Get a Hands‑On Career in Boilermaking – A Training Opportunity for Youth in Umhlathuze
Are you looking for a real job that can change your future? A trade that will let you earn a good salary and work with your hands? The Boilermaker Sponsored Training Programme, launched by Mondi Zimele, FP&MSETA and the Richards Bay Technical Training & Assessment Centre (RBTTAC), starts in March 2026. It offers 25 places for people who live in Umhlathuze Municipality to learn a skilled trade that is in high demand in mining, manufacturing, power plants and other heavy industries. The best part? All the training costs and the protective gear are paid for.
What a Boilermaker Does
A boilermaker is a specialist who builds and fixes metal parts. Think of large boilers, pressure vessels, pipes and steel frames used in factories and power stations. Key tasks include:
- Cutting and shaping metal sheets and pipes
- Welding pieces together
- Assembling and testing finished structures
- Working in factories, power plants, mines or construction sites
This job needs good physical stamina and attention to detail, but it is also respected and can pay well once you finish the training.
Training Details
| Feature | What to Know |
|---|---|
| Trade | Boilermaker |
| Spots Available | 25 |
| Length | 13 weeks |
| Start | March 2026 |
| Credits | ~80 |
| Certificate | College Certificate |
| Provider | RBTTAC |
| Funding | Tuition and personal protective equipment (PPE) fully covered |
| Stipend | None |
| Application Window | 15 Jan – 7 Feb 2026, 16:00 |
| Target Group | Young people 18‑35, especially women |
| Location | Must live in Umhlathuze Municipality |
The programme is a 13‑week intensive course that gives you the skills to start a career in a trade that is not going away anytime soon.
Who Can Apply?
You must meet all or most of these conditions:
- Have a National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 4 qualification (matric).
- Pass maths, science and English.
- Preferably have taken trade‑related subjects.
- Be a South African citizen.
- Be aged 18 to 35.
- Live in Umhlathuze Municipality.
- Speak and understand English well enough for the training.
Extra points go to those who already have some trade experience or who can show a strong desire to become a boilermaker.
The selection process will include tests and interviews.
Important Things to Keep in Mind
- You will not receive a stipend, so you will need to plan for travel and meals on your own.
- The training does not promise a job after it finishes.
- The programme favours African, Coloured and Indian applicants, but everyone is welcome if they meet the criteria.
- Women and younger people are strongly encouraged to apply.
How to Apply
The application is completely online. Gather the following documents:
- A two‑page CV that lists your education and any work or volunteer experience.
- A one‑page motivation letter that explains why you want this training.
- A copy of your ID (certified).
- Copies of your certificates (certified).
- Proof that you live in Umhlathuze Municipality.
Applications open on 15 January 2026 and close on 7 February 2026 at 16:00. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Apply now for the 2026 boilermaker training by filling out the online form here: Apply for the Moni Zimele & FP&MSETA Boilermaker Training 2026
After You Submit
If your application looks good, you may be called in for a test or interview. If you are not contacted by 20 February 2026, you can assume that you were not selected. The organisers can change or cancel the programme if needed.
Why This Training Could Be a Game‑Changer
After completing the training you can:
- Apply for apprenticeship or learnership programs.
- Take trade tests that move you up to Level 4–5 qualifications.
- Find entry‑level jobs as a boilermaker or a welder.
- Specialise in metal fabrication or welding.
- Work in mining, power or manufacturing industries where demand is steady.
Many people who finish the training and pass the trade test earn more than the national average wage.
Quick Answers
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is this a learnership? | No, it is a sponsored training programme. |
| Will it give me a job? | There is no guaranteed job, but the skills are in demand. |
| Can I apply from outside Umhlathuze? | No, you must prove you live there. |
| Will I get protective gear? | Yes, PPE is fully covered. |
| Is there a maximum age? | The programme focuses on 18‑35 year olds. |
Final Note
The opportunity is still subject to final approval and the availability of funding. Both FP&MSETA and RBTTAC reserve the right to cancel or change the programme. Signing up does not create an employment contract.
This training is a chance to start a career that is both useful and long‑lasting. If you meet the requirements and are ready for hard work, you can take the first step toward a future in the boilermaker trade. Good luck!
