South African Airways Technical (SAAT) Opens 45 Apprenticeship / Learnership Posts for 2026

South African Airways Technical (SAAT) has officially opened applications for its 2026 Apprenticeship / Learnership Programme, with 45 available positions based in Kempton Park, Gauteng.

This opportunity is designed for young, passionate South African citizens who want to build a career in the aviation industry through practical trade training. And unlike many programmes that focus only on theory, SAAT’s programme combines structured classroom learning and hands-on training in approved aviation trades.

Quick Overview

Programme Name: South African Airways Technical (SAAT) Apprenticeship / Learnership Programme 2026
Company / Division: South African Airways Technical (SAAT)
Closing Date: 03 February 2026
Reference Number: SAA260126-2
Number of Posts: 45
Job Title: SAA Technical Apprenticeship / Learnership Programme 2026
Job Type: Technical Apprenticeship
Minimum Education: Matric (Grade 12) or equivalent / N3 Certificate
Location: Kempton Park, Gauteng, South Africa
Trades Offered: Choose 2 trades in order of preference
Assessments: Interviews, psychometric tests, medicals, security clearance & background checks
Start & Selection Note: Only shortlisted candidates contacted
Final Feedback Deadline: If you do not hear by 30 April 2026, consider the application unsuccessful

About the SAAT Apprenticeship / Learnership Programme 2026

SAAT is inviting applications for its 2026 intake where successful candidates will undergo:

structured theoretical training (classroom-based learning)
practical workplace training (hands-on experience)

The goal is to develop highly skilled artisans that meet:

industry standards
regulatory standards
and the practical demands of aircraft-related technical work

This programme is aimed at helping young people become employable through proper trade development.

Trades Offered (Choose Two Trades in Order of Preference)

One important detail in this advert is that applicants may choose two trades, ranked as:

First preference
Second preference

Here are the approved trades listed:

1) Aircraft Welding

This trade involves work such as:

welding and repairing aircraft components
welding engine-related parts
plasma spraying
heat treatment processes
manufacturing of parts and tooling

If you like metalwork, precision work, and strong technical procedures, this trade could fit you.

2) Aircraft Spray Painting

This trade focuses on aircraft protection and coating work, including:

corrosion prevention
repairing paint coatings
applying protective coatings
painting aircraft interiors and exteriors

This is not “normal painting.” Aviation paint work must be done with high accuracy because it protects aircraft surfaces and contributes to durability and safety.

3) Aircraft Trimming

Aircraft trimming deals with the interior parts of the aircraft and equipment such as:

manufacturing and repairing aircraft interiors
inspecting and maintaining aircraft interior components
working with survival equipment

This trade is ideal for someone who has good hand skills and attention to detail.

4) Aircraft Composite Structures

This is a modern, in-demand area involving composite materials. Work includes:

manufacturing aircraft composite components
repairing composite parts
inspecting and maintaining composite structures

Composites are a big part of modern aircraft manufacturing and maintenance, which makes this trade valuable for the future.

Minimum Requirements (Educational Qualifications)

You qualify through one of the following routes:

Option 1: Matric (Grade 12)

You must have:

Pure Mathematics: 50% or Level 4
Physical Science: 50% or Level 4
English (symbol required)

This means SAAT wants learners who already have a strong foundation in Maths and Science, because aviation trades require technical understanding and accuracy.

Option 2: N3 Certificate

You must have:

Mathematics: 50% pass
Engineering Science: 50% pass

So even if you did not qualify through Matric requirements, the N3 route gives you another solid pathway.

Knowledge & Skills Needed (What SAAT Wants to See)

The advert highlights these key skills:

Ability to read and write in English (essential)
Basic understanding of technical/mechanical concepts (advantage)
Ability to follow instructions accurately
Good communication skills

Important: In aviation, instructions are not suggestions. You must be able to follow steps properly without skipping, guessing, or rushing.

Personal Attributes (This Is What Will Make You Stand Out)

SAAT is also looking for the right attitude and character. You must show:

teamwork and ability to work well with others
strong attention to detail
willingness to learn and adapt
problem-solving mindset
responsibility and safety-consciousness

This is powerful because it shows SAAT is not only selecting based on marks, but also selecting based on discipline and readiness for a technical environment.

