Sasol and PDPS Welding Apprenticeship 2026
For many young South Africans, becoming a qualified artisan is one of the most reliable pathways to long-term employment. Skilled trades such as welding remain in high demand across the mining, petrochemical, manufacturing and construction sectors, where qualified artisans are responsible for building and maintaining critical infrastructure. An apprenticeship provides more than technical training—it combines classroom learning with practical workplace experience, allowing learners to work towards becoming fully qualified artisans.
The Sasol and PDPS Welding Apprenticeship Programme 2026 offers unemployed South Africans the opportunity to receive structured artisan training while gaining valuable workplace exposure. Delivered in partnership with Plant Design and Project Services (PDPS), the programme aims to develop the next generation of skilled welders who can contribute to South Africa’s engineering and industrial sectors.
Applications close on 17 July 2026, and interested candidates are encouraged to submit their applications well before the deadline.
About Sasol
Sasol is one of South Africa’s leading integrated chemicals and energy companies, operating globally across the energy, petrochemical and manufacturing sectors. The company has a long-standing commitment to artisan development and skills training, investing in apprenticeship programmes that prepare young South Africans for sustainable technical careers.
Through partnerships with industry specialists such as Plant Design and Project Services (PDPS), Sasol continues to strengthen South Africa’s artisan pipeline while supporting youth employment and technical skills development.
About Plant Design and Project Services (PDPS)
Plant Design and Project Services (PDPS) is an engineering company specialising in plant construction, fabrication, maintenance and industrial project execution. Working alongside Sasol, PDPS provides practical workplace exposure and technical mentorship that allows apprentices to develop industry-ready welding skills within real engineering environments.
About Sasol and PDPS Welding Apprenticeship 2026
The Welding Apprenticeship Programme combines structured technical training with practical workplace experience, allowing apprentices to develop the skills required to become qualified welders.
Throughout the programme, apprentices will receive exposure to:
- Welding processes
- Engineering fabrication
- Workshop practices
- Safety procedures
- Engineering drawings
- Industrial equipment
- Plant maintenance
- Quality assurance
- Technical problem-solving
- Workplace professionalism
The programme is ideal for young people who enjoy working with their hands and are interested in pursuing a long-term artisan career.
Residential Requirements
Applicants must reside within one of the following areas:
- Govan Mbeki Municipality
- Ekandustria Region 7
- City of Tshwane
- Dark City
- Ekangala
- Rethabiseng
- Zithobeni
Only applicants residing within the specified communities will be considered.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants may qualify through one of the following educational pathways.
Option 1: Grade 12 (Matric)
Applicants should have:
- English
- Pure Mathematics (Mathematics Literacy is not accepted)
- Physical Science
The following subjects will be advantageous:
- Engineering Graphics and Design (EGD)
- Welding/Platers Theory
Option 2: N3 Engineering Qualification
Applicants should have:
- English
- Engineering Mathematics N3
- Engineering Science N3
The following will be advantageous:
- Trade Related Theory Subject N3
Option 3: NCV Level 4
Applicants should have completed:
- English NCV Level 4 or First Additional Language Level 4
- Mathematics Level 4 (Pure Mathematics)
- Engineering Science Level 4
- Engineering Processes Level 4
- Professional Engineering Practice Level 4
- Applied Engineering Technology Level 4
- Trade Related Theory Subject (Compulsory)
Required Supporting Documents
Applicants should prepare:
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Certified South African ID
- Certified copies of qualifications
- Certified academic transcripts (where applicable)
Proof of Residence Requirements
If the property is not registered in your name, applicants must also provide:
- Affidavit from the applicant
- Affidavit from the landlord
- SAPS-certified confirmation indicating the length of residence at the address
- SARS confirmation letter reflecting the same residential address
- Bank statement displaying the current residential address
Providing complete and accurate documentation will help avoid delays during the application process.
Skills You’ll Develop
Throughout the apprenticeship, learners will develop valuable technical skills including:
- Arc welding
- Engineering fabrication
- Reading engineering drawings
- Metal preparation
- Workshop safety
- Measuring and marking
- Grinding and finishing
- Equipment maintenance
- Quality inspection
- Teamwork
- Problem-solving
- Workplace communication
These skills are highly transferable across multiple engineering industries.
Why Choose a Welding Apprenticeship?
Welding remains one of South Africa’s most sought-after artisan trades. Qualified welders work across industries including:
- Petrochemical
- Mining
- Manufacturing
- Construction
- Energy
- Heavy Engineering
- Oil and Gas
- Infrastructure Development
Completing an apprenticeship provides both practical experience and a pathway towards obtaining a nationally recognised trade qualification.
Career Opportunities After Completion
Qualified artisans often progress into careers such as:
- Qualified Welder
- Fabricator
- Boilermaker
- Maintenance Technician
- Welding Inspector
- Welding Supervisor
- Mechanical Maintenance Artisan
- Structural Steel Fabricator
Many artisans also continue developing their careers by specialising in coded welding, pressure vessel fabrication and advanced inspection disciplines.
Why This Apprenticeship Matters
South Africa continues to experience strong demand for skilled artisans as industries modernise and expand. Apprenticeship programmes like this one not only provide technical training but also expose learners to real industrial environments where they develop discipline, safety awareness and professional engineering practices.
For young people interested in technical careers, this apprenticeship offers an excellent opportunity to begin building a successful future in one of South Africa’s most respected artisan trades.
Thabang Maimela’s Tip
One of the biggest reasons apprenticeship applications are unsuccessful is incomplete documentation. Before submitting your application, create a checklist and ensure every required document is attached, especially your proof of residence. Also, because applications are submitted via email, use a professional email address and clearly include the reference number in your subject line. These small details demonstrate professionalism and can help your application stand out.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted via email before the closing date.
Application Details
Reference Number: 2026 Welding Apprenticeship
Closing Date: 17 July 2026
Email Address: welderapprentices2026@pdps.co.za
Before submitting your application, ensure that all supporting documents are attached and that your contact details are correct.
Start Your Journey Towards Becoming a Qualified Artisan
The Sasol and PDPS Welding Apprenticeship Programme provides far more than technical training—it offers the opportunity to build a lifelong career in one of South Africa’s most respected artisan trades. With structured mentorship, practical workplace experience and exposure to world-class engineering environments, successful applicants will take an important step towards becoming qualified welding professionals.
Disclaimer
CareersPursuit shares publicly available opportunities for informational purposes only and is not affiliated with the companies or organisations mentioned unless explicitly stated otherwise. Do not send your personal information, CV, or applications directly to CareersPursuit. Always verify opportunity details through official channels before applying.
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
I am Thabang Maimela, Founder and Editor of CareersPursuit and YouthSETA, two South African platforms dedicated to helping individuals access employment opportunities, skills development programmes, and career growth resources. Through CareersPursuit, I focus on jobs, internships, apprenticeships, graduate programmes, learnerships, and career advice, while YouthSETA specialises in SETA learnerships, skills programmes, youth development initiatives, and workplace readiness resources. My mission is to make reliable, up to date information more accessible, helping South Africans build skills, improve employability, and navigate their career journeys with confidence. Read more about the author on the About Us page.