For young people who want to become qualified diesel mechanics, an apprenticeship provides something that classroom study alone cannot: years of supervised experience working with real vehicles, tools and diagnostic systems. Commercial vehicles add another dimension, with technicians developing skills around the heavy-duty trucks and transport systems that keep businesses and supply chains moving across South Africa.
Volvo Group Southern Africa is inviting young South Africans to apply for its Volvo Trucks Diesel Technician Apprenticeship. Successful candidates will enter a three-year training programme leading towards the Occupational Certificate: Diesel Mechanic (NQF Level 4) and, after meeting the required trade requirements, the opportunity to qualify as a Diesel Technician with a trade test certificate.
Applications close on 21 August 2026.
About the Volvo Trucks Diesel Technician Apprenticeship: Three-Year Programme
Volvo Trucks is an internationally recognised commercial vehicle brand operating as part of the Volvo Group.
In South Africa, the apprenticeship provides candidates with structured technical development combining classroom learning, workshop training and practical workplace experience.
Successful applicants will receive a fixed-term employment contract for three years while completing the programme.
Programme Overview
Company: Volvo Group Southern Africa
Brand: Volvo Trucks
Programme: Diesel Technician Apprenticeship
Qualification: Occupational Certificate: Diesel Mechanic
NQF Level: 4
Duration: 3 years
Age Requirement: 18–30 years
Benefit: Monthly stipend
Closing Date: 21 August 2026
Train to Become a Diesel Technician
The programme is specifically designed to develop future diesel technicians.
Successful apprentices will work towards the:
Occupational Certificate: Diesel Mechanic (NQF Level 4)
The development pathway also leads towards completing the required trade test to qualify as a Diesel Technician.
This makes the opportunity particularly relevant to young candidates who want to pursue an artisan career within the commercial automotive industry.
What Does the Training Include?
Successful candidates will receive a combination of:
- Technical classroom training
- Workshop-based training
- Practical technical development
- Workplace exposure
The programme runs over approximately three years, giving apprentices time to develop both theoretical knowledge and practical competence.
Grade 12 Requirements
Applicants must have completed Grade 12.
Their Matric certificate must include the following compulsory subjects:
- English First Language or English First Additional Language
- Mathematics
- Science
Volvo requires applicants to have achieved a minimum of 50% in all of these subjects.
Candidates should check their Matric results carefully before applying.
Mathematics Requirement
The advertisement specifically lists Mathematics as a compulsory subject.
Candidates should therefore make sure the Mathematics subject and result on their Grade 12 certificate meet Volvo’s stated requirements.
The minimum required result is:
50%
The same minimum applies to the required English and Science subjects.
Age and Citizenship Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be between 18 and 30 years old
- Be South African citizens
- Hold a valid South African ID
Volvo states that preference will be given to candidates from previously disadvantaged groups.
Medical Fitness
Candidates must be physically fit to participate in the apprenticeship.
Applicants should also be prepared to undergo an entry medical examination as part of the recruitment process.
This is particularly relevant because diesel-mechanic training can involve physically demanding workshop activities and working around heavy commercial vehicles and equipment.
Driver’s Licence Is an Advantage
Having a:
Valid EC driver’s licence
will be advantageous.
Volvo states that this may be with or without a Professional Driving Permit (PrDP/PDP).
The licence is listed as an advantage rather than one of the stated compulsory entry requirements.
Locations Available
Applications will be considered from candidates in the following areas:
- Johannesburg
- Middelburg
- Durban
- Newcastle
- Harrismith
- Cape Town
- Bloemfontein
- Beaufort West
- Kimberley
Important: Choose Your Preferred Location
Volvo specifically instructs applicants to state their preferred location on their application.
Don’t overlook this requirement when applying.
Monthly Stipend
Successful apprentices will receive a:
Monthly stipend
during the programme.
The vacancy information provided does not specify the stipend amount, so candidates should avoid relying on unofficial figures circulating online unless confirmed directly by Volvo.
Three-Year Fixed-Term Contract
Successful candidates will receive a fixed-term employment contract covering the three-year apprenticeship period.
During this period, apprentices will complete the training required for the Occupational Certificate in Diesel Mechanics.
Applicants should therefore be prepared to commit to a long-term technical development programme rather than treating the opportunity as a short internship or learnership.
Who Should Consider Applying?
This apprenticeship could be particularly suitable for young people who:
- Enjoy working with vehicles
- Are mechanically inclined
- Want to become qualified artisans
- Are interested in trucks and heavy commercial vehicles
- Enjoy practical problem-solving
- Want hands-on technical training
- Meet the required Matric subject marks
- Can commit to three years of training
Candidates should also be comfortable working in workshop environments and performing practical technical tasks.
Thabang Maimela’s Tip
There are three things I’d check immediately before applying: your age, your Matric subjects and your marks.
You need to be 18–30, and your Grade 12 results must include English, Mathematics and Science with at least 50%. If you meet those requirements, make them extremely easy for the recruiter to identify on your application.
Also, don’t forget to state your preferred location. Volvo has specifically highlighted this instruction, and with opportunities spanning Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town, Middelburg and several other areas, leaving it out could create unnecessary problems with your application.
How to Apply for the Volvo Trucks Diesel Technician Apprenticeship
Candidates must submit their applications and supporting documents to:
Applicants should prepare relevant documentation such as:
- Updated CV
- Grade 12 certificate
- South African ID
- Driver’s licence, where applicable
- Other supporting documents requested by Volvo
Clearly state your preferred apprenticeship location in your application.
Candidates who meet the requirements should avoid waiting until the final day to submit their documentation.
From Matric to Qualified Diesel Technician
The Volvo Trucks apprenticeship offers a defined artisan-development pathway rather than short-term workplace exposure.
Over three years, successful candidates will receive technical classroom and workshop-based training, work towards an Occupational Certificate: Diesel Mechanic (NQF Level 4) and develop towards qualifying as a Diesel Technician through the applicable trade-test process.
For South Africans aged 18 to 30 who have Grade 12 with the required English, Mathematics and Science results, the Volvo Trucks Diesel Technician Apprenticeship could provide a strong entry point into the commercial automotive industry.
Closing Date: 21 August 2021
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.