Gert Sibande TVET College, in partnership with AgriSETA, is inviting applications for its 2026 apprenticeship opportunities in three technical trades: Welder, Mechanical Fitter and Electrician.
The opportunity is aimed at aspiring artisans who have a relevant Technical Grade 11, N2 or NCV Level 4 qualification.
Unlike many online applications, candidates must physically submit their applications at the Skills Academy and Artisan Development Centre in Standerton. Email and fax applications will not be accepted.
The closing date is 18 September 2026.
Gert Sibande TVET College’s Skills Academy and Artisan Development Centre provides apprenticeship, learnership, occupational and other technical training, making it an established site for artisan development in the region.
Quick Overview of the Gert Sibande Apprenticeships 2026
| Programme Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Institution | Gert Sibande TVET College |
| Partner | AgriSETA |
| Programme Type | Apprenticeship / Artisan Development |
| Trades Available | Welder, Mechanical Fitter, Electrician |
| Minimum Qualification | Technical Grade 11, N2 or NCV Level 4 with relevant subjects |
| Application Method | Physical submission |
| Submission Venue | Skills Academy and Artisan Development Centre, Standerton |
| Closing Date | 18 September 2026 |
| Email Applications | Not accepted |
| Fax Applications | Not accepted |
| Enquiries | 017 714 1594 |
The current opportunity information lists the three trades, minimum qualifications, physical application process and 18 September 2026 closing date.
Apprenticeship Opportunities Available
There are three trades available under this intake.
1. Welder Apprenticeship
The Welder Apprenticeship is suited to candidates interested in metal fabrication, joining and repair work.
Welding is an important artisan skill used in many industrial environments. Welders can work in areas such as:
- Manufacturing
- Engineering
- Construction
- Mining
- Maintenance
- Fabrication
- Industrial production
An apprenticeship provides a practical route for candidates who want to develop their technical abilities and progress towards an artisan trade.
Applicants should ensure that their academic background contains subjects relevant to the welding trade.
2. Mechanical Fitter Apprenticeship
The Mechanical Fitter Apprenticeship is designed for candidates interested in machinery, mechanical equipment and industrial maintenance.
Mechanical fitting can involve areas such as:
- Machinery assembly
- Equipment installation
- Mechanical maintenance
- Fault identification
- Component repair
- Equipment inspection
- Industrial machinery
Mechanical fitters can work across sectors including manufacturing, mining, engineering, energy and industrial production.
Candidates applying for this trade should clearly identify Mechanical Fitter Apprenticeship on their CV.
3. Electrician Apprenticeship
The third opportunity is the Electrician Apprenticeship.
Electrical artisans play an important role in industries that depend on electrical installations, equipment and maintenance.
Potential work environments include:
- Manufacturing
- Construction
- Mining
- Energy
- Industrial maintenance
- Infrastructure
Gert Sibande TVET College is also listed by the Department of Higher Education and Training among public TVET colleges offering the Occupational Certificate: Electrician.
Minimum Qualification Requirements
Applicants must have one of the following:
- Technical Grade 11 with relevant subjects
- N2 with relevant subjects
- NCV Level 4 with all relevant subjects
The words “relevant subjects” are important.
Having a Grade 11, N2 or NCV Level 4 qualification does not automatically mean that an applicant qualifies for every trade. Your subjects should be relevant to the apprenticeship you are applying for.
For example, an applicant interested in electrical work should have an academic background appropriate to the electrical trade.
If you are unsure, check your subjects against the apprenticeship advertisement before submitting your application.
Documents Required
Applicants should prepare the documents requested for the application.
These include:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Uncertified copy of your identity document
- Uncertified copies of all relevant qualifications
- Uncertified identity document of a parent or guardian if the applicant is under 18
The current opportunity information specifically indicates uncertified copies, so applicants should follow the advert rather than automatically submitting certified documents.
Clearly State the Trade You Are Applying For
This is an important part of the application.
Applicants should clearly indicate the apprenticeship they are applying for on their CV.
For example:
Welder Apprenticeship
or
Mechanical Fitter Apprenticeship
or
Electrician Apprenticeship
Do not submit a generic CV without stating the trade you want to be considered for.
This makes it easier for the recruitment team to identify the specific opportunity you are applying for.
How to Apply for the Gert Sibande Apprenticeships 2026
Applications must be physically submitted to:
Skills Academy and Artisan Development Centre
Standerton, Mpumalanga
The current opportunity information states that email and fax applications will not be accepted.
Applicants should therefore prepare their documents in advance and hand-deliver the complete application to the designated centre.
Enquiries
For enquiries relating to the apprenticeship opportunity, applicants can contact the Skills Academy and Artisan Development Centre on:
017 714 1594
The college’s official website also confirms that the Skills Academy and Artisan Development Centre is based in Standerton and provides apprenticeship and artisan-development training.
Closing Date
18 September 2026
Applications must be submitted before the closing date.
