If you’re interested in building a career as a qualified artisan, merSETA Apprenticeships 2026 offer one of the best pathways into skilled employment in South Africa. These apprenticeship programmes combine practical workplace experience with accredited technical training, allowing apprentices to earn while they learn and qualify as nationally recognised artisans.
The Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority (merSETA) works with approved employers across various industries to develop skilled artisans through structured apprenticeship programmes.
Unlike learnerships, apprenticeships are offered by approved employers, who recruit candidates and register successful applicants with merSETA.
Opportunity Overview
Organisation: merSETA
Programme: Apprenticeships 2026
Industry: Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services
Location: Various provinces across South Africa
Duration: Approximately 3 to 4 years (depending on the trade)
Qualification: National Trade Test Certificate (Qualified Artisan)
Salary/Wages: Paid by the employer according to the relevant bargaining council rates
Closing Date: Varies depending on the employer and recruitment cycle
What Is a merSETA Apprenticeship?
A merSETA apprenticeship is a structured training programme that combines:
- Practical workplace experience
- Technical training at an accredited college or training centre
- Ongoing assessments
- A final National Trade Test
After successfully completing the programme and passing the trade test, apprentices qualify as artisans in recognised South African trades.
Popular Apprentice Trades
Approved employers recruit apprentices in a wide range of skilled trades, including:
- Electrician
- Fitter
- Fitter and Turner
- Boilermaker
- Diesel Mechanic
- Motor Mechanic
- Automotive Electrician
- Earthmoving Equipment Mechanic
- Electronics Equipment Mechanician
- Tractor Mechanic
- Automotive Body Repairer
- Spray Painter
- Vehicle Body Builder
- Forklift Mechanic
- Machine Tool Setter
Available trades vary depending on employer demand.
Eligibility Requirements
Requirements may differ between employers, but applicants generally should:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Meet the minimum age requirement (usually 16 years or older).
- Have Grade 10, Grade 12, or a relevant N1/N2 qualification, depending on the trade.
- Have Mathematics and relevant technical subjects for engineering-related trades.
- Be medically fit where required.
- Be willing to complete both theoretical and practical training.
Salary / Apprentice Wages
Apprentices are employed by participating companies and receive wages during their training.
The wage amount is not determined by merSETA. Employers pay apprentices according to the applicable industry bargaining council agreements, and wages may increase as apprentices progress through the programme.
Required Documents
Applicants are commonly required to submit:
- Updated CV
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Certified school certificate
- N1, N2 or N3 qualifications (where applicable)
- Technical certificates
- Medical certificate (if requested)
- Any additional documents requested by the employer
How to Apply
Follow these steps to apply:
- Monitor apprenticeship vacancies advertised by engineering, manufacturing, mining, automotive, and industrial companies.
- Apply directly to the recruiting employer.
- Complete any required aptitude tests or interviews.
- If successful, sign an apprenticeship agreement.
- Attend accredited technical training while completing workplace experience.
- Complete all required assessments and practical modules.
- Pass the National Trade Test to qualify as an artisan.
Closing Date
There is no single national closing date for merSETA apprenticeships.
Recruitment takes place throughout the year, depending on employer requirements. Applicants are encouraged to regularly check employer career pages and apprenticeship advertisements for new opportunities.
Why Choose a merSETA Apprenticeship?
Completing a merSETA apprenticeship offers several benefits, including:
- Earn while you learn.
- Gain nationally recognised artisan qualifications.
- Receive practical workplace experience.
- Improve long-term employment prospects.
- Build technical skills that are in high demand.
- Access career opportunities across multiple industries.
Career Opportunities After Completion
Qualified artisans may pursue careers as:
- Electrician
- Diesel Mechanic
- Motor Mechanic
- Fitter and Turner
- Boilermaker
- Manufacturing Technician
- Maintenance Artisan
- Plant Technician
- Engineering Artisan
- Workshop Supervisor
Related Opportunities
- Internships
- Learnerships
- Apprenticeships
- SETA Programmes
- Bursaries
- Scholarships
- Government Jobs
- General Worker Vacancies
- Skills Development Programmes
- Student Opportunities
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does merSETA employ apprentices directly?
No. Apprentices are recruited by approved employers who register successful candidates with merSETA.
How long does a merSETA apprenticeship take?
Most apprenticeship programmes last between 3 and 4 years, depending on the designated trade.
Will I receive a salary?
Yes. Apprentices receive wages paid by the employer in accordance with the relevant bargaining council agreements.
What qualification will I receive?
Successful apprentices receive a National Trade Test Certificate, qualifying them as recognised artisans in South Africa.
Can I apply without Grade 12?
Some trades accept applicants with Grade 10 or relevant N1/N2 qualifications, depending on employer requirements.
Where can I find apprenticeship opportunities?
Vacancies are advertised by participating employers on their career websites, recruitment portals, and job advertisement platforms.
Application Tips
To improve your chances of securing an apprenticeship:
- Keep certified copies of your documents ready.
- Highlight Mathematics, Physical Science, Engineering Graphics and Design (EGD), or technical subjects on your CV.
- Apply to multiple approved employers.
- Regularly monitor apprenticeship advertisements throughout the year.
- Submit complete applications before the advertised closing dates.
Disclaimer
This article is provided for informational purposes only and is not affiliated with merSETA. Apprenticeship requirements, available trades, wages, and recruitment dates may change. Applicants should always verify the latest information through the official merSETA website and the recruiting employer before applying.