The Department of Employment and Labour is calling on unemployed South Africans between the ages of 18 and 35 to apply for its Apprenticeship, Internship and Entrepreneurship Programme. This initiative, coordinated through the Brits Labour Centre, is designed to equip young people with practical trade skills, workplace experience, and business management knowledge across a range of artisan and engineering disciplines.

Three programme streams are available, each targeting a different stage of skills development.

1. Apprenticeship (Artisan)

This stream is open to candidates interested in becoming qualified artisans in the following trades: Welder, Boilermaker, Electrical, Diesel Mechanic, Mechanic, Fitter, and Turner.

Requirements: Matric or a minimum N2 TVET qualification.

This route is ideal for candidates who have completed their schooling or entry-level technical studies and are ready to begin structured, hands-on apprenticeship training leading toward artisan qualification.

2. Internship (Artisan and Engineering Fields)

This stream is aimed at candidates who have already advanced further in their technical studies and are looking to gain workplace experience in artisan and engineering fields, including Welding, Boilermaking, Electrical, Diesel Mechanics, Mechanic work, Fitting, and Turning.

Requirements: Matric together with an N6 TVET qualification.

This internship stream offers a pathway for TVET graduates to apply classroom learning in a real working environment, building the practical experience needed to enter the artisan and engineering job market.

3. Entrepreneurship

For candidates interested in starting and running their own business, this stream focuses on business management training. Participants will learn core skills in managing a small business, giving them a foundation to pursue self-employment and entrepreneurial ventures rather than, or alongside, formal employment.

Who Should Apply

This opportunity is aimed at unemployed South Africans aged 18 to 35 who meet the requirements listed for their chosen stream. Whether you are leaving school with a Matric certificate, have completed TVET studies, or are looking to build the skills to start your own business, there is a stream suited to your stage of development.

How to Apply

Applicants are required to submit their updated CV along with supporting qualifications through one of the following channels:

• In person at the Brits Labour Centre
• Online via the Employment Services System of South Africa (ESSA)
• By email to ditebogo.segaloe@labour.gov.za

Ensure that all documents are up to date and clearly reflect your qualifications relevant to the stream you are applying for.

Closing Date

Applications close on 24 July 2026 at 16:00. Candidates are encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible to avoid missing the deadline.

Enquiries

For more information, contact Kamogelo Duiker on 012 262 9506 or 064 401 4477.

This programme represents a valuable opportunity for young South Africans to gain formal artisan training, hands-on engineering experience, or the entrepreneurial skills needed to build an independent livelihood. With structured pathways across welding, boilermaking, electrical, diesel mechanics, general mechanics, fitting, turning, and business management, the Department of Employment and Labour continues its commitment to reducing youth unemployment through practical, accessible skills development.

Don’t miss this opportunity to take the next step in your career.