Because applications have to be delivered physically, applicants should not wait until the final day to prepare their documents.
What Happens After You Apply?
Applicants who do not receive a response within 60 days after the closing date should consider their applications unsuccessful.
Not receiving immediate feedback does not necessarily mean that your application has been rejected. However, candidates should continue looking for other apprenticeship, learnership and skills-development opportunities while waiting.
Why Choose an Apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is particularly useful for people who want to pursue a practical artisan career.
Instead of focusing only on classroom learning, apprenticeship pathways combine technical knowledge with practical workplace development.
The three trades in this intake can lead into different technical career directions:
Welder → Fabrication and metalwork
Mechanical Fitter → Machinery and mechanical maintenance
Electrician → Electrical installation and maintenance
The right choice depends on your interests, subjects and long-term career goals.
Why AgriSETA Is Involved
At first glance, applicants may wonder why an agricultural SETA is involved in welding, mechanical fitting and electrical training.
Modern agriculture depends heavily on technical skills.
Agricultural operations use:
- Machinery
- Mechanical equipment
- Electrical systems
- Irrigation infrastructure
- Processing equipment
- Workshops
- Maintenance systems
This creates a need for artisans who can maintain and repair equipment used throughout the agricultural value chain.
AgriSETA therefore has an important role in supporting skills development connected to agricultural workplaces, including artisan-development pathways.
Gert Sibande TVET College and Artisan Training
Gert Sibande TVET College’s Skills Academy and Artisan Development Centre is located in Standerton.
The college says the centre focuses on developing the workforce in line with priority industry skills. Its training activities include apprenticeships, learnerships, short skills courses, NATED programmes and bridging programmes.
The centre also forms part of Gert Sibande’s broader Centre of Specialisation infrastructure. In April 2026, government highlighted the college’s Centre of Specialisation and Millwright workshop as part of efforts to strengthen technical and artisan skills development.
Which Apprenticeship Should You Choose?
Choosing the right trade is important because each occupation involves different types of work.
Choose Welding if you enjoy:
- Working with metal
- Fabrication
- Practical workshop activities
- Joining and repairing metal components
- Working with tools and equipment
Choose Mechanical Fitting if you enjoy:
- Machinery
- Mechanical systems
- Repairs and maintenance
- Assembly
- Problem-solving
- Industrial equipment
Choose Electrical if you enjoy:
- Electrical systems
- Wiring and installations
- Fault finding
- Technical problem-solving
- Electrical equipment
- Working with electrical components
Do some research before applying. An apprenticeship is a significant commitment, so your chosen trade should match your interests and technical strengths.
Application Checklist
Before submitting your application, check that you have:
- A relevant Technical Grade 11, N2 or NCV Level 4 qualification
- Relevant subjects for the trade you are applying for
- An updated CV
- An uncertified copy of your ID
- Uncertified copies of relevant qualifications
- An uncertified parent/guardian ID if required for an applicant under 18
- Clearly stated the apprenticeship you are applying for on your CV
- Prepared your physical application
- Confirmed the submission venue
- Allowed enough time to hand-deliver the application
- Submitted before 18 September 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply with Grade 11?
Yes. The opportunity accepts Technical Grade 11 with relevant subjects.
Can I apply with N2?
Yes. Applicants with N2 and relevant subjects can apply.
Can NCV Level 4 applicants apply?
Yes. NCV Level 4 with the relevant subjects is listed among the accepted qualifications.
Which trades are available?
The three available trades are:
- Welder
- Mechanical Fitter
- Electrician
Can I email my application?
No. The current application instructions state that email applications will not be accepted.
Can I fax my application?
No. Faxed applications are also not accepted.
Where must I submit my application?
Applications must be physically submitted at the Skills Academy and Artisan Development Centre in Standerton.
Do I need certified copies?
The current advert information specifies uncertified copies of the required documents. Applicants should follow the exact instructions in the advertisement.
What if I am under 18?
Applicants under 18 must also provide an uncertified copy of the parent or guardian’s identity document.
When is the closing date?
The closing date is 18 September 2026.
What if I do not receive feedback?
If you receive no response within 60 days after the closing date, you should consider your application unsuccessful.
Conclusion
The Gert Sibande TVET College and AgriSETA Apprenticeship Opportunities 2026 provide a practical route into three important artisan trades: Welder, Mechanical Fitter and Electrician.
The programme is particularly relevant to candidates with Technical Grade 11, N2 or NCV Level 4 with relevant subjects who want to build practical technical skills.
One of the most important things to remember is that this is a physical application. Applicants must hand-deliver their documents to the Skills Academy and Artisan Development Centre in Standerton. Email and fax applications will not be accepted.
If you meet the requirements, choose the trade that best matches your interests, clearly state it on your CV and prepare your documents carefully.
The closing date is 18 September 2026, so eligible applicants should submit their applications before the deadline.





