisan X12 Programme 2026
Applications must be submitted online through Eskom’s recruitment platform.
When applying, make sure you are applying for: Learner Artisan x12 – Matimba Power Station
Listing reference: eskom_006971
Reference Number: Appren x12 Mat Gx
Eskom specifically instructs applicants to quote the reference number and the training programme they are applying for.
Do not simply submit a generic application without checking the trade you have selected.
Important Closing Date
Applications close on: 21 September 2026
Applicants should avoid waiting until the final hours before submitting.
Technical problems, internet connectivity issues, forgotten passwords or incomplete profile information can delay an online application.
Before You Apply: Check Your Qualification Carefully
Before submitting your application, confirm that:
- You are a South African citizen.
- You have Grade 12.
- You have the required N3, N4, N5 or N6 certificate OR the required NCV Level 4 qualification.
- Your qualification is relevant to one of the advertised technical fields.
- You meet the advertised Mathematics requirement of 50%.
- You meet the advertised Science requirement of 50%.
- You are applying for the correct training programme.
- You quote the correct reference information.
- Your CV and qualifications contain accurate information.
- You submit your application before 21 September 2026.
Do not alter marks, certificates or qualifications to make yourself appear eligible.
Recruitment documentation can be verified.
What Happens After Applying?
Applicants will go through Eskom’s recruitment process.
Eskom states that successful candidates may be placed within its operations across the divisions according to operational requirements.
The company further advises applicants that if they have not been contacted within 28 days after the closing date, they should accept that their application was unsuccessful.
Submitting an application does not guarantee selection, an interview, training placement or future permanent employment.
Employment Equity and Candidates With Disabilities
Eskom states that it is committed to equality, employment equity and diversity.
In accordance with its employment equity plan and targets, preference may be given, but is not limited, to candidates from under-represented designated groups.
Eskom also specifically encourages candidates with disabilities to apply.
The company reserves the right not to make an appointment to the advertised positions.
Latest Learnerships and Artisan Opportunities on Edupstairs
Do not submit this Eskom application and then stop looking for opportunities.
Edupstairs has published several new learnership, apprenticeship and youth skills opportunities that applicants can investigate depending on their qualifications and career goals.
Dwarsrivier Chrome Mine Learnerships 2026
Applicants interested in mining and artisan careers can investigate the Dwarsrivier Chrome Mine Learnerships 2026.
The newly published intake includes training pathways such as Fitter, Boilermaker, Draughtsman and Miner, making it particularly relevant to applicants exploring technical and mining careers.
Eskom YES Programme 2026 – X9 Posts
Matric applicants can also investigate the Eskom Youth Employment Service (YES) X9 Posts 2026.
This is a separate Eskom opportunity at Kendal Power Station in Mpumalanga and should not be confused with the Matimba Learner Artisan intake.
MAZIV Learnership Programme 2026
Unemployed Gauteng Matric youth can investigate the MAZIV Learnership Programme 2026.
The programme provides structured theory, practical workplace experience, coaching and mentorship over 12 months.
Metropolitan Human Capital Learnership Programme 2026
Another recently published opportunity is the Metropolitan Human Capital Learnership Programme 2026.
This is particularly relevant to unemployed Matric applicants interested in a structured workplace learnership rather than a technical artisan pathway.
SMU Built Environment Apprenticeships, Internships and WIL Programmes 2026 – X38
Applicants interested specifically in technical and built-environment careers should also investigate the Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University Built Environment Apprenticeships, Internships and WIL Programmes 2026.
The intake provides 38 opportunities across apprenticeship, internship and workplace-learning pathways.
Gert Sibande TVET College & AgriSETA Apprenticeships 2026
TVET graduates interested in artisan development can also read about the Gert Sibande TVET College & AgriSETA Apprenticeship Opportunities 2026.
The programme includes opportunities for Welders, Mechanical Fitters and Electricians, making it particularly relevant to candidates following similar trades to those included in Eskom’s Matimba intake.
Applicants should check the individual closing dates and eligibility requirements because publication on Edupstairs does not necessarily mean every previously published opportunity remains open.
You can continue checking the latest Edupstairs Learnership opportunities as new programmes are published.
