West Coast TVET College has announced exciting funded occupational training opportunities for unemployed youth and experienced artisans who want to formalise their skills. Through funding received from the Health and Welfare Sector Education and Training Authority (HWSETA) and the Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority (CHIETA), the college is inviting qualifying applicants to apply for three specialised programmes before the closing date of 31 July 2026.
These opportunities include:
- Occupational Certificate: Boilermaker ARPL (Recognition of Prior Learning)
- Centre of Specialisation (CoS): Boilermaker Apprenticeship
- Occupational Certificate: Electrician Apprenticeship
Whether you already have years of workplace experience as a boilermaker or you are an unemployed young person looking to start a career in the artisan sector, these programmes could provide an important pathway towards obtaining nationally recognised occupational qualifications.
Quick Overview
Institution: West Coast TVET College
Funding Partners
- Health and Welfare Sector Education and Training Authority (HWSETA)
- Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority (CHIETA)
Programmes Available
- Occupational Certificate: Boilermaker ARPL
- Centre of Specialisation (CoS): Boilermaker Apprenticeship
- Occupational Certificate: Electrician Apprenticeship
Closing Date: 31 July 2026
Application Method: Online through the West Coast TVET College portal
Website: www.westcoastcollege.co.za
Opportunity 1: Occupational Certificate – Boilermaker ARPL
One of the programmes currently open is the Boilermaker ARPL (Artisan Recognition of Prior Learning) programme.
Unlike a normal apprenticeship, this programme is specifically designed for individuals who already have practical workplace experience but do not yet possess a recognised occupational qualification.
The programme allows experienced workers to have their existing skills assessed and recognised through an official Occupational Certificate.
Available Positions
- Vredenburg Campus
- 3 students
- Intended for employed candidates (18.1 category)
Who Should Apply?
This programme is suitable for people who:
- Already work as boilermakers
- Have developed skills through years of practical experience
- Need a nationally recognised qualification
- Want to improve their career prospects
ARPL Requirements
Applicants must provide:
- Updated CV
- Certified ID copy
- Certified proof of address
- Certified highest qualification
- Minimum of three years’ work experience in the Boilermaker trade
- Service letter from employer on official company letterhead
- All certified documents must be less than three months old
Opportunity 2: Centre of Specialisation (CoS) Boilermaker Apprenticeship
West Coast TVET College is also offering a Centre of Specialisation (CoS) Boilermaker Apprenticeship funded through HWSETA.
Unlike the ARPL programme, this apprenticeship is intended for unemployed youth wishing to enter the artisan profession.
A monthly stipend will be provided during the training programme.
Available Opportunities
- Vredenburg Campus
- 18 apprenticeship positions
- Category 18.2 (Unemployed Youth)
Minimum Entry Requirements
Applicants must have:
- Grade 9 or higher
- Passion for technical careers
- Interest in becoming a qualified boilermaker
Required documents include:
- CV
- Certified ID copy
- Certified proof of address
- Certified highest qualification
- Documents certified within the last three months
Opportunity 3: Occupational Certificate – Electrician Apprenticeship
The third opportunity is an Electrician Apprenticeship funded through CHIETA.
Electricians remain among South Africa’s most in-demand artisans, making this programme particularly valuable for young people interested in technical careers.
The apprenticeship combines classroom learning with workplace experience to prepare learners for artisan qualification.
A monthly stipend will also be provided.
Available Opportunities
- Atlantis Campus
- 15 apprenticeship positions
- Category 18.2 (Unemployed Youth)
Entry Requirements
Applicants must have:
- Minimum Grade 9
- Certified ID
- Certified proof of address
- Certified highest qualification
- Updated CV
Certified documents must not be older than three months.
Difference Between ARPL and an Apprenticeship
Many applicants confuse these two programmes.
ARPL
Recognition of Prior Learning is intended for experienced workers who already possess practical skills but lack formal certification.
It assesses existing competencies and awards an Occupational Certificate where requirements are met.
