MerSETA Learnerships 2026: How to Find Engineering Apprenticeships

Key Takeaways: The “Middleman” Rule

• The Reality: You generally do NOT apply to MerSETA directly. MerSETA gives money to companies (like BMW or Dorbyl), and those companies hire you.
• The Difference:
  • Learnership: Usually 12 months. Leads to a qualification (e.g., NQF Level 2). Good for getting your foot in the door.
  • Apprenticeship: Usually 3–4 years. Leads to a Red Seal trade test. This is the gold standard.
• The Trades: MerSETA controls the Motor (Mechanics), Metal (Welders/Boilermakers), and Plastics industries.
• The Stipend: In 2026, engineering apprentices usually earn between R4,000 and R7,000 per month, depending on the sector (MIBCO vs. MEIBC rates).
• The Scam: If an agent asks you to pay R500 for a “medical check” or “placement fee,” block them immediately. Learnerships are free.

You have your N2 Certificate. You have your safety boots. But you are sitting at home.

Thousands of engineering students are in this position. They send emails to info@merseta.org.za and wait for a job offer that never comes.

Here is the truth: MerSETA (Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services SETA) is a funding body. They are the bank. They pay the companies to train you. To get the training, you must find the company, not the bank.

Here is your step-by-step guide to finding a MerSETA-funded apprenticeship in 2026.

1. Learnership vs. Apprenticeship: What Do You Want?

Before you apply, know what you are asking for.

The Learnership (1 Year)

• Duration: 12 Months.
• Goal: A certificate (e.g., National Certificate: Automotive Repair and Maintenance).
• Who is it for? Students with Grade 12 or N2 who have zero experience.
• Pros: Easier to get into.
• Cons: After 1 year, you are unemployed again (unless they absorb you). You are not a qualified artisan yet.

The Apprenticeship (3–4 Years)

• Duration: Until you pass your Trade Test (Section 13).
• Goal: The Red Seal (Qualified Artisan).
• Who is it for? Students with N2/N3 who want a lifelong trade.
• Pros: You leave as a qualified professional earning R25k+.
• Cons: Very competitive.

2. Who Actually Hires? (The “Big Fish”)

Do not waste time emailing the SETA. Target the companies that receive MerSETA grants. These are the industries you must watch:

A. The Motor Industry (MIBCO)

• Companies: Toyota, Volkswagen (VW), BMW, Ford, McCarthy Group, Barloworld.
• Trades: Motor Mechanic, Diesel Mechanic, Auto Electrician, Spray Painter.
• When to apply: They usually recruit in August – October for the next year.

B. The Metal & Engineering Industry (MEIBC)

• Companies: ArcelorMittal, Dorbyl, Bell Equipment, Defy, Scaw Metals.
• Trades: Welder, Boilermaker, Fitter & Turner, Toolmaker.
• When to apply: throughout the year, often via Pnet or their own career sites.

C. The Plastics & Tyres Industry

• Companies: Bridgestone, Continental, Mpact.
• Trades: Millwrights, Electricians (Maintenance).

3. How to Find These Opportunities (3 Strategies)

Since there is no single “MerSETA Job Board” that works perfectly, you must use a mix of tactics.

Strategy A: The “Career Site” Hunt

Go directly to the source.

• Toyota: jobs.toyota.co.za (Look for “Learner Technician”).
• Transnet: transnet.net/careers (They train massive numbers of MerSETA trades).
• Sasol: sasol.com/careers (Look for “Learner Artisan”).

Strategy B: The MerSETA RSD / NSDMS

MerSETA has an online portal called the NSDMS (National Skills Development Management System).³

• The Theory: You register as a “Learner” and companies find you.
• The Reality: The system is often buggy or ignored by employers.
• Action: Register anyway (it’s free), but do not rely on it.
• URL: nsdms.merseta.org.za

Strategy C: The “Training Centre” Route

Many companies outsource their training to private colleges. If you register at these colleges, you are often first in line when companies ask for CVs.

• Examples: Resolution Circle (JHB), Imperial Technical Training Academy (Cape Town), Nissan Training Centre (Rosslyn).

4. Requirements: The “N2” Rule

To get a MerSETA apprenticeship, you generally need:

1. Minimum: N2 Certificate with 4 subjects.
   • Maths and Engineering Science are compulsory.
   • Trade Theory (e.g., Motor Trade Theory) is critical.
2. Preferred: N3 or Grade 12 with Maths/Science.
3. Age: Usually 18–35.
4. Driver’s License: For Motor Mechanics, this is often a dealbreaker. If you can’t drive the car, you can’t test it.

Warning: If you only have NCV Level 4, you can apply, but many old-school workshops prefer the N2/N3 stream. Ensure your NCV marks for Maths are high.

5. The Stipend: How Much Will You Earn?

You are not working for free. MerSETA regulations (and bargaining councils) set minimum stipends.

Estimated 2026 Rates:

• Learnership (NQF 2): R3,500 – R4,500 pm.
• Apprentice (Year 1): R4,500 – R6,000 pm.
• Apprentice (Year 3): R6,500 – R8,500 pm.

Note: Big companies like Sasol or BMW often pay more than the minimum (sometimes R10,000+), while small workshops pay the minimum.

6. How to Apply (The CV Pack)

When you see an ad for a “Learner Artisan,” your application must be perfect.

The Golden PDF:

Create one single PDF file containing:

1. Cover Letter: “Application for Motor Mechanic Apprenticeship.”
2. CV: Keep it to 2 pages. Highlight your N2 subjects.
3. Certified ID: Not older than 3 months.
4. Certified Qualifications: Your N2 statement of results and Grade 12.

Common Mistake: Sending 10 separate photo files. HR managers hate this. Use a scanning app (like CamScanner) to make one neat PDF.

7. Scam Alert: The “R500 Uniform Fee”

We cannot stress this enough.

• Legitimate companies: Will NEVER ask you to pay for a uniform, medical check, or “admin fee.”
• Scammers: Will ask you to Deposit R500 via Pep/E-Wallet to “secure your spot.”

Rule: If money leaves your pocket, it is a scam.

Summary: Be the Hunter

MerSETA opportunities don’t fall into your lap. You have to hunt them down.

Action Plan:

1. Fix your CV: Ensure your N2 subjects are listed clearly at the top.
2. List the Companies: Write down 10 engineering companies in your area (use Google Maps: search “Engineering” or “Motor Spares”).
3. Walk In: For small workshops, walking in with a printed CV is often better than emailing. Ask to speak to the “Workshop Manager.”

Disclaimer: Stipend amounts and application windows vary by company. MerSETA policies are subject to change by the DHET.