Mthashana TVET College is inviting unemployed South Africans to apply for its 2026 Apprenticeship Training Programmes. The opportunities are aimed at applicants interested in developing practical occupational skills in the Electrical, Plumbing and Chef trades.
According to the official advertisement, the apprenticeship programmes are funded by LGSETA and CATHSSETA, and successful participants will receive a monthly stipend for the duration of their training.
A total of 83 training opportunities are advertised across Mthashana TVET College campuses in KwaZulu-Natal.
Applications must be submitted online, and the closing date is Friday, 28 August 2026.
Quick Overview
- Institution: Mthashana TVET College
- Opportunity: 2026 Apprenticeship Training Programmes
- Programmes: Electrician, Plumber and Chef
- Number of opportunities: 83
- Programme duration: 36 months
- Funding: LGSETA and CATHSSETA
- Target group: Unemployed South Africans
- Stipend: Monthly stipend for eligible participants
- Application method: Online
- Closing date: 28 August 2026 (Friday)
- Placement test: Not required
About the Mthashana TVET College Apprenticeship Programme
Mthashana TVET College is a public Technical and Vocational Education and Training institution operating under South Africa’s Department of Higher Education and Training.
The advertised apprenticeship opportunities provide unemployed people with an opportunity to undertake structured training in specific trades.
Unlike a short course, the advertised programmes run for 36 months, meaning applicants need to be prepared to commit to the full training period.
The official advertisement states that the programmes are fully funded. Participants will therefore not be required to pay registration, tuition or consumable fees associated with the apprenticeship programme.
Eligible participants will also receive a monthly stipend during the training programme.
Importantly, Mthashana TVET College states that a placement test is not required for these apprenticeship programmes.
Apprenticeship Programmes Available
-
Electrician Apprenticeship – 22 Learners
Mthashana TVET College is offering 22 Electrician apprenticeship opportunities.
Training details:
- Programme: Electrician
- Campus: Nquthu Campus
- Area: Nquthu and surrounding areas
- Centre code: Nquthu Campus 07
- Number of learners: 22
- Duration: 36 months
Official Entry Requirements for Electrician
Applicants must have:
- Grade 12; and
- A pass in Mathematics/Technical Mathematics and Physical Sciences; or N2 in the Electrician trade.
Applicants should carefully check their school subjects before applying. The advert specifically identifies Mathematics/Technical Mathematics and Physical Sciences for Grade 12 applicants.
-
Plumber Apprenticeship – 30 Learners
There are 30 apprenticeship opportunities available for applicants interested in the plumbing trade.
Training details:
- Programme: Plumber
- Campus: Nongoma Campus
- Area: Nongoma and surrounding areas
- Centre code: Nongoma Campus 02
- Number of learners: 30
- Duration: 36 months
Official Entry Requirements for Plumber
Applicants must have:
- Grade 12 with passes in English and Mathematical Literacy or
- N2 in the Plumbing trade.
Applicants who possess an N2 qualification should pay particular attention to the document requirements when completing the online application.
-
Chef Apprenticeship – 31 Learners
The largest intake advertised is for the Chef programme, with 31 training opportunities.
Training details:
- Programme: Chef
- Campus: Vryheid Campus
- Area: Vryheid and surrounding areas
- Centre code: Vryheid Campus 01
- Number of learners: 31
- Duration: 36 months
Official Entry Requirements for Chef
Applicants must have:
- Grade 12;
- A pass in English; and
- A pass in Mathematical Literacy.
Applicants interested in food preparation, hospitality and professional kitchen environments may consider this programme if they satisfy the stated requirements.
Who Can Apply?
Mthashana TVET College has provided several important general eligibility conditions.
Applicants must:
- Be South African citizens.
- Be unemployed.
- Not currently be studying or registered at an educational institution.
- Not have previously benefited from an Apprenticeship Programme.
- Be prepared to commit to completing the entire 36-month training programme.
The college specifically encourages unemployed youth and persons with disabilities to apply for the opportunities.
Applicants should not apply simply because they are interested in one of the trades. They should first confirm that they satisfy both the programme-specific academic requirements and the general eligibility requirements.
No Placement Test Is Required
One important point highlighted in the official advertisement is that a placement test is NOT required for these apprenticeship programmes.
Applicants should therefore follow the apprenticeship application process provided by Mthashana TVET College rather than assuming that the normal admission process for other college programmes necessarily applies.
The Apprenticeships Are Fully Funded
The advertisement states that the apprenticeship programmes are fully funded.
According to the college, participants will not be required to pay:
- Registration fees
- Tuition fees
- Consumable fees
Applicants should therefore be cautious of anyone who claims they must pay money to secure one of these apprenticeship opportunities.
Monthly Stipend
Mthashana TVET College states that stipends will be paid monthly to eligible participants for the duration of the training programme.
However, the advertisement does not specify the stipend amount.
Applicants should therefore avoid relying on unofficial social media posts claiming a particular stipend unless the amount is subsequently confirmed by Mthashana TVET College or the relevant programme funder.
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare the following documents before beginning the online application:
- Recently certified copy of South African ID
- Recently certified copy of Grade 12 certificate or N2 certificate in the relevant trade
- Recent proof of residence
Important Information for N2 Applicants
The advertisement specifically states that applicants applying with an N2 certificate should upload the N2 certificate together with their Grade 12 certificate.
Preparing these documents before starting the application can make the online application process easier and reduce the risk of submitting an incomplete application.
How to Apply
Applications must be completed online through the Mthashana TVET College Student Portal.
According to the official advertisement, new applicants should follow these steps:
- Access the Mthashana TVET College Student Portal.
- Select the option to register a new account.
- Create your student profile.
- Select the relevant year on the right-hand side.
- Choose your preferred campus.
