SAFCOL Engineering Apprenticeships 2027

South African Forestry Company SOC Limited (SAFCOL) is inviting applications from unemployed young South Africans interested in building careers in the artisan and engineering fields. Through its Artisan Development Programme, successful applicants will have an opportunity to receive structured technical training and practical workplace experience over a three-year period.

The programme is designed to develop the technical knowledge and practical skills required to qualify as an artisan in one of four trades. Participants will attend a recognised training centre for their artisan development, while completing workplace training at SAFCOL’s Timbadola Sawmill near Louis Trichardt (Makhado), Limpopo.

A monthly stipend will be provided for the duration of the apprenticeship, giving selected candidates financial support while they work towards a recognised artisan qualification. For young people with the relevant technical foundation and an interest in engineering, this programme offers an opportunity to develop practical skills in an industrial working environment.

Available Artisan Trades

SAFCOL is recruiting apprentices in the following four technical trades:

1. Millwright

The Millwright apprenticeship is suited to candidates interested in mechanical and electrical systems used in industrial operations. Millwrights work with machinery, production equipment, mechanical components and electrical systems.

Training in this trade can develop practical skills in equipment installation, maintenance, troubleshooting and repairs.

2. Fitter and Turner

The Fitter and Turner apprenticeship focuses on mechanical engineering, machinery components and precision fitting. Apprentices develop skills in assembling, maintaining, repairing and fitting mechanical equipment.

This trade is relevant to manufacturing, industrial maintenance, engineering workshops and production environments.

3. Diesel Mechanic (Motor Trade)

The Diesel Mechanic apprenticeship is intended for candidates interested in maintaining and repairing diesel-powered engines and machinery.

The training provides a foundation in engine systems, mechanical components, fault diagnosis, servicing and repairs.

4. Boilermaking

The Boilermaking apprenticeship focuses on metal fabrication, structural components and industrial equipment. Apprentices develop practical skills in measuring, cutting, shaping, assembling and joining metal components.

These skills are used in engineering, manufacturing, construction and industrial maintenance environments.

What the Three-Year Apprenticeship Involves

Successful candidates will be enrolled at a recognised training centre where they will receive artisan-related technical instruction and practical training.

The programme combines three important areas of learning:

• Occupational knowledge: Developing the theoretical and technical knowledge required for the selected artisan trade.
• Practical skills: Learning to perform trade-related tasks through structured practical training.
• Workplace learning: Applying acquired knowledge and skills in a real working environment at SAFCOL’s Timbadola Sawmill.

The combination of these learning components is intended to prepare apprentices for the responsibilities of working as qualified artisans.

Trade Test and Artisan Qualification

Completing the training programme is an important step towards becoming a qualified artisan.

Under the apprenticeship process, candidates must successfully complete the required occupational knowledge, practical skills and workplace learning components. Apprentices must then undergo a final summative assessment, commonly known as a trade test.

Successful completion of the trade test is required for certification as a qualified artisan in the relevant trade.

This makes the programme particularly valuable for young people seeking a structured route into technical occupations rather than relying solely on classroom-based learning.

SAFCOL Apprenticeship Requirements

Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Must be a South African citizen.
• Must be an unemployed young person between the ages of 19 and 35.
• Must have a minimum N2 qualification or an NQF Level 3 Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) certificate with relevant trade theory.

Matric / Grade 12: A Grade 12 qualification is recommended but is not compulsory according to the advert.

Applicants should ensure that their technical qualification includes trade theory relevant to the artisan trade they wish to pursue.

Preference During Selection

SAFCOL has indicated that preference will be given to applicants from designated groups and communities, including:

• Previously Disadvantaged Individuals.
• People with disabilities.
• Female applicants.
• Young people from communities adjacent to SAFCOL plantations.
• Young people from communities with which SAFCOL has signed social compacts.

Applicants who fall within these groups are encouraged to apply, provided they meet the programme requirements.

Documents Required When Applying

Applicants must prepare an application letter and attach certified copies of the following documents:

1. Highest TVET certificate obtained, including the relevant trade theory.
2. Matric certificate, statement of results or high school results.
3. South African identity document.
4. Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).

Ensure that the required documents are certified and clearly legible before submitting your application.

How to Apply for SAFCOL Engineering Apprenticeships 2027

Interested applicants should submit their application letter and the required certified supporting documents by email.

Application email: [email protected]

Email subject: SAFCOL Artisan Development Programme – Apprenticeship Application

Applicants should clearly indicate the artisan trade they wish to pursue in their application letter. It is also advisable to ensure that the CV highlights relevant technical qualifications, trade theory subjects and any practical workshop experience.

Late applications may not be considered, so applicants should submit their documents before the closing date.

Thabang Maimela’s Tip

Your technical qualification is particularly important when applying for this apprenticeship. SAFCOL requires applicants to have an N2 or relevant NQF Level 3 TVET certificate with trade theory, so make sure your application clearly identifies the subjects you completed.

Also, tailor your CV to the artisan trade you are applying for. For example, a candidate applying for Millwright should highlight relevant mechanical and electrical subjects, while someone applying for Boilermaking should emphasise metalwork, fabrication or related practical training.

Do not overlook your application letter. Clearly state which trade you are interested in, briefly explain why you want to pursue that career and demonstrate your willingness to complete the full three-year training programme.

Closing Date: 20 November 2026

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