Applicants are invited to apply for the Millwright & Welding Apprenticeship 2026 (R3,500 Stipend)
Are you looking for a Mechanical, Electrical, or Welding Apprenticeship in South Africa that leads to a recognised trade test and artisan qualification? This three-year apprenticeship programme offers structured technical training, hands-on workplace experience, and formal registration with the QCTO, preparing successful candidates for a long-term career as a qualified artisan.
This apprenticeship is ideal for matriculants and TVET graduates who are passionate about engineering, technical trades, and practical skills development.
This is a three (3) year structured apprenticeship programme offered in the following occupational trades:
Mechanical Fitting Apprenticeship
Electrical Apprenticeship
Welding Apprenticeship
The programme is designed to equip apprentices with theoretical knowledge, workshop-based skills, and on-the-job practical experience required to qualify as a certified artisan in their chosen trade.
Upon successful completion, apprentices will be eligible to sit for a trade test, leading to formal artisan certification.
The apprenticeship programme follows a nationally recognised training framework and consists of the following components:
Apprentices will complete structured theory modules aligned with occupational trade requirements. These modules build foundational knowledge in engineering principles, safety standards, and trade-specific theory.
Practical workshop training allows apprentices to develop hands-on technical skills using industry-standard tools, machinery, and processes relevant to their trade.
Each apprentice will be placed within an approved organisation to gain real workplace exposure. This phase allows candidates to:
Apply technical skills in a real working environment
Complete required logbooks
Build practical experience under supervision
This workplace exposure is critical for meeting trade test requirements.
Once accepted into the programme, apprentices will be formally registered with the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) in accordance with South African occupational training regulations.
QCTO registration ensures that:
The apprenticeship is nationally recognised
Training meets industry standards
Candidates are eligible to complete a trade test upon programme completion
Applicants must meet one of the following minimum qualification criteria to be considered for this apprenticeship programme.
Technical or National Senior Certificate (Grade 12 / Matric)
Mathematics (not Mathematics Literacy) with 50% or higher
Physical Science with 50% or higher
Higher Mathematics and Science marks will improve the applicant’s chances of selection.
National Certificate (Vocational) Level 4 (NCV 4)
Mathematics (not Mathematics Literacy) with 50% or higher
Engineering and Related Design with 50% or higher
Final results must clearly confirm achievement of the required pass marks.
Engineering Science at NTC Level 3 (N3) or higher
Mathematics (not Mathematics Literacy) with 50% or higher
Engineering Science with 50% or higher
This apprenticeship programme is suitable for candidates who:
Want to qualify as a certified artisan
Have a strong interest in mechanical, electrical, or welding trades
Enjoy practical and hands-on technical work
Are committed to completing a long-term training programme
Meet the academic entry requirements
Successful apprentices who complete the programme and pass their trade test may pursue careers as:
Qualified Mechanical Fitters
Qualified Electricians
Qualified Welders
Maintenance Technicians
Plant or Workshop Artisans
Technical Specialists in industrial environments
Artisan qualifications are in high demand across South Africa, particularly in manufacturing, construction, mining, energy, and industrial sectors.
An apprenticeship offers a strong alternative to traditional academic routes by allowing candidates to:
Earn practical experience while learning
Gain a nationally recognised trade qualification
Improve employability and long-term earning potential
Develop scarce technical skills
For many young South Africans, apprenticeships provide a direct pathway into sustainable employment.
Interested candidates should ensure they meet the minimum requirements before applying. Applications typically require:
Certified copy of ID
Matric or TVET qualification results
Updated CV
Academic transcripts
Only candidates who meet the minimum criteria will be considered.