Documents You Must Submit (Application Checklist)

Your application must include certified documents. Prepare these early:

Certified copy of your South African ID
CV (Curriculum Vitae)
Certified copies of all qualifications (Matric certificate or N3 certificate)
Any additional supporting documents (if applicable)

Edupstairs Advice:
Do not upload unclear photos. If your documents are unreadable, your application may be rejected before it even reaches shortlisting.

Selection Process & What to Expect After Applying

SAAT clearly states that:

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
Selection includes assessments such as:
- interviews
- psychometric tests
- medicals
- security clearance
- background checks

Also important:

Assessments and interviews will take place in Gauteng for this intake.

So if you apply, you must already be prepared for the reality that you may need to travel for assessments.

How to Apply

APPLY FOR THE SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS TECHNICAL (SAAT) APPRENTICESHIP / LEARNERSHIP PROGRAMME 2026 HERE

How Edupstairs Helps You Prepare

At Edupstairs, we don’t just post opportunities—we help you win them.

Recommended Tools:

Edupstairs Advice (How to Apply Like a Serious Candidate)

If you want to increase your chances of being shortlisted, here are simple but powerful steps:

1) Don’t rush your CV

Your CV must clearly show:

your subjects and marks (especially Maths and Science)
any technical exposure (even school projects)
your personal strengths (attention to detail, teamwork)

2) Choose the right two trades

Don’t choose randomly. Choose trades you can see yourself doing daily.

Ask yourself:

Do I prefer working with metals and repairs? (Welding)
Do I enjoy finishing work and surface protection? (Spray painting)
Do I enjoy interior detail work? (Trimming)
Do I want a modern, advanced material skill? (Composite structures)

3) Prepare for assessments early

Psychometric tests and interviews can be tough if you’re unprepared.

Practice:

talking about yourself confidently
explaining why you want the programme
staying calm under pressure

4) Be ready for Gauteng assessments

If you live far from Gauteng, plan now:

transport money
accommodation with family/friends if needed
early arrival
keeping your phone on and checking emails

5) Apply early, not on the last day

When you apply late, you risk:

website issues
upload errors
document mistakes
missing the deadline completely

Career Growth Path After This Programme

One of the biggest benefits of a technical apprenticeship/learnership is that it builds your career foundation.

After completing a programme like this, your career may grow into pathways such as:

Aircraft Maintenance Assistant
Aviation Trade Artisan (depending on your trade progression)
Workshop Technician
Quality Inspection Assistant
Maintenance Support Roles in aviation or engineering industries
Technical roles in manufacturing and heavy industry (skills transfer)

Even if you don’t stay in aviation forever, a strong trade background can open doors in:

automotive manufacturing
rail engineering
industrial maintenance
fabrication and repair businesses
engineering support services

Edupstairs note: Trade skills are among the most reliable skills in the job market because they are practical, needed, and difficult to replace.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) Can I apply if I only have Maths Literacy?

No. The advert requires Pure Mathematics with 50% or Level 4 (or the N3 route).

2) Can I apply without Physical Science?

Not through Matric option. Physical Science is required at 50% or Level 4, unless you apply using the N3 route with Engineering Science.

3) Do I need experience?

No experience is stated as required. This is a training programme designed to develop skills.

4) How many trades can I select?

You may choose two trades, listed in order of preference.

5) Where is the programme based?

The opportunity is based in Kempton Park, Gauteng.

6) Will everyone get a response after applying?

No. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

7) What assessments will shortlisted candidates go through?

Assessments include interviews, psychometric tests, medicals, security clearance, and background checks.

8) When should I consider my application unsuccessful?

If you don’t hear from SAAT by 30 April 2026, consider your application unsuccessful.

CLOSING DATE: 03 FEBRUARY 2026

You can also:

Application Outcome Tracker (anonymous)

No names collected. This helps future applicants understand real-world timelines.

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Disclaimers

Edupstairs is not affiliated with South African Airways Technical (SAAT) or South African Airways.
This article is shared for informational purposes to help young people understand opportunities better.
Always verify details on the official SAAT/SAA platforms before applying.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee selection.
Late or incomplete applications may be rejected automatically.

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

Edupstairs TrustScore™

100 /100

Verified / Low Risk This is an evidence-based risk assessment to help applicants verify opportunities.

OrganisationSouth African Airways Technical (SAAT)

SourceOfficial website/career portal

Open source link

Apply viaOnline portal

ReferenceSAA260126-2

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