John Thompson Apprenticeship Programme 2025‑2027 – 13 Open Positions | Apply Now
John Thompson invites suitably qualified applicants to apply for their 2025 Apprenticeship Programme Vacancies. The closing date for applications is the 31 October 2025.
Why an Apprenticeship is a Game‑Changer
If you live in or around Lekwa Municipality, feel stuck after finishing school, and want to turn a hobby into a paycheck, the 2025 Apprenticeship Programme from John Thompson (part of ACTOM (Pty) Ltd) could be the ticket you’re looking for. The programme is all about turning 15‑year‑old dreamers into real‑world skills that factories and shops around South Africa need every day.
About John Thompson
John Thompson builds huge industrial and water tube boilers that are shipped all over the world. They’re one of the biggest players in the country and they’re looking for fresh talent to keep the engines running. The company is proud that it hires equally from all backgrounds and gives special preference to people who qualify under the Employment Equity (EE) system.
What the Apprenticeship Looks Like
Three Years of Learning
- On‑the‑Job Training – you’ll spend parts of each week in a real factory, learning how welding, rigging and boilermaking work on the ground.
- Campus Classes – approved schools will teach you the theory behind the tools: maths, engineering drawings, safety, and more.
- Trade Test Qualification – once you finish, you’ll sit a professional exam that officially certifies you as a welder, rigger or boilermaker.
By the end of the three years you will own a certificate, a portfolio of work, and real experience that recruiters love.
Positions Available
| Skill | Number of Spots |
|---|---|
| Welding | 5 |
| Rigging | 5 |
| Boilermaking | 3 |
| Total | 13 |
All spots are open to people who are not working and who live in Lekwa Municipality or its surrounding areas.
Minimum Qualifications
To be considered you need:
- Education – a Grade 12 (N3) or a National Certificate in Vocational Education (NCV) Level 4.
- Academic Pass – at least a 50 % average in Mathematics, Engineering Drawings, and other relevant theory subjects.
Check‑list Before You Apply
- Where you live – you must be a resident of Lekwa Municipality or nearby towns.
- Health – you will need to pass a medical exam, including a drug test, and show you can work at heights or in tight spaces.
- Flexibility – be ready to move to different training sites if the programme requires it.
- Paperwork – bring a cover letter, a CV, copies of your certificates, your latest results, a copy of your ID, proof of address, and a police clearance certificate (less than 12 months old).
How to Submit Your Application
Send all your documents in a single email to amahlen@johnthompson.co.za. Make sure the subject line reads “2025 Apprenticeship Application – [Your Full Name]”.
Why You Shouldn’t Miss This
- Hands‑on learning – get real experience instead of just studying in a classroom.
- Career boost – a trade test certificate means you can apply for jobs straight after graduation, and John Thompson often hires from its own pool.
- Pay & support – you’ll earn while you learn, and the programme takes care of your training costs.
- Solid future – the skills you learn are in high demand globally, so you can work locally or abroad.
Add Another Job Option
If you want more ways to support yourself while learning this apprenticeship, check out the SETA Bursaries you can still apply for this year. These bursaries can give you a financial cushion as you start your new career.
Last Call
Apply before the 31 October 2025. Miss this deadline and you’ll have to wait another year. Save the date on your calendar, gather all your documents, and send that email to John Thompson today. Your future as a welder, rigger, or boilermaker starts here.