Tools you may find useful:
- SETA Platform
- RDP / BNG Housing Eligibility Checker
- SASSA Grant Eligibility Checker
- SAPS / Metro / Traffic / DCS Eligibility Checker
- Youth Employment Eligibility Checker
- SA Bursary & NSFAS Eligibility Checker
- UIF Benefits Eligibility Checker and Payment Estimator
View Other Employment Opportunities here
Need Help?
Edupstairs Advice
This is one of those opportunities where applicants need to pay very close attention to the qualification requirements.
Do not focus only on the words “X12 Posts” and rush to apply.
First compare your certificates with Eskom’s requirements.
Check your Mathematics and Science results.
Check whether your N3, N4, N5, N6 or NCV qualification corresponds with one of the advertised trades.
Then identify the training programme that genuinely matches your background.
If you qualify, apply as early as possible.
If you do not qualify, do not see that as the end of the road.
Use the TVET Colleges Explorer to investigate technical education pathways, the Career & Qualification Explorer to understand the occupation you want to enter, and the SETA Platform to find apprenticeship, artisan-development and occupational-training pathways.
The objective should not simply be: “I want to work at Eskom.”
A stronger career question is:
“Which trade do I want to qualify in, what training do I need, and which legitimate opportunities can move me towards becoming a qualified artisan?”
That approach gives you more options than depending on a single application.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
How many Eskom Learner Artisan positions are available?
Eskom is recruiting 12 Learner Artisans under this advertisement.
-
Where are the positions based?
The advertised business unit is Matimba Power Station in Lephalale, Limpopo.
-
What is the listing reference?
The listing reference is: eskom_006971
-
What is the apprenticeship reference number?
The advertisement states: Appren x12 Mat Gx
-
Can I apply with Grade 12 only?
No. The advertised qualification requires Grade 12 together with the relevant N3/N4/N5/N6 certificate or NCV Level 4 qualification, subject to Eskom’s stated requirements.
-
Which trades are accepted?
The advertisement identifies Electrical, Instrumentation, Fitter, Fitter and Turner, Boilermaker, Welder, Plumber, Carpenter, Rigger, Civil, Millwright and Bricklaying.
-
What marks do I need for Mathematics and Science?
The advertisement specifies 50% Mathematics and 50% Science.
-
Do I need to be a South African citizen?
Yes. South African citizenship is listed as a minimum requirement.
-
Is this a permanent Eskom position?
Applicants should not assume that an apprenticeship automatically leads to permanent employment. The advertisement is for Learner Artisan training.
-
What training will I receive?
Eskom states that successful learners will receive institutionalised and on-the-job training.
-
Can people with disabilities apply?
Yes. Eskom specifically encourages candidates with disabilities to apply.
-
When do applications close?
Applications close on 21 September 2026.
-
Where can I research artisan careers?
Use the Edupstairs Career & Qualification Explorer to investigate careers, OFO occupations, SAQA qualifications and NQF pathways.
-
Where can I find TVET Colleges offering technical programmes?
Use the Edupstairs TVET Colleges Explorer to explore South Africa’s public TVET Colleges, campuses and programmes.
-
Where can I find more apprenticeships?
Use the Edupstairs SETA Platform to investigate apprenticeship and artisan-development pathways across South Africa’s 21 SETAs.
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
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Disclaimer
This Edupstairs Opportunity Explainer is based primarily on the Eskom Learner Artisan X12 vacancy information for Matimba Power Station, listing reference eskom_006971.
Applicants must verify the vacancy status, qualification requirements, closing date and application instructions on Eskom’s official recruitment platform before submitting an application.
Edupstairs does not recruit candidates on behalf of Eskom, determine who is shortlisted, guarantee interviews, guarantee apprenticeship placement or guarantee permanent employment.
Never pay anyone who claims they can secure an Eskom apprenticeship, interview, training opportunity or job for you.
Editorial Integrity
Edupstairs distinguishes between official Eskom requirements and additional Edupstairs career guidance.
The number of positions, location, listing reference, qualification requirements, Mathematics and Science requirements, citizenship requirement, competencies, training information and closing date are based on the Eskom opportunity information.
References to the Career & Qualification Explorer, TVET Colleges Explorer, University Explorer, SETA Platform, EWSETA, other SETAs, career pathways and related Edupstairs opportunities are additional guidance intended to help applicants make informed education and career decisions.
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. USE THE EDUPSTAIRS SCAM DETECTOR TOOL TO SPOT A SCAM BEFORE YOU APPLY