Apprenticeship
An apprenticeship is structured training for individuals entering a trade.
Learners receive both classroom instruction and workplace experience over an extended period while working towards becoming qualified artisans.
Documents Required
Depending on the programme, applicants should prepare:
- Updated CV
- Certified South African ID
- Certified proof of address
- Certified highest qualification
- Employer service letter (ARPL applicants only)
- Three years’ Boilermaker work experience (ARPL applicants only)
Remember:
- Certified copies must not be older than three months.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through the West Coast TVET College portal.
Also Check:
- How to Write a Winning Motivational Letter for an Apprenticeship / Artisan Job in South Africa
- How to Write a Winning CV for Apprenticeship / Artisan Job Applications in South Africa
- Interview Questions and Answers for Apprenticeship / Artisan Jobs in South Africa: A Complete Guide
Before beginning your application:
- Scan all required documents clearly.
- Ensure certified copies are still valid.
- Double-check that every document is uploaded.
- Submit before the closing date.
Late applications are unlikely to be considered.
Closing Date: 31 July 2026
Do not wait until the last day to apply, as online systems often become busy close to deadlines.
Create a Job Specific ATS CV and a Cover Letter Here
Contact Details
Boilermaker ARPL
Vredenburg Campus
- Contact Person: Nonkqubela Spungu
- Telephone: 022 713 3167
CoS Boilermaker Apprenticeship
Vredenburg Campus
- Contact Person: Nonkqubela Spungu
- Telephone: 022 713 3167
Electrician Apprenticeship
Atlantis Campus
- Contact Person: Bonita Carney
- Telephone: 021 577 1727
Tips for a Strong Application
Competition for funded artisan programmes can be high. Improve your chances by:
- Submitting your application early.
- Uploading clear certified documents.
- Using an updated CV.
- Including all requested supporting documents.
- Reading the programme requirements carefully before applying.
Tools you may find useful:
- RDP / BNG Housing Eligibility Checker
- SASSA Grant Eligibility Checker
- SAPS / Metro / Traffic / DCS Eligibility Checker
- Youth Employment Eligibility Checker
- SA Bursary & NSFAS Eligibility Checker
- UIF Benefits Eligibility Checker and Payment Estimator
View Other Employment Opportunities here
Need Help?
Edupstairs Advice
Funded artisan opportunities such as these do not open every month. If you meet the requirements, submit your application as soon as possible instead of waiting until the closing date.
If you are interested in becoming a qualified artisan, keep improving your technical skills while monitoring future opportunities from TVET colleges and SETAs across South Africa. Even if you are not selected this time, building experience, obtaining relevant qualifications and maintaining an updated CV will strengthen your future applications.
Remember that occupational certificates and apprenticeships can serve as valuable stepping stones towards permanent employment, trade testing and long-term career growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Is there a stipend?
Yes. Both apprenticeship programmes indicate that a monthly stipend will be provided.
-
Can I apply if I only have Grade 9?
Yes. The Boilermaker and Electrician apprenticeship programmes require a minimum of Grade 9.
-
Can unemployed people apply for the ARPL programme?
The ARPL programme is intended for experienced boilermakers who already have workplace experience and can provide a service letter from their employer.
-
Can I apply for more than one programme?
If you meet the eligibility requirements for multiple programmes, you may consider applying where appropriate, provided you satisfy all criteria.
-
Are certified documents required?
Yes. All certified documents must be less than three months old.
-
Where will training take place?
Training will be conducted at:
- Vredenburg Campus (Boilermaker programmes)
- Atlantis Campus (Electrician programme)
You can also:
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- Visit the Edupstairs blog for daily updates
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Disclaimer
This article has been prepared by Edupstairs to explain the advertised training opportunities in a simple and accessible manner. Application requirements, available positions, stipend arrangements and programme details are determined by West Coast TVET College and the relevant SETA partners. Applicants should verify all information on the official West Coast TVET College website before applying.
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