MerSETA invites suitably qualified applicants to apply for their Apprenticeship Programme vacancies.
The closing date for applications is the 30 January 2026.
Why You Should Read This
If you’re a young person in Limpopo who wants a real job that pays well and gives you hands‑on skills, this apprenticeship could be your ticket. The program is not a quick workshop – it is a full‑time, 36‑month training plan that mixes classroom learning, on‑the‑job practice and a formal contract that pays you while you learn.
Quick Snapshot
| What | Details |
|---|---|
| Job type | Apprenticeship (Artisan Training) |
| Length | 36 months |
| Funding | MerSETA |
| College partner | Sekhukhune TVET College |
| Who can join? | South African youth, under 35, currently unemployed |
| Location | Sekhukhune District, Limpopo |
| Apply by | 30 January 2026 |
| How to apply | Email only |
2026 Apprenticeship Fields
You can choose one of the following trades. Each trade will give you a full 3‑year apprenticeship and a contract that pays you.
1. Diesel Mechanic
- What you’ll learn: Fixing and maintaining diesel engines for trucks, buses and heavy machinery.
- What you need:
- Grade 12 with Pure Mathematics (tech subjects help)
- Or an NCV Level 4 in Automotive Repair & Maintenance (21 subjects finished)
- Or a N2–N6 Mechanical Engineering diploma that covers diesel theory.
2. Fitter & Turner
- What you’ll learn: Precision metal cutting, shaping and fitting for factories and construction.
- What you need:
- Grade 12 with Pure Mathematics
- Or an NCV Level 4 in Fitting & Turning (21 subjects)
- Or a N2–N6 Mechanical Engineering diploma covering this trade.
- Career path: Work in manufacturing plants, precision workshops or as a specialist.
3. Welder
- What you’ll learn: Joining metal parts to build structures, machines and infrastructure.
- What you need:
- Grade 12 with Pure Mathematics
- Or NCV Level 2–4 in Fabrication (21 subjects)
- Or a N2–N6 Mechanical Engineering diploma.
- Career path: Build steel frameworks, work in fabrication shops, or on large construction projects.
4. Electrician
- What you’ll learn: Installing electrical systems in homes, factories and power plants.
- What you’ll need:
- Grade 12 with Pure Mathematics
- Or an NCV Level 4 in Electrical Infrastructure Construction (21 subjects)
- Or a N2–N6 Electrical Engineering diploma.
- Career path: Work on industrial wiring, construction sites, or run a private electrical business.
Important Things to Remember
- You must be under 35.
- Graduates from Sekhukhune TVET College get a priority slot.
- All applicants will go through an assessment and an interview.
- Once you’re accepted, you will sign two official documents: an ETQA Agreement and a formal Employment Contract.
- The program is fully regulated and gives you real employment – it’s not just a workshop.
How to Send Your Application
Gather your papers
- Write a short Application Letter that says which trade you want.
- Prepare a CV that lists your school, any work experience and skills.
- Get certified copies of all your qualifications.
- Get a certified copy of your South African ID.
Send one email
- Email address: COSCSBarlowC@sektvetcol.co.za
- Subject line example: Application: Electrician Apprenticeship Programme 2026
If you have questions
- Call Ms Mokabane DM at 013 269 0278 (open 08:00 – 16:00).
Don’t wait – the deadline is 30 January 2026. Late emails will not be accepted.
What Happens After You’re Selected
- You will sign a 36‑month contract.
- You’ll work at a real site while also studying at the college.
- You’ll fill out a logbook that shows every skill you master.
- After finishing, you can sit a trade test and earn a national certificate.
You won’t just finish a course – you will become a qualified artisan ready for higher positions or your own business.
How You Can Prepare
- Apply well before the deadline; rush applications get lost.
- Double‑check that your subjects exactly match what each trade needs.
- Send all documents – missing papers mean rejection.
- Pick only one trade; sending two different applications can confuse the reviewers.
- Practice for the assessment interview – stay calm and show your enthusiasm for the trade.
Future Career Paths
Once you finish the apprenticeship, many options open up:
| Level | Job title | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Trade Tested Artisan | Certified professional | You can work anywhere that needs your skill. |
| Senior Artisan / Specialist | Advanced role | You handle complex projects and may mentor others. |
| Maintenance Supervisor | Lead technician | You oversee teams that keep machines running. |
| Foreman or Site Supervisor | On‑site manager | You manage whole construction sites. |
| Self‑Employed Contractor | Own business | You open your own workshop or service company. |
| Further study | N6, National Diploma, engineering | You can go deeper into the field or move into engineering. |
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is the apprenticeship paid? | Yes. Apprentices get a salary or stipend that follows SETA rules. |
| Can I apply from another TVET college? | Yes, but priority goes to graduates of Sekhukhune TVET College. |
| Can I only finish N3? | You can if it matches the trade’s required theory level (N2‑N6). |
| Will I definitely get a trade test? | You qualify for testing if you finish all requirements successfully. |
| Can I apply for more than one trade? | It’s best to choose just one trade for a focused application. |
Final Tips
- Check the deadline: 30 January 2026.
- Email all required documents together; no separate attachments.
- Use a clear subject line so the reviewers know what you’re applying for.
- Keep a copy of everything you send in case you need to resend.
Good luck – this apprenticeship can turn your future into a stable, skilled career that pays well and lets you learn a trade you love.
