Mechatronics sits at the intersection of electrical systems, mechanics and modern industrial automation, making it increasingly relevant in highly automated manufacturing environments. For technically minded young people, an apprenticeship can provide the practical experience needed to move beyond engineering theory and begin developing the hands-on capabilities required around sophisticated production equipment.

ALPLA is offering a Mechatronics Apprenticeship Programme at its Lanseria operation for candidates interested in developing a career in Mechatronics. Successful candidates will receive structured workplace training and practical experience over a programme lasting a maximum of 4.5 years. Applicants need Grade 12 with Mathematics and Physical Science, together with at least N3 Electrical Engineering Studies. ALPLA explicitly states that Mathematical Literacy is not applicable, so candidates must pay close attention to their Grade 12 Mathematics subject.

ALPLA Mechatronics Apprenticeship Programme: Quick Overview

• Company: ALPLA
• Programme: Mechatronics Apprenticeship Programme
• Career field: Mechatronics
• Industry: Manufacturing
• Location: ALPLA Lanseria
• Programme duration: Maximum of 4.5 years
• Minimum school qualification: Matric / Grade 12
• Mathematics: Required
• Physical Science: Required
• Mathematical Literacy: Not accepted
• Technical qualification: Minimum N3 Electrical Engineering Studies
• Previous work experience: No minimum number of years stated
• Academic evidence: Statement of Results or certificates
• Closing date: Not supplied

About the ALPLA Mechatronics Apprenticeship

The programme is designed to provide candidates with:

Structured workplace training and practical experience

while developing the knowledge and skills required for a career in:

Mechatronics.

Successful candidates will be based at:

ALPLA Lanseria.

The apprenticeship can run for a maximum period of:

4.5 years.

Candidates should therefore understand that this is a substantial technical-development programme rather than a short-term internship or workplace-exposure opportunity.

What Is Mechatronics?

Mechatronics is a multidisciplinary technical field that brings together areas of mechanical and electrical technology, often alongside electronics, control and automated systems.

In manufacturing environments, mechatronics skills can be particularly relevant because modern production machinery increasingly incorporates multiple technical systems working together.

However, the supplied ALPLA vacancy doesn’t provide a detailed training syllabus or list particular machinery, PLC platforms, robotics systems or automation technologies that apprentices will use.

Those shouldn’t be presented as guaranteed programme content.

Minimum Requirements

Candidates must have:

Matric / Grade 12 with a pass in Mathematics and Physical Science

and:

Minimum N3 Electrical Engineering Studies.

These requirements should be read together.

Having only one of the two qualification levels isn’t enough based on the wording supplied.

Grade 12 Requirements

Applicants need Grade 12 with:

• Mathematics
• Physical Science

ALPLA doesn’t provide a specific minimum percentage in the supplied information.

Candidates therefore shouldn’t assume that a particular 40%, 50% or other pass mark applies beyond the requirement to have passed the subjects.

Mathematical Literacy Is Not Accepted

ALPLA explicitly states:

“Mathematics Literacy not applicable.”

This is an important eligibility requirement.

Candidates need Grade 12:

Mathematics

rather than:

Mathematical Literacy.

Someone shouldn’t assume that completing N3 Electrical Engineering automatically overrides the Grade 12 Mathematics requirement.

Is Physical Science Required?

Yes.

Physical Science is explicitly included in ALPLA’s Grade 12 requirements.

Applicants therefore need passes in both:

Mathematics + Physical Science.

Minimum N3 Electrical Engineering Studies Required

In addition to the Grade 12 requirements, applicants need:

Minimum N3 Electrical Engineering Studies.

The word “minimum” is important because N3 is the lowest technical level specified in the supplied vacancy.

Candidates who have progressed further in relevant Electrical Engineering studies should clearly show their highest completed qualification and academic results.

Can N4, N5 or N6 Candidates Apply?

The vacancy states:

Minimum N3 Electrical Engineering Studies.

This indicates that N3 is the minimum level rather than the only accepted level.

A candidate who has progressed to N4, N5 or N6 in relevant Electrical Engineering studies shouldn’t automatically assume that being above N3 makes them ineligible.

They should clearly provide evidence of their completed technical studies.

Can Someone With Only Matric Apply?

Based on the supplied requirements, no.

Grade 12 Mathematics and Physical Science form part of the requirements, but ALPLA additionally requires:

Minimum N3 Electrical Engineering Studies.

A candidate with only Matric wouldn’t meet the complete educational criteria supplied for the programme.

Can Someone With N3 but Mathematical Literacy Apply?

Based on the vacancy wording, no.

Even if the candidate has completed N3 Electrical Engineering, ALPLA explicitly says:

Mathematics Literacy not applicable.

Applicants need to satisfy both the Grade 12 and N3 requirements rather than treating N3 as a substitute for the specified school subjects.

Does the N3 Have to Be Electrical Engineering?

Based on the supplied wording, yes — the stated requirement is N3 Electrical Engineering Studies.

Candidates shouldn’t substitute N3 Mechanical Engineering simply because another ALPLA apprenticeship accepts Mechanical Engineering.

The separate ALPLA Plastic Apprenticeship, for example, has different technical-study requirements.

For this Mechatronics programme, applicants should assess themselves against the requirements specifically provided for this vacancy.

Statement of Results or Certificates

ALPLA states:

“CVs with Statement of Results or Certificates will be considered.”

Candidates should therefore provide evidence of their qualifications rather than relying only on qualifications written on their CV.

Applicants should make sure their academic documentation clearly demonstrates:

• Grade 12
• Mathematics
• Physical Science
• N3 Electrical Engineering Studies
• Higher relevant N-level studies, where applicable

Is Previous Work Experience Required?

No minimum number of years of previous employment is stated in the supplied requirements.

The purpose of the apprenticeship is specifically to provide:

Structured workplace training and practical experience.

Candidates without formal industry employment shouldn’t invent experience or assume that they’re automatically excluded.

Where candidates have genuine TVET practical training, technical projects or other relevant exposure, they can make that visible in their applications.

ALPLA Behavioural Competencies

Successful candidates are also expected to demonstrate and live the:

ALPLA Identity.

ALPLA wants apprentices to contribute to a workplace culture reflecting the organisation’s values, personality, promise and principles.

ALPLA’s Promise

The company identifies four key commitments:

We Create Trust

Candidates should demonstrate behaviour that helps build confidence and trust within the workplace.

We Build Respect

Professionalism and respectful relationships are expected within the organisation.

We Develop Potential

This is particularly relevant to apprentices, who will spend several years developing their technical and professional capabilities.

We Ensure Excellent Results

Candidates should be willing to work toward high standards while developing through the programme.

ALPLA’s Principles

The organisation also highlights four behavioural principles:

Be Reliable

Candidates should demonstrate dependability and accountability.

Solve Problems

Mechatronics is a technical discipline where developing strong problem-solving capability is particularly valuable.

Make Decisions

Candidates should develop the ability to assess situations and make appropriate decisions within their responsibilities.

Communicate Effectively

Technical capability needs to be accompanied by clear communication with supervisors, colleagues and other teams.

Who Should Consider Applying?

The ALPLA Mechatronics Apprenticeship Programme could be suitable for someone who:

• Has completed Grade 12
• Passed Mathematics
• Passed Physical Science
• Has at least N3 Electrical Engineering Studies
• Is interested in Mechatronics
• Wants structured practical technical training
• Is interested in manufacturing
• Enjoys technical problem-solving
• Wants to develop electrical and multidisciplinary technical skills
• Can provide a Statement of Results or certificates
• Is willing to participate in a programme lasting up to 4.5 years
• Is prepared to be based at ALPLA Lanseria
• Can demonstrate reliability and effective communication

Thabang’s Tip

Don’t confuse the requirements for ALPLA’s different apprenticeships.

For the Mechatronics Apprenticeship, the technical requirement supplied is:

Minimum N3 Electrical Engineering Studies.

That’s different from ALPLA’s Plastic Apprenticeship, which lists N3 Mechanical Engineering Studies. When companies advertise multiple apprenticeships at the same time, copying the qualification requirements from one trade into another is an easy way to give candidates incorrect information.

For this opportunity, think of the academic requirements as a combination:

Grade 12 + Mathematics + Physical Science + minimum N3 Electrical Engineering Studies.

And pay particular attention to Mathematics. ALPLA explicitly says Mathematical Literacy is not applicable.

When preparing your CV, don’t simply write “N3 Electrical Engineering.” Include your Statement of Results or certificate, because ALPLA specifically refers to those documents. If you’ve progressed to N4, N5 or N6 in relevant Electrical Engineering studies, make your highest completed level visible as well.

For candidates without formal employment experience, genuine TVET practical work, electrical projects and technical training can also be worth highlighting. The programme exists to develop practical capability, so demonstrate what you’ve already learned without exaggerating your experience.

How to Apply for the ALPLA Mechatronics Apprenticeship Programme

Candidates should apply through the official recruitment channel associated with the ALPLA Mechatronics Apprenticeship Programme.

The supplied information doesn’t include a direct application link, so one shouldn’t be invented.

Before submitting, candidates should make sure their application clearly shows:

• Matric / Grade 12
• Mathematics
• Physical Science
• Minimum N3 Electrical Engineering Studies
• Statement of Results and/or certificates
• Any higher relevant Electrical Engineering studies
• Relevant technical practical exposure, where applicable
• Current contact information

Successful candidates will be based at ALPLA Lanseria and may participate in the apprenticeship for a maximum period of 4.5 years.

No stipend, salary or closing date has been supplied, so these details shouldn’t be guessed.

For candidates with Grade 12 Mathematics and Physical Science plus at least N3 Electrical Engineering Studies, the ALPLA Mechatronics Apprenticeship Programme provides a pathway into structured workplace training and practical development for a career in Mechatronics.

Closing Date: 31 October 2026

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