Explore merSETA Skills Development Programmes 2026, including learnerships, apprenticeships, internships and artisan training opportunities. Find out who can apply, available career fields and how to access accredited programmes.
merSETA Skills Development Programmes 2026
The Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority (merSETA) continues to create opportunities for South Africans through a wide range of learnerships, apprenticeships, internships and skills development programmes.
These programmes are designed to equip unemployed youth, graduates and employed workers with nationally recognised qualifications, practical workplace experience and technical skills needed in South Africa’s manufacturing and engineering industries.
Whether you’re a recent Matric learner, TVET college graduate or university graduate, merSETA-funded programmes can help you build a career in high-demand technical fields.
merSETA Programmes at a Glance
| Organisation | Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services SETA (merSETA) |
|---|---|
| Programme Types | Learnerships, Apprenticeships, Internships, Skills Programmes, Artisan Development |
| Target Group | Unemployed youth, graduates and employed workers |
| Qualification | Varies by programme |
| Location | South Africa |
| Funding | Employer and programme dependent |
What is merSETA?
The Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority (merSETA) is one of South Africa’s official Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs).
Its primary role is to develop skilled workers for industries such as:
- Manufacturing
- Engineering
- Automotive
- Metal industry
- Motor retail
- Plastics manufacturing
- Tyre manufacturing
- Related engineering services
Working with employers, colleges, universities and accredited training providers, merSETA helps address critical skills shortages while improving employment opportunities for South Africans.
merSETA Learnership Programmes
Learnerships combine theoretical classroom learning with practical workplace training, allowing participants to earn a nationally recognised qualification while gaining valuable work experience.
Popular learnership fields include:
- Engineering
- Manufacturing
- Automotive
- Welding
- Fitting and Turning
- Boilermaking
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Production Technology
- Business Administration
- Supply Chain and Logistics
Many unemployed learners also receive a monthly stipend, although the amount depends on the employer and specific programme.
Apprenticeship Opportunities
For those pursuing technical trades, merSETA supports apprenticeship programmes that prepare learners for national trade tests.
Common apprenticeship trades include:
- Electrician
- Millwright
- Diesel Mechanic
- Motor Mechanic
- Toolmaker
- Boilermaker
- Fitter and Turner
- Welder
- Instrument Mechanic
Successful apprentices can qualify as certified artisans after completing the required workplace training and trade test.
Internship Programmes
Graduates with certificates, diplomas or degrees may also benefit from merSETA-supported internships.
These internships provide:
- Practical workplace experience
- Industry exposure
- Professional mentorship
- Improved employability
- Career development opportunities
Skills Programmes
Skills Programmes are shorter occupational training courses aimed at developing specific workplace competencies.
They are ideal for people who want to:
- Upgrade existing skills
- Learn new technical competencies
- Improve workplace performance
- Increase employability
Artisan Development
South Africa continues to experience a shortage of qualified artisans.
Through partnerships with employers, TVET colleges and accredited training centres, merSETA supports artisan development by preparing learners for careers in skilled trades that remain in high demand.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Workers with years of practical experience but no formal qualification may benefit from Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
Fresh listings:
This process allows experienced employees to have their existing knowledge and workplace skills formally assessed and recognised.
Who Can Apply?
Eligibility differs depending on the specific programme and employer.
In general, applicants should:
- Be South African citizens or meet legal eligibility requirements
- Meet the minimum educational requirements for the programme
- Be willing to complete both classroom and workplace training
- Meet any medical, age or occupational requirements where applicable
Some opportunities are specifically aimed at unemployed youth, while others are available to employed workers seeking additional qualifications.
Benefits of merSETA Programmes
Successful participants may benefit from:
- Nationally recognised qualifications
- Practical workplace experience
- Industry-relevant technical skills
- Exposure to experienced professionals
- Increased employability
- Opportunities to qualify as artisans
- Long-term career development
These programmes also help employers develop a skilled workforce capable of supporting growth within South Africa’s manufacturing and engineering sectors.
Industries Supported by merSETA
merSETA supports skills development across several industries, including:
- Automotive Manufacturing
- Component Manufacturing
- Metal and Engineering
- Motor Retail
- New Tyre Manufacturing
- Plastics Manufacturing
- Retail Motor Industry
- Engineering Services
- Related Manufacturing Industries
These sectors continue to create employment opportunities for qualified technical workers.
Tips Before You Apply
To improve your chances of being selected:
- Keep your CV updated.
- Prepare certified copies of your ID and qualifications if required.
- Monitor new vacancies regularly, as programmes open throughout the year.
- Read all eligibility requirements carefully before applying.
- Submit your application before the advertised closing date.
How to Apply
Applications for merSETA-funded opportunities are submitted through accredited employers, training providers and official recruitment platforms.
Applicants should:
- Search for accredited merSETA learnerships or apprenticeships.
- Select a programme that matches their qualifications.
- Prepare all required supporting documents.
- Submit the application before the closing date.
Why You Should Apply
Skills development remains one of the best ways to improve employment prospects in South Africa.
Through learnerships, apprenticeships, internships and artisan development programmes, merSETA continues to equip thousands of South Africans with recognised qualifications and practical workplace experience needed in today’s job market.
If you’re looking to start a career in engineering, manufacturing, automotive or technical trades, a merSETA-supported programme could be the first step towards long-term employment and professional growth.
Hello…I am a hard working person and fast learner and also I don’t mind working under pressure.
Regard
Sisipho
Contacts
0784198668/0829574047
Learnership
I am a hardworking, reliable, and eager learner with a strong interest in agriculture. I am willing to learn new skills, work as part of a team, and contribute positively to the program. I would appreciate the opportunity to develop my knowledge and build a career in the agricultural sector.
Iwant to register leanership
I would love to be part of this learnership
Dear sir/Madam
I am Nkosikhona Biyela all the way from Melmoth so I saw the merSETA skills Learnership on Facebook.I would like to take this opportunity to participate in the Learnership programm to gain skills and experience.
For more information you can contact me to this number (0824754625) thank you so much.
Yours sincerely
Nkosikhona Biyela
Please help me for job i need it like seriously