The Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority (merSETA), in partnership with Sekhukhune TVET College, has officially opened Apprenticeship Programme Opportunities for 2026, targeting unemployed youth who are ready to build real, in-demand technical careers.
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This is not a short course or a once-off training intervention. It is a 36-month structured apprenticeship, combining workplace exposure, institutional learning, and formal trade preparation aligned with national artisan frameworks. If you have been waiting for a serious pathway into trades such as Diesel Mechanic, Fitter & Turner, Welder, or Electrician, this announcement matters.
Quick Overview
Programme Type: Apprenticeship (Artisan Training)
Duration: 36 Months
Funded By: merSETA
Training Partner: Sekhukhune TVET College
Target Group: Unemployed South African youth
Age Limit: Under 35 years
Closing Date: 30 January 2026
Location: Limpopo (Sekhukhune District)
Application Method: Email submission
Apprenticeship Fields Available (2026 Intake)
Applicants are invited to apply for the following artisan trades, all offered as 36-month apprenticeships:
Diesel Mechanic (Apprentice)
Minimum Academic & Technical Requirements:
- Grade 12 with Pure Mathematics (technical subjects are an advantage)
- NCV Level 4: Automotive Repair & Maintenance (21 subjects completed)
OR - N2–N6 Mechanical Engineering (Diesel Trade Theory)
Career Focus: Heavy vehicles, trucks, mining equipment, construction machinery.
Fitter & Turner (Apprentice)
Minimum Requirements:
- Grade 12 with Pure Mathematics
- NCV Level 4: Fitting & Turning (21 subjects completed)
OR - N2–N6 Mechanical Engineering (Fitter & Turner Trade Theory)
Career Focus: Precision engineering, machining, manufacturing plants.
Welder (Apprentice)
Minimum Requirements:
- Grade 12 with Pure Mathematics
- NCV Level 2–4: Fabrication (21 subjects completed)
OR - N2–N6 Mechanical Engineering
Career Focus: Structural steel, fabrication workshops, infrastructure projects.
Electrician (Apprentice)
Minimum Requirements:
- Grade 12 with Pure Mathematics
- NCV Level 4: Electrical Infrastructure Construction (21 subjects completed)
OR - N2–N6 Electrical Engineering
Career Focus: Industrial electrical systems, construction, utilities, manufacturing.
Important Notes You Must Not Miss
- Applicants must be under 35 years of age
- Preference will be given to Sekhukhune TVET College graduates
- All applicants will undergo assessment processes
- Successful candidates will sign:
- An ETQA Agreement
- A formal Employment Contract
This confirms that the programme is not informal training—it is contractual, regulated, and employment-linked.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted via email only.
Step 1: Prepare Your Documents
Attach the following in one email:
- Application Letter
- Clearly state the name of the apprenticeship you are applying for
- Comprehensive CV
- Certified copies of all qualifications
- Certified copy of South African ID
Step 2: Submit Your Application
Email Address: COSCSBarlowC@sektvetcol.co.za
Use a clear subject line, for example:
Application: Electrician Apprenticeship Programme 2026
Step 3: Enquiries (If Needed)
For enquiries, contact:
Ms Mokabane DM – 013 269 0278
Working hours: 08:00 – 16:00
Closing Date: 30 January 2026
Late applications will not be considered.
What Happens After Selection?
If selected, you will:
- Enter a 36-month apprenticeship contract
- Receive structured workplace exposure
- Complete institutional learning phases
- Build a logbook of practical competencies
- Become eligible for trade testing
This is the gateway to becoming a qualified artisan, not just a trainee.
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 (Read This Carefully)
From years of tracking SETA programmes across South Africa, here is our honest advice:
- Apply early, not on the closing date
- Ensure your subjects match exactly what is required
- Do not submit incomplete documentation
- Clearly indicate only one trade per application
- Prepare mentally for assessments and interviews
This opportunity is competitive, but well-prepared applicants stand out.
Career Growth Path After This Apprenticeship
Completing an apprenticeship opens multiple doors:
- Trade Tested Artisan
- Senior Artisan / Specialist
- Maintenance Supervisor
- Foreman or Site Supervisor
- Self-Employed Contractor
- Further studies (N6, National Diploma, Engineering pathway)
Many artisans also progress into entrepreneurship, running workshops, electrical services, or fabrication businesses.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is this apprenticeship paid?
Yes. Apprenticeships typically include structured employment contracts with stipends or wages aligned to SETA frameworks.
Can I apply if I studied at another TVET college?
Yes, but preference is given to Sekhukhune TVET College graduates.
Can I apply with N3 only?
Only if your qualification aligns with the specific trade theory requirements stated.
Is trade testing guaranteed?
Trade testing eligibility depends on successful completion of all programme requirements.
Can I apply for more than one trade?
It is strongly advised to apply for one trade only.
CLOSING DATE: 30 JANUARY 2026
You can also:
- View latest Internships
- View latest Learnerships
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- Visit the Edupstairs blog for daily updates
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Disclaimers
- This article is published for information and guidance purposes
- Edupstairs is not responsible for selection decisions
- Applicants must verify details directly with the training institution
- Beware of scams—no payment is required to apply
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