Volvo Group Southern Africa is inviting unemployed young South Africans to apply for its Diesel Technician Apprenticeship Programme 2026.
The three-year apprenticeship combines classroom-based technical training with practical workshop experience. Successful candidates will work towards the Occupational Certificate: Diesel Mechanic at NQF Level 4 and develop the skills needed to pursue a career as a Diesel Technician.
The opportunity is available in several locations across South Africa, and successful apprentices will receive a monthly stipend during the programme.
Applications close on 21 August 2026.
Volvo Diesel Technician Apprenticeship 2026 – Quick Overview
- Organisation: Volvo Group Southern Africa
- Programme: Apprentice Programme – Diesel Technician
- Field: Diesel Mechanics / Automotive Engineering
- Qualification: Occupational Certificate: Diesel Mechanic
- NQF Level: 4
- Duration: 3 years
- Contract: Fixed-term employment contract
- Stipend: Monthly stipend
- Age: 18–30 years
- Minimum Education: Grade 12
- Locations: Johannesburg, Middelburg, Durban, Newcastle, Harrismith, Cape Town, Bloemfontein, Beaufort West and Kimberley
- Closing Date: 21 August 2026
- Application Method: Email
About the Volvo Diesel Technician Apprenticeship
The apprenticeship is offered by Volvo Group Southern Africa – Truck and Bus to young people who want to develop a career in diesel technology and heavy vehicles.
Over the three-year programme, apprentices will receive a combination of theoretical instruction and practical workplace training.
The programme is designed to help participants develop the technical knowledge and hands-on abilities required in a professional workshop environment.
Successful apprentices will work towards the Occupational Certificate: Diesel Mechanic NQF Level 4, with the longer-term goal of qualifying as Diesel Technicians and completing the relevant trade testing requirements.
What Does the Apprenticeship Include?
The training programme combines several forms of learning.
Technical Classroom Training
Apprentices will receive theoretical instruction covering knowledge relevant to diesel mechanics and heavy-vehicle systems.
Workshop Training
Participants will gain practical experience in a workshop environment where they can apply what they have learned.
Practical Skills Development
The programme will allow apprentices to develop hands-on technical skills while working with equipment and systems relevant to the trade.
Workplace Exposure
Apprentices will gain exposure to real-world technical operations and the standards expected within a professional automotive environment.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Have completed Grade 12.
- Have English First Language or English First Additional Language.
- Have Mathematics.
- Have Science.
- Have achieved at least 50% in the required subjects.
- Be between 18 and 30 years old.
- Be a South African citizen.
- Have a valid South African ID.
- Be physically fit.
- Be willing to undergo an entry medical examination.
Candidates should carefully check their Grade 12 results before applying to ensure that they meet the stated subject and mark requirements.
Mathematics and Science Requirement
Mathematics and Science are specifically listed among the required subjects.
Applicants should therefore ensure that their Matric results show the relevant subjects and that they achieved the required minimum marks.
The advertised requirement is a minimum 50% pass in the required subjects.
Is a Driver’s Licence Required?
A valid EC driver’s licence is listed as an advantage.
Applicants may hold the EC licence with or without a Professional Driving Permit (PDP).
Fresh listings:
However, the driver’s licence is described as advantageous rather than compulsory.
Candidates who do not have an EC licence should therefore still consider applying if they meet the essential requirements.
Age Requirement
Applicants must be:
18 to 30 years old
Candidates outside the specified age range should not assume that they will be considered unless Volvo provides additional guidance.
Physical Fitness and Medical Examination
Because the apprenticeship involves practical technical and workshop activities, candidates must be physically fit.
Successful applicants will also be required to undergo an entry medical examination.
Applicants should therefore be prepared to meet the medical requirements associated with the apprenticeship.
Available Training Locations
Volvo is considering applicants from several locations across South Africa.
The listed locations are:
- Johannesburg
- Middelburg
- Durban
- Newcastle
- Harrismith
- Cape Town
- Bloemfontein
- Beaufort West
- Kimberley
Applicants must clearly state their preferred training location when submitting their application.
What Will Successful Apprentices Receive?
Successful candidates will receive a structured apprenticeship experience that includes:
- A monthly stipend.
- A three-year fixed-term employment contract.
- Technical classroom training.
- Workshop-based practical training.
- Practical skills development.
- Workplace exposure.
- Training towards the Occupational Certificate: Diesel Mechanic NQF Level 4.
- The opportunity to work towards becoming a qualified Diesel Technician.
The apprenticeship is therefore more than theoretical training, as apprentices will spend part of the programme developing practical workplace skills.
Career Opportunities After the Apprenticeship
Diesel technology can provide a foundation for careers in the heavy-vehicle and automotive industries.
Depending on qualifications, trade certification, experience and future opportunities, candidates may pursue roles connected to:
- Diesel mechanics
- Diesel technicians
- Heavy-vehicle maintenance
- Truck maintenance
- Workshop operations
- Vehicle diagnostics
- Fleet maintenance
- Mechanical servicing
Completion of the apprenticeship does not automatically guarantee permanent employment, but the training and occupational qualification can provide valuable experience for future career opportunities.
Employment Equity
Volvo Group Southern Africa states that preference will be given to candidates from previously disadvantaged groups.
Applicants who meet the minimum requirements are encouraged to submit complete applications before the closing date.
How to Apply for the Volvo Diesel Technician Apprenticeship 2026
Applications must be submitted by email.
Email: CDCSA@volvo.com
Applicants should include their supporting documents and clearly indicate their preferred training location in the application.
When preparing your application, make sure the information provided is accurate and corresponds with your supporting documents.
Application Checklist
Before sending your application, check that you have:
- Updated CV
- Grade 12/Matric information
- South African ID
- Relevant supporting documents
- Your preferred Volvo training location clearly stated
- Accurate contact details
Applicants should ensure that their email and attachments are complete before submitting.
Apprenticeship Closing Date
The closing date for the Volvo Diesel Technician Apprenticeship 2026 is:
21 August 2026
Because the deadline is approaching, eligible candidates should submit their applications as soon as possible.
Important Application Notes
Applicants should remember:
- The apprenticeship lasts three years.
- A monthly stipend is provided.
- Applicants must be 18–30 years old.
- Grade 12 is required.
- Mathematics and Science are required.
- English First Language or First Additional Language is required.
- The required subjects must have been passed with at least 50%.
- Applicants must be South African citizens.
- A valid South African ID is required.
- Applicants must be physically fit.
- An entry medical examination is required.
- An EC driver’s licence is advantageous, but it is not listed as compulsory.
- Applicants must state their preferred training location.
- Training is available across several South African locations.
- Applications must be sent to CDCSA@volvo.com.
- Applications close on 21 August 2026.
Conclusion
The Volvo Diesel Technician Apprenticeship 2026 offers unemployed South African youth an opportunity to gain structured technical training and practical workshop experience over three years.
The programme is particularly suited to Grade 12 candidates who have Mathematics, Science and English, meet the required marks and have an interest in diesel mechanics and heavy vehicles.
With a monthly stipend, fixed-term apprenticeship contract and training towards an Occupational Certificate: Diesel Mechanic NQF Level 4, this could be a valuable starting point for a career in the automotive and heavy-vehicle industry.
Eligible applicants should prepare their documents, indicate their preferred location and submit their applications to CDCSA@volvo.com before 21 August 2026.