- Look for the list of available Apprenticeship – 36 months programmes.
- Select the apprenticeship programme you want to enrol for.
- Complete the application and upload the required supporting documents.
Applicants should make sure that they select the correct campus associated with their chosen trade.
Which Campus Should You Select?
The advertisement links each apprenticeship to a particular Mthashana TVET College campus:
- Electrician: Nquthu Campus
- Plumber: Nongoma Campus
- Chef: Vryheid Campus
Selecting the wrong campus could make it difficult to locate the correct apprenticeship on the online application system.
Application Deadline
The closing date for applications is: Friday, 28 August 2026
Applicants should try to submit their applications before the final day.
Waiting until the closing date can create unnecessary problems if there is heavy traffic on the application portal, an internet connection fails, a document cannot be uploaded or an applicant discovers that additional information is required.
Enquiries
For enquiries regarding the apprenticeship programmes, the advertisement provides the following contact details for the Occupational Programmes Unit:
Telephone: 034 980 1010
Email: Info.Skills@mthashana.edu.za
Applicants should use the contact details for legitimate enquiries about the programme rather than submitting applications by email.
Applications Must Be Submitted Correctly
The official advert warns: Hand-delivered, faxed and emailed applications will not be considered.
This means applicants must use the prescribed online application process.
Sending your CV or documents to the enquiries email address does not replace the online application.
Important Application Mistakes to Avoid
Before submitting, applicants should check that they have not made common mistakes such as:
- Applying for a programme without meeting its academic requirements.
- Uploading an unclear or unreadable ID copy.
- Forgetting to upload proof of residence.
- Uploading an N2 certificate but failing to include the Grade 12 certificate as instructed.
- Selecting the wrong campus.
- Leaving required fields incomplete.
- Attempting to submit an application by email instead of using the Student Portal.
- Waiting until after the closing date.
Applicants should also verify their cellphone number and email address before submitting because these details may be important if the college needs to communicate with applicants.
Edupstairs Application Guidance
Before applying, create a folder on your phone or computer containing all your application documents.
Use clear filenames such as:
- ID – Your Name
- Grade 12 Certificate – Your Name
- N2 Certificate – Your Name
- Proof of Residence – Your Name
Open every document before uploading it to make sure it is readable.
Applicants should also take a screenshot or save any application confirmation/reference information generated after completing the online application.
Do not assume that starting an online application means it has been successfully submitted. Complete every required stage and check for confirmation where the portal provides it.
Why Apprenticeship Opportunities Matter
Apprenticeships differ from ordinary job vacancies because their primary purpose is structured occupational training and workplace development.
For someone trying to enter a skilled trade, an apprenticeship can provide exposure to both the theoretical and practical components associated with developing occupational competence.
The three programmes advertised by Mthashana TVET College cover distinctly different career areas.
The Electrician programme is relevant to people interested in electrical systems and technical work.
The Plumber programme provides a pathway into a practical trade involving water, piping and related systems.
The Chef programme is suited to applicants interested in professional food preparation and the hospitality environment.
Applicants should therefore choose based on both their qualifications and genuine career interests.
Tools you may find useful:
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Need Help?
Edupstairs Advice
This opportunity may be particularly worth considering for unemployed applicants who already satisfy the academic requirements and want to pursue a skilled occupational career.
Do not apply blindly to all three programmes. Check your qualifications, identify the programme for which you meet the requirements and make sure you are prepared to commit to the full 36 months.
Most importantly, submit your application early and keep proof or confirmation of your submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
When do Mthashana TVET College apprenticeship applications close?
Applications close on Friday, 28 August 2026.
-
How many apprenticeship opportunities are available?
There are 83 advertised places: 22 Electrician, 30 Plumber and 31 Chef opportunities.
-
How long are the programmes?
The advertised programme duration is 36 months.
-
Do I need to write a placement test?
No. The official advertisement states that a placement test is not required for these apprenticeship programmes.
-
Will successful applicants receive a stipend?
The advertisement states that eligible participants will receive a monthly stipend for the duration of the training programme. The amount is not specified in the advert.
-
Do applicants have to pay tuition fees?
According to the advertisement, the apprenticeship programmes are fully funded and participants will not be required to pay registration, tuition or consumable fees.
-
Can employed people apply?
The advertisement specifically requires applicants to be unemployed.
-
Can current students apply?
No. Applicants must not currently be studying or registered at an educational institution.
-
Can I apply if I previously completed an apprenticeship?
The advert states that applicants must not have previously benefited from an Apprenticeship Programme.
-
Are persons with disabilities encouraged to apply?
Yes. The official advertisement specifically encourages unemployed youth and persons with disabilities to apply.
-
Can I email my application?
No. Hand-delivered, faxed and emailed applications will not be considered. Applications must be completed through the online process specified by the college.
-
What documents do I need?
Applicants need a recently certified ID copy, recently certified Grade 12 certificate or relevant N2 certificate, and recent proof of residence. Applicants using N2 are instructed to upload it together with their Grade 12 certificate.
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Disclaimer
Edupstairs is not Mthashana TVET College, LGSETA or CATHSSETA and does not participate in the recruitment or selection of applicants. This article explains information contained in the official Mthashana TVET College apprenticeship advertisement supplied for this article.
Applicants should verify application information through the official Mthashana TVET College channels before submitting an application. Edupstairs will never guarantee selection into an apprenticeship programme.
Editorial Integrity
Edupstairs independently explains education, employment and training opportunities to help South African applicants understand official advertisements more easily.
The programme names, locations, number of learners, entry requirements, duration, application conditions and closing date in this article are based on the supplied official advertisement. Where information such as the exact monthly stipend amount was not provided in the advertisement, Edupstairs has deliberately not invented or estimated it.
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
