Novus Holdings Apprenticeship 2027
South Africa’s printing, packaging and manufacturing industries continue to rely on highly skilled artisans to operate sophisticated production equipment that delivers newspapers, books, magazines, packaging and commercial print products. While many people associate apprenticeships with engineering trades such as Electricians or Diesel Mechanics, the printing industry also offers nationally recognised artisan trades that provide specialised technical careers. These apprenticeships combine classroom learning with extensive workplace training, preparing learners to complete their trade tests and become qualified artisans.
Novus Print, a division of Novus Holdings, is inviting applications for its Apprenticeship Programme 2027. The 36-month apprenticeship offers young South Africans the opportunity to train in specialised printing trades while receiving structured theoretical and practical workplace experience in preparation for nationally recognised trade tests.
About Novus Holdings
Novus Holdings is one of South Africa’s leading commercial printing, publishing and manufacturing companies, providing printing, packaging, educational publishing and related services across Southern Africa.
Through Novus Print, the company operates modern printing facilities equipped with advanced production technology and remains committed to developing future artisans through structured apprenticeship programmes in partnership with the Fibre Processing and Manufacturing SETA (FP&M SETA).
About the Novus Holdings Apprenticeship 2027
The Novus Holdings Apprenticeship Programme is a 36-month structured artisan development programme designed to prepare learners for their respective trade tests.
Successful apprentices will complete both theoretical training and practical workplace learning, gaining exposure to modern printing technologies while developing the technical skills required to qualify as artisans within the printing industry.
The programme combines classroom instruction with extensive workplace experience to ensure learners are fully prepared for industry standards.
Trades Available
Applicants may be considered for one of the following apprenticeship trades:
- Lithography Press
- Electronic Pre-Press
- Mechanised Bookbinding
- Gravure Press
- Sheetfed Press
These specialised trades play a vital role in South Africa’s commercial printing and publishing industry.
Programme Overview
- Programme:Â Novus Holdings Apprenticeship Programme 2027
- Duration:Â 36 Months
- Start Date:Â January 2027
- Location: Novus Print – Montague Gardens
- Training Partner:Â FP&M SETA
Training Structure
The apprenticeship is divided into several structured phases.
Phase 1 – Theoretical Training
Successful apprentices will complete approximately 3 to 4 months of theoretical training at the academy.
During this phase, learners will build foundational knowledge required for their chosen trade before entering the workplace.
Phase 2–4 – Workplace Experience
Learners will then complete approximately 26 to 30 months of practical workplace training at Novus Print.
During this period, apprentices will:
- Work alongside experienced artisans
- Operate specialised printing equipment
- Apply classroom knowledge in real production environments
- Develop trade-specific practical competencies
- Prepare for their final trade tests
The programme also includes additional theoretical learning provided through the academy and Printing SA.
Employment Information
Successful applicants will be contracted with:
- Novus Print
and
- FP&M SETA
for the duration of the apprenticeship programme.
Please note that successful completion of the apprenticeship does not guarantee permanent employment, although the skills gained significantly improve future employment opportunities within the printing and manufacturing sectors.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must have:
- Grade 12 (Matric)
with either:
- Mathematics
OR
- Mathematical Literacy
Applicants offering Mathematical Literacy must have achieved at least 60%.
Applicants should attach:
- Matric certificate
or
- Latest Grade 12 results (where applicable)
Advantageous Qualifications
The following will be considered an advantage:
- A technical foundation or technical background
Applicants with technical school subjects, engineering studies or vocational training are encouraged to apply.
Skills You’ll Develop
Throughout the apprenticeship, learners will strengthen practical skills in:
- Printing technology
- Industrial production processes
- Machine operation
- Equipment maintenance
- Quality control
- Production planning
- Technical problem-solving
- Occupational health and safety
- Teamwork
- Manufacturing operations
These specialised skills are highly valuable within the printing, publishing, packaging and manufacturing industries.
Why Join Novus Holdings?
Working at Novus Print provides apprentices with exposure to:
- One of South Africa’s leading commercial printing companies
- Modern printing technology
- Experienced artisan mentors
- Nationally recognised trade training
- Structured workplace learning
- FP&M SETA-supported apprenticeship development
- Industry-leading production environments
The programme provides an excellent pathway towards becoming a qualified artisan within a specialised manufacturing sector.
Career Opportunities After Completion
Upon successfully completing the apprenticeship and trade test, graduates may pursue careers such as:
- Lithographic Press Artisan
- Sheetfed Press Technician
- Gravure Press Operator
- Electronic Pre-Press Technician
- Bookbinding Technician
- Printing Production Technician
- Manufacturing Artisan
- Print Production Supervisor
Qualified printing artisans are employed across commercial printing companies, newspaper publishers, packaging manufacturers and industrial production facilities.
Why Choose a Printing Apprenticeship?
The printing industry has evolved into a highly technological sector requiring skilled professionals who can operate sophisticated machinery and maintain high production standards. Completing a recognised apprenticeship equips learners with practical experience, technical expertise and nationally recognised trade qualifications that can open doors to long-term careers in manufacturing.
Thabang Maimela’s Tip
Many applicants overlook printing apprenticeships because they’re unfamiliar with the industry, but these are recognised artisan trades with excellent career prospects. If you’ve studied Technical Mathematics, Engineering Graphics and Design (EGD), Mechanical Technology or any vocational technical subjects, make sure they’re prominently listed on your CV. Even hobbies involving machinery, design or technical problem-solving can help demonstrate your interest in the trade.
How to Apply
Interested applicants who meet the minimum requirements should submit their applications through the officialÂ
Before applying, prepare:
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Certified copy of your South African ID
- Certified Grade 12 certificate or latest Grade 12 results
- Any additional technical qualifications (if applicable)
- Any other supporting documents requested during the application process
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Apply Now.
Start Your Artisan Career with Novus Holdings
The Novus Holdings Apprenticeship Programme 2027 offers young South Africans a unique opportunity to train in specialised printing trades while gaining practical workplace experience with one of the country’s leading commercial printing companies. If you’re passionate about technology, manufacturing and developing technical skills, this 36-month apprenticeship could be the perfect first step towards becoming a qualified artisan.
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.
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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.