South African youth and aspiring artisans have a powerful opportunity to change their lives in 2026. Gert Sibande TVET College, in partnership with AgriSETA, has officially opened applications for a Limited Contract of Service (COS) Apprenticeship Programme in critical artisan trades. These opportunities are designed for young people who want practical skills, nationally recognised training, and a clear pathway into employment or self-employment.
- Check if You Qualify for this Learnership here (Avoid Rejection)
- Are you Ready for these Learnerships? Take the Learnership Readiness Quiz here
- Track Your Daily Career Score here
- Create and Download your CV for these Learnerships here
- Create a Motivational Letter for these Learnerships here
- Practice Interview Questions and Answers for these Learnerships here
- View more 2026 Learnerships here
If you have been waiting for a real, hands-on opportunity that leads to a trade qualification, this programme could be your turning point.
Quick Overview
Programme Name: Limited COS Apprenticeship Programme
Trades Available: Bricklayer, Carpenter, Plumber
Training Institution: Gert Sibande TVET College
Funding Partner: AgriSETA
Minimum Education: Grade 11 (Technical), N2, or NCV Level 4 (relevant subjects)
Submission Location: Skills Academy & Artisan Development Centre, Standerton
Closing Date: 30 January 2026
Application Method: Physical submission only (no email or fax)
Trades Offered in the Apprenticeship Programme
Bricklayer Apprenticeship
Bricklayers play a vital role in housing, commercial construction, and infrastructure projects. This trade focuses on:
- Building and laying bricks, blocks, and related materials
- Understanding construction drawings
- Applying safety and quality standards
- Preparing learners for formal trade testing
Qualified bricklayers are in demand across municipalities, construction companies, and private developments.
Carpenter Apprenticeship
Carpenters work with wood and other materials to create structures, fittings, and frameworks. Training typically includes:
- Structural and finishing carpentry
- Use of hand and power tools
- Measuring, cutting, and installation
- Workplace safety and compliance
This trade offers opportunities in construction, furniture manufacturing, renovations, and self-employment.
Plumber Apprenticeship
Plumbing is one of the most in-demand artisan trades in South Africa. The programme covers:
- Water supply systems
- Drainage and sanitation
- Installation and maintenance
- Compliance with building regulations
Qualified plumbers can work in construction, maintenance, municipalities, or operate their own businesses.
Minimum Qualifications Required
To be considered for this apprenticeship programme, applicants must meet one of the following educational criteria:
- Technical Grade 11 with relevant subjects
- N2 qualification with relevant subjects
- NCV Level 4 with all relevant subjects
These requirements ensure that learners have the foundational technical knowledge needed to cope with the programme’s demands.
Application Requirements (Documents Checklist)
Applicants must submit the following documents:
- Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Uncertified copy of South African Identity Document
- Uncertified copies of all relevant qualifications
- If under 18 years old: uncertified copy of parent or guardian’s identity document
Applicants are strongly advised to ensure their CV clearly states which trade they are applying for (Bricklayer, Carpenter, or Plumber).
Incomplete applications may be rejected without consideration.
How to Apply
Submission Location:
Skills Academy and Artisan Development Centre
Standerton
Important instructions:
- Applications must be submitted physically
- No emailed or faxed applications will be accepted
- Clearly indicate the programme you are applying for on your CV
If you do not receive feedback within 60 days after the closing date, your application should be regarded as unsuccessful.
Applications close on 30 January 2026.
Late applications will not be considered, so early submission is strongly recommended.
What Happens After You Apply?
Once applications close:
- Shortlisted candidates may be contacted for further assessment or interviews
- Selection is based on meeting requirements and availability of limited spaces
- Successful applicants will enter into a structured apprenticeship programme
Because this is a Limited COS Apprenticeship, spaces are extremely competitive. Applying correctly and early increases your chances.
How Edupstairs Helps You Prepare
At Edupstairs, we don’t just post opportunities—we help you win them.
Recommended Tools:
- Edupstairs Internship / Learnership Eligibility Checker
- 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
This opportunity is ideal for young people who are serious about building a future with their hands and skills. Artisan careers are not shortcuts; they require discipline, patience, and commitment. However, they offer something many qualifications do not: real employability.
Before submitting:
- Update your CV with accurate subjects and grades
- Clearly state your chosen trade
- Make copies of all documents
- Submit early to avoid last-minute issues
At Edupstairs, we strongly encourage youth to pursue artisan pathways alongside academic options. South Africa needs builders, plumbers, and carpenters just as much as it needs graduates.
Career Growth Path After This Apprenticeship
Completing an apprenticeship is not the end of the journey; it is the beginning.
After qualifying, learners can:
- Complete trade tests and become certified artisans
- Secure employment in construction companies, municipalities, or private firms
- Start small businesses as independent contractors
- Progress into supervisory or foreman roles
- Enrol in further occupational or technical qualifications
Many successful artisans later become trainers, assessors, or business owners employing others.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is this a learnership or an apprenticeship?
This is an apprenticeship, which focuses heavily on practical training and trade testing.
Is there an age limit?
The advert does not specify an age limit, but applicants under 18 must include a parent or guardian’s ID.
Can I apply for more than one trade?
You should clearly indicate one trade on your CV. Applying for multiple trades may reduce clarity and affect selection.
Are stipends guaranteed?
The advert does not confirm stipend details. Apprenticeship conditions are usually clarified upon acceptance.
Can I email my application?
No. Faxed or emailed applications will not be considered.
CLOSING DATE: 30 JANUARY 2026
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
Application Outcome Tracker (anonymous)
No names collected. This helps future applicants understand real-world timelines.
Have you applied for this opportunity?
Disclaimer
Edupstairs is an independent career information platform. We do not recruit, select, or process applications for this programme. All information is shared in good faith based on official communication. Applicants must verify details directly with the training institution.
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

