A new artisan training opportunity is open for young Western Cape residents who want to enter boilermaking or welding without needing previous work experience. The John Thompson Apprentice Training Programme 2026 offers a practical route into the engineering trades, with selected candidates first entering testing and evaluation before possible apprenticeship placement.
The John Thompson Apprentice Training Programme 2026 is open for young Western Cape residents who want to build careers in boilermaking and welding. The opportunity is available through John Thompson, a division of ACTOM, and targets entry-level candidates with technical school, N2, or NCV Fabrication backgrounds.
A maximum of 20 vacancies are available.
The closing date is 15 May 2026.
For many young people, artisan training is one of the most reliable ways to build a practical career.
Not everyone wants a desk-based future. Some people want to work with tools, drawings, steel, machines, structures and real engineering projects.
This apprenticeship route could be the start of that journey.
What is the John Thompson Apprentice Training Programme 2026?
The John Thompson Apprentice Training Programme is an entry-level opportunity for candidates who want to train in the engineering trades, specifically boilermaking and welding.
The programme is based at the John Thompson Bellville Office and is open only to candidates who live in the Western Cape.
No previous work experience is required.
Instead, selected candidates will go through a psychometric test and a three-month evaluation period as unskilled workers. After that, management may offer apprenticeship placement to candidates who show strong potential.
This makes the opportunity especially useful for young people who have the right technical background but have not yet had a chance to enter the workplace.
Which apprenticeship fields are available?
This intake focuses on two major fabrication trades.
Both are highly practical and widely used in industrial, manufacturing, energy and maintenance environments.
Boilermaking
Boilermakers work with heavy metal structures, pressure systems and industrial equipment.
This trade is important in sectors such as:
- Power generation
- Manufacturing
- Industrial processing
- Petrochemical operations
- Mining infrastructure
- Plant maintenance
Boilermaking training may involve engineering drawings, metal fabrication, structural assembly, pressure vessel work and industrial equipment installation.
It is a strong pathway for candidates who enjoy hands-on technical work and can follow precise instructions.
Welding
Welders join metal parts using specialised tools, heat and approved welding techniques.
This trade is needed across construction, engineering, manufacturing, repair work and industrial maintenance.
Welding training may include:
- Arc welding
- Fabrication welding
- Structural welding
- Pipe welding
- Workshop safety
- Quality-focused metal joining
Welding is one of the most portable artisan skills because it is needed across many industries.
Who should consider this opportunity?
This programme is best suited to young people who are serious about entering the engineering trades.
You should consider it if you:
- Live in the Western Cape
- Are between 18 and 35 years old
- Have a technical or engineering-related qualification
- Are medically fit for trade work
- Have a strong interest in engineering
- Want practical artisan training
- Can travel to Bellville for interviews and placement
- Are ready for testing and evaluation
This is not a general office-based opportunity.
It is for candidates who want to work in a technical environment and develop real trade skills.
What are the minimum qualification requirements?
Applicants must meet one of the accepted qualification routes.
Technical Grade 12 Route
Applicants may qualify with Technical Grade 12 subjects including:
- Metal Work
- Welders Theory
- Technical Mathematics
- Technical Science
Maths Literacy is not accepted for this route.
Academic Grade 12 Route
Applicants may also qualify with Academic Grade 12 if they have:
- Mathematics
- Physical Science
Maths Literacy is not accepted.
N2 Engineering Studies Route
Applicants may qualify with N2 Trade Theory subjects, including:
- Platers Theory or Welders Theory
- Mathematics
- Engineering Science
- Platers Drawings
This route is suitable for candidates who studied through a technical or TVET pathway.
NCV Route
Applicants may also qualify with:
- National Certificate Vocational Level 4 in Fabrication
Maths Literacy is not accepted for this option.
What additional requirements must applicants meet?
In addition to the qualification requirements, applicants must meet the programme’s general conditions.
Candidates must:
- Be medically fit for the relevant engineering trades
- Be between 18 and 35 years old
- Have a strong interest in engineering
- Reside in the Western Cape
- Attach academic results and certificates
- Submit a CV of no more than four pages
Applicants must also understand that the programme is aimed at entry-level candidates.
The company will not consider applicants who are already qualified artisans in electrical trades, diesel trades, fitting and turning, motor trades, ND engineering qualifications or similar artisan fields.
This opportunity is for candidates who still need to be trained.
Is previous work experience required?
No previous work experience is required.
That is one of the strongest parts of this intake.
Successful candidates will first be assessed through a psychometric test. Those who move forward may enter a three-month evaluation period as unskilled workers.
This stage helps the company identify candidates who are disciplined, teachable, reliable and able to handle the demands of artisan training.
If a candidate performs well, management may offer formal apprenticeship placement.
Itumeleng’s Insider Tip: Do not send a generic CV. If you studied welding, fabrication, technical drawing, metal work, N2 engineering or workshop-related subjects, make those details easy to see on the first page. This is a technical opportunity, so your CV must quickly show that you understand the trade environment.
Where will training and interviews take place?
Successful candidates will be based at the John Thompson Bellville Office in the Western Cape.
Interviews will also take place at the Bellville office.
Applicants should only submit if they can reliably attend interviews and travel to the workplace if selected.
This is important because the opportunity is limited to Western Cape residents.
Which documents are required?
Applicants must prepare a complete application pack before submission.
Your application should include:
- Cover letter stating the position you are applying for
- Updated CV of no more than four pages
- Certified copies of certificates
- Academic transcripts or results
Applications without certificates will be disqualified.
That warning is important.
A strong applicant can lose the opportunity simply by leaving out required documents.
How can candidates submit their application?
Applications can be submitted by email or post.
Email Submission
Applications may be emailed to HumanResource@johnthompson.co.za.
Use the reference number HR17/2026 in your email subject line.
A clear subject line can look like this:
HR17/2026 – Apprenticeships Boilermaking & Welding
Postal Submission
Postal applications must be