Are you a young person from Mpumalanga looking for a real, practical and life-changing opportunity? If you’ve always been interested in welding, steel work or starting your own small manufacturing business — then this programme might be exactly what you’ve been waiting for.
- Are you Ready for this Learnership? 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
The Mpumalanga Stainless Initiative (MSI), in partnership with Nkangala TVET College and the Mpumalanga Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDT), is offering a fully funded 12-month Coded Welding & Steel Fabrication Training & Business Incubation Programme. This initiative is designed to build technical skills AND help you start or grow your own business in the steel sector.
If you’re serious about building a future — whether as a skilled artisan or an entrepreneur — this is your moment.
Quick Overview
| Opportunity | MSI Coded Welding & Steel Fabrication Training & Business Incubation Programme |
| Duration | 12 months |
| Training Areas | Coded Welding, Steel Fabrication, Business Incubation |
| Location | Mpumalanga Province |
| Who Can Apply? | Youth aged 15–35 living in Mpumalanga |
| Funding | Fully Funded (includes stipends & materials) |
| Closing Date | 12 December 2025 at 14h00 |
| Email Applications To | hr@mpstainless.co.za |
What Is This Programme All About?
This programme is not just a welding course — it is a complete journey that takes you from raw beginner to skilled welder AND prepares you to run your own small business in the steel industry. For 12 months, you get:
- Accredited coded welding and steel fabrication training
- Hands-on, in-workshop practical exposure
- Monthly stipends
- Business training, mentorship and compliance support
- Help with setting up your company (CIPC, SARS, COIDA, CSD)
- Access to real industrial facilities
The combination of technical skills & entrepreneurship support is what makes this programme extremely powerful.
In South Africa, welding is a scarce skill, meaning the country does not have enough qualified welders. That means better job possibilities, higher income potential and more opportunities for self-employment.
About the Mpumalanga Stainless Initiative (MSI)
MSI is a well-established organisation focused on developing South Africa’s stainless steel sector by training artisans, supporting small businesses, and providing industrial workspace for upcoming manufacturers. They work closely with government, TVET colleges and private industrial partners.
Nkangala TVET College
One of Mpumalanga’s largest technical training institutions, offering engineering and vocational programmes aligned with South Africa’s economic needs.
Mpumalanga Department of Economic Development & Tourism (DEDT)
This department supports skills development, entrepreneurship, manufacturing and youth employment through strategic partnerships and funding.
Together, these institutions created this programme to build the next generation of young welders and steel fabrication entrepreneurs.
Minimum Requirements
To qualify, applicants must meet the following:
- Grade 9 with Mathematics and Science
- Age: 15 – 35 years
- South African citizens living in Mpumalanga
- Must be willing to commit to the full 12-month programme
Added Advantage (Not Required but Beneficial to Have)
Applicants with the following qualifications will have an edge:
- N2 Certificate with Plater/Structural Steel Drawing (PSSD)
OR - NCV Level 3 (with 7 subjects passed)
OR - Technical Matric with Mathematics and Science
Even if you don’t have these, you can still apply as long as you meet the minimum requirements.
What the Programme Offers
- Accredited Coded Welding & Steel Fabrication Training (6 months)
You will learn:
- Coded welding processes
- Steel cutting, bending and joining
- Safety standards
- Fabrication techniques
- Industry-level workshop practice
This qualification is SETA-accredited and recognised nationally.
- Business Incubation & Mentorship
After your technical training, you will receive:
- Business development training
- Mentorship
- Guidance on starting and running a business
- Support in accessing industrial markets
This gives you the ability to earn income independently, not only rely on employment.
- Company Registration and Compliance
You get full guidance for:
- CIPC registration
- SARS tax compliance
- COIDA registration
- Central Supplier Database (CSD) registration
These are critical for securing government or private contracts.
- Access to Industrial Facilities
Participants gain access to:
- Shared industrial equipment
- Workshop space
- Fabrication tools
- Enterprise development support
This is extremely valuable — most small welding startups struggle with access to proper equipment.
- Limited Intake (25 Spaces)
Preference will be given to:
- Youth
- Women
- Township-based entrepreneurs
If you want this opportunity, apply early and make sure your documents are complete.
How to Apply
Submit the following documents:
- CV
- Certified copy of ID
- Certified copies of qualifications
- Email all documents to: hr@mpstainless.co.za
Note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you do not receive feedback within 14 days after the closing date, your application was unsuccessful.
Before you Apply, Check the Edupstairs Youth Tools Hub below that can be helpful in your application
- 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
- 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
Career Growth After Completing This Programme
This opportunity can open multiple doors for you. With a coded welding qualification & business incubation, you can progress into:
Employment Careers
- Coded Welder
- Boilermaker Assistant
- Steel Fabrication Technician
- Pipe Welder
- MIG/TIG Welder
- Structural Steel Worker
- Industrial Welder
- Mechanical Workshop Assistant
- Manufacturing Artisan
Entrepreneurship Paths
- Start your own welding business
- Steel gates, burglar bars, frames & doors manufacturing
- Trailer manufacturing & repairs
- Structural steel fabrication
- Contract welding for construction companies
- Mobile welding services
Further Education Options
- N4–N6 Engineering Studies
- Advanced Welding Specialisations (TIG/MIG/Flux Core)
- Trade Test preparation (becoming a qualified artisan)
This is one of the few opportunities that can lead you to BOTH employment and entrepreneurship.
Edupstairs Advice
If you’re from a township or rural area, opportunities like this do not come often — especially opportunities that are fully funded and help you start a business.
Here’s our advice:
- Apply early — don’t wait for the last day
Most rejections happen because people submit late.
- Prepare a clean, professional CV
Use the Edupstairs Simple CV Builder to create a polished application.
- Write a short motivation letter (optional but powerful)
Explain briefly:
- Why you want to learn welding
- Your interest in starting a business
- Your commitment to completing the 12-month programme
- Double-check your documents
Your application must be clear, scanned and complete.
- Believe in your potential
Welding is a high-income skill, and entrepreneurship in steel fabrication can change your entire financial future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
- Do I need matric to apply?
No. Grade 9 with Mathematics and Science is enough.
- Do applicants receive stipends?
Yes, stipends are included during training.
- Is the programme fully funded?
Yes, training, materials and business incubation are all covered.
- Must I live in Mpumalanga to apply?
Yes. Only residents of Mpumalanga Province may apply.
- Is prior welding experience required?
No. Beginners are welcome.
- How many positions are available?
Only 25 spaces — spots are limited.
- Will I get a certificate after training?
Yes, you will receive accredited welding and steel fabrication qualifications.
- Does this programme help me start a business?
Yes. Mentorship + company registration + compliance support is provided.
- Can women apply?
Absolutely. Women are strongly encouraged to apply.
- When is the closing date?
12 December 2025 at 14h00.
Enquiries
- 013 246 1528
- admin@mpstainless.co.za
- 20 Watt Street, Industria, Middelburg
- mpstainless.co.za
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 an employment agency and does not charge any fees. We only share publicly available opportunities to empower South African youth. Always verify details with the official organisation before applying.
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
