Young South Africans interested in building careers in engineering now have an opportunity to gain practical artisan training through the New Age Engineering Solutions Apprenticeship Programme 2026. Applications are officially open, with aspiring artisans encouraged to apply before the closing date of 03 June 2026.
Based at Sasol Secunda, Mpumalanga, this apprenticeship programme is designed to equip unemployed youth with real workplace exposure, structured training, and technical trade development needed to pursue long-term careers in the engineering sector.
What Is the New Age Engineering Solutions Apprenticeship Programme?
The New Age Engineering Solutions Apprenticeship Programme 2026 is a structured artisan development initiative created to help unemployed South African youth transition from technical studies into workplace-based engineering careers.
Instead of only classroom-based learning, selected candidates receive hands-on practical experience in real industrial environments while strengthening their technical knowledge through workplace and off-the-job training.
Successful applicants will receive:
- Structured workplace training
- Practical workshop exposure
- Trade-specific engineering development
- Off-the-job learning opportunities
- Industry exposure within a professional engineering environment
For many young people who completed engineering-related studies at TVET Colleges, FET Colleges, or accredited training institutions, this type of apprenticeship acts as the bridge between qualifications and employability.
Available Apprenticeship Trades for 2026
New Age Engineering Solutions is recruiting apprentices in the following artisan trades:
Boilermaker
A boilermaker apprenticeship develops skills in fabricating, assembling, repairing, and maintaining metal structures, industrial tanks, and pressure systems commonly used in manufacturing and petrochemical environments.
Welder
Welding apprentices learn practical metal joining techniques, fabrication methods, safety procedures, and industrial welding standards required across mining, energy, manufacturing, and construction industries.
Pipe Fitter
Pipe fitting apprentices gain experience in pipe systems installation, maintenance, measurement, mechanical fitting, and industrial plant operations.
Reference Number: APPRE 2026
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements:
- Technical Grade 12 with Mathematics, OR
- Engineering Science or a Full N2 Engineering Certificate (four subjects) with relevant trade theory, OR
- Technical trade theory programme quality assured by a SETA and deemed equivalent to NQF Level 3, OR
- Relevant Engineering NC(V) Certificate with seven subjects at NQF Level 3, OR
- Technical Grade 11 with Mathematics, Science, Language, and related trade theory subject
This makes the opportunity particularly valuable for learners and graduates from engineering streams who want to enter artisan development without prior industry experience.
Required Documents You Must Submit
Before applying, prepare the following certified supporting documents:
- Comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Certified copies of qualifications
- Proof of residential address
Missing documents are one of the biggest reasons applications get overlooked, so double-check everything before sending your email.
How to Apply for the Apprenticeship Programme
Applicants must email their application to:
Email: internships@newage-eng.com
Use the correct reference number and trade name in your email subject line.
Correct Email Subject Line Format
APPRE 2026 – Boilermaker
OR
APPRE 2026 – Welder
OR
APPRE 2026 – Pipe Fitter
Applications close on 03 June 2026. Late submissions may not be considered.
Why This Apprenticeship Could Matter for Your Future Employability
Many South African engineering graduates struggle to gain employment because employers often look for workplace experience alongside qualifications.
This apprenticeship helps solve that challenge.
By working inside an industrial environment linked to Sasol Secunda, apprentices gain practical trade exposure that strengthens employability in sectors such as:
- Manufacturing
- Petrochemical operations
- Energy and power generation
- Mining engineering support services
- Construction and infrastructure maintenance
Qualified artisans remain among the most employable technical professionals in South Africa, especially in maintenance-heavy industries where boilermakers, welders, and pipe fitters are consistently required.
Even after completing an apprenticeship, the skills developed can support career growth toward artisan certification, supervisory roles, contract work, or specialist industrial maintenance careers.
RELATED Apprenticeships: Komatsu South Africa Apprenticeship Programme 2026: Apply for Engineering and Technical Training
Important Information Applicants Must Know
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
If you do not receive feedback within 30 days after the closing date, consider your application unsuccessful.
Late applications may not be reviewed, so early submission is strongly recommended.
Martine Smith’s Expert Insight
One of the biggest mistakes applicants make with apprenticeship opportunities is treating them like ordinary job applications. Apprenticeship selection often looks for potential, discipline, and readiness to learn, not only marks or qualifications.
1. Don’t Send a Generic CV
Tailor your CV toward engineering and technical exposure.
If you studied fitting, welding, engineering drawing, mathematics, or trade theory subjects, make them highly visible at the top of your CV.
2. Use the Correct Email Subject Line
Recruiters often filter applications using reference numbers.
If you forget APPRE 2026 or your trade name, your application can become harder to process or even overlooked.
3. Certify Documents Properly
Many candidates upload unclear scans or expired certified copies.
Ensure your ID and qualifications are readable and professionally scanned before submission.
4. Apply Before the Deadline
Waiting until the final day creates unnecessary risk.
Network issues, attachment errors, or missed emails can cost you an opportunity.
Grow Your Career with MySetaPortal
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Whether you are a matriculant, unemployed graduate, or someone looking to upskill, this platform helps you stay ahead with opportunities that matter.
What you can access:
- Career Guides
- SETA Guides
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- Bursaries
- Learnerships
- Internships
- TVET Opportunities
- Government Vacancies
- Courses
- Apprenticeships
- Graduate Programme
- Government Services
- SASSA News & Updates
Final Thoughts
For unemployed youth interested in engineering, this apprenticeship could become the first major step toward a recognised artisan career. The combination of workplace learning, technical exposure, and structured training makes it valuable for long-term employability in South Africa’s industrial economy.
Before applying, make sure your documents are complete and correctly submitted. You can also track more skills development opportunities and application guidance through Mysetaportal.co.za.
Disclaimer: Mysetaportal.co.za is an independent information publisher that shares opportunities, application guidance, and career-related updates. The platform is not an official government website, SETA, or recruitment authority. Applicants should always verify programme details directly with the employer or official source before applying.

Martine Smith is the Founder and Managing Editor of MY SETA portal, he writes about SETA learnerships, internships, bursaries and youth employment opportunities in South Africa. His goal is to help young people access trusted career information and skills development programmes. Email: info@mysetaportal.co.za