Howden Apprenticeship Programme 2026 Apprenticeship

Applicants are invited to apply for the Howden Apprenticeship Programme 2026

Are you a young South African looking for a career in engineering and skilled trades? Do you want to gain hands-on experience, earn recognized qualifications, and grow within a global industrial company?

Howden, a Chart Industries company, is offering a 4-year apprenticeship programme designed to train and develop young people as skilled artisans.

This programme is ideal for unemployed youth who are motivated, eager to learn, and ready to build a long-term career in engineering, manufacturing, and industrial operations.

Why Join Howden’s Apprenticeship Programme?

Howden is a globally recognized engineering company with over 100 years of experience providing industrial solutions in air and gas handling. The South African division is committed to developing local talent by providing young people with structured training, hands-on experience, and career opportunities.

By joining this apprenticeship, you will:

• Train with skilled artisans and engineers in real industrial environments
• Gain practical, trade-specific skills that are highly valued in the market
• Learn both on-the-job and theoretical knowledge through structured instruction
• Access career advancement opportunities within a global company
• Build a strong foundation for long-term employment in engineering

This apprenticeship is not just a programme—it’s a career launchpad for young South Africans who want to develop technical skills, grow professionally, and work with leading engineering technologies.

Available Apprenticeship Positions

Howden South Africa is looking for five (5) apprentices in the following trades and locations:

These positions are highly sought-after, so applicants are encouraged to submit their documents promptly.

What You Will Learn

As an apprentice, you will gain hands-on experience in your chosen trade, working closely with experienced artisans. Key learning areas include:

1. Trade-Specific Practical Skills

• Operating tools and machinery specific to your trade
• Fabricating, welding, assembling, and fitting components
• Following engineering drawings and technical specifications
• Performing maintenance and troubleshooting tasks
• Applying safety standards and work protocols

2. On-the-Job Training

• Learn daily operational tasks from skilled artisans
• Gain confidence in practical problem-solving
• Experience real industrial environments and workflow
• Understand how industrial plants operate safely and efficiently

3. Theoretical Knowledge

• Understand the principles behind mechanical, welding, and boilermaking processes
• Study trade-specific modules that prepare you for professional certification
• Learn industry terminology and safety regulations

4. Soft Skills Development

• Teamwork and collaboration
• Time management and work discipline
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Attention to detail and quality standards

This combination of practical, technical, and soft skills prepares you for a successful career as a qualified artisan.

Minimum Education Requirements For Howden Apprenticeship Programme 2026

To be eligible for the apprenticeship programme, applicants must meet one of the following:

• Technical Matric with Mathematics and Science, or
• N3 qualification with relevant trade subjects

Applicants must also provide:

• Certified copy of latest school or college results
• Certified clear copy of South African ID

Personal Attributes We Are Looking For

Successful candidates should demonstrate:

• Self-motivation and eagerness to learn
• Problem-solving ability and technical aptitude
• Teamwork and ability to follow instructions
• Strong communication skills
• Attention to detail and quality work
• Ability to adapt to industrial work environments
• Physical and mental fitness for hands-on trade work

Special Requirements

• Medically fit to work in industrial and mining environments
• Cognitive ability (Psychometric assessments will be conducted)
• No criminal record (Police clearance required)
• Willingness to work in Gauteng or Mpumalanga sites

Locations of Apprenticeship Positions

• Gauteng – Booysens: 2x Boilermakers, 1x Welder
• Mpumalanga – Arnot: 1x Mechanical Fitter
• Mpumalanga – Kendal: 1x Mechanical Fitter

Applicants must be able to relocate or commute to the assigned site.

Benefits of Joining Howden

By completing the apprenticeship programme, you will gain:

• Professional artisan qualification
• Real-world industrial experience
• Exposure to global engineering standards
• Opportunities for permanent employment within Howden and Chart Industries
• Access to career development pathways in multiple trades

This programme equips you with skills that are in high demand, giving you a competitive edge in the South African job market.

Career Opportunities After the Apprenticeship

Upon successful completion, apprentices can progress to roles such as:

• Boilermaker
• Welder
• Mechanical Fitter
• Maintenance Technician
• Artisan Supervisor
• Specialist Engineer (with further studies and experience)

This is your opportunity to enter a high-demand sector and grow professionally in a stable, globally connected company.

Safety and Work Environment

Howden South Africa is committed to:

• Safe and secure workplaces
• Compliance with South African and international safety standards
• Promoting health, wellness, and employee wellbeing

The company has a zero-tolerance policy for:

• Harassment
• Discrimination
• Bullying
• Unsafe work practices

Employees are expected to uphold these standards, ensuring a professional, respectful, and productive workplace.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Howden is an EEO employer and is committed to diversity and inclusion. The company ensures that:

• All hiring, training, and promotions are non-discriminatory
• Opportunities are provided fairly and transparently
• Every candidate is assessed based on skills, merit, and potential

Howden values a workforce that reflects South Africa’s diversity, giving equal opportunities to everyone.

You can also check:

Available Apprenticeships across South Africa 

Available Learnerships across South Africa

How to write a professional CV guide

How to write a cover letter guide

How to pass the ATS system 

How to prepare for an interview