SAFCOL Invites Young South Africans to Apply for Their 2026 Learnership Programme
The closing date for applications is 14 November 2025.
What is SAFCOL?
South African Forestry Company SOC Limited (SAFCOL) is a government‑owned company that looks after commercial forests across South Africa. It grows trees, runs sawmills, and turns timber into useful products. SAFCOL also wants to give young people new skills and a chance to earn a good future in the forestry sector.
Why Join a Learnership?
A learnership is a paid training program that combines classroom learning with real‑world work. For the 2026 intake, SAFCOL offers three different tracks:
- Mechanised Harvesting (NQF Level 3) – learn to operate heavy machines that cut and move trees.
- Forestry Silviculture (NQF Level 3) – learn how to grow, manage, and protect trees.
- General Education & Training Certificate in Forestry (GETC) – Level 1 – a basic course for anyone interested in the forest industry.
Each course gives you:
- Accredited theory lessons at NQF Level 3 (or Level 1).
- Hands‑on training on the job.
After you finish, you’ll receive a certificate that can help you get a job or even start your own small forestry business.
Who Can Apply?
- Must be a South African citizen.
- Unemployed and aged between 18 and 35 years.
- Have finished high school (matric).
- Passionate about forests and ready to work outdoors.
How to Apply
- Download the application form – it’s available here.
- Fill it out and attach copies of:
- Your CV
- Matric certificate or results statement
- ID document
- Send the email to the relevant address:
| Programme | |
|---|---|
| Mechanised Harvesting | mechharvlearner@safcol.co.za |
| Forestry Silviculture | Silviculturelearnership@safcol.co.za |
| GETC in Forestry | getclearnership@safcol.co.za |
You will be based at the SAFCOL Training Centre in Sabie, Mpumalanga Province. The programme pays a monthly stipend for the whole duration. When you finish, you’ll receive your NQF Level 1‑3 certificate.
Need a CV?
If you don’t have a CV yet, you can build a professional one quickly with the Edupstairs Simple CV Builder. It’s free and easy to use.
What You’ll Get
- Monthly pay while you learn.
- A recognised certification that shows you have real skills.
- On‑the‑job exposure and mentorship from forestry experts.
- Better chances of landing a job in forestry or related fields.
More Opportunities
If you’re interested in other funded learning options, check out [SETA Bursaries you can still apply for this year] – they offer a range of paid courses that could fit your interests and help boost your career.
Got Questions?
Call Mr. Tshilidzi Mavhungu at 078 803 3643 if you need help.
Remember: The application deadline is 14 November 2025. Don’t miss out on this chance to start a career that helps the environment and supports rural communities across South Africa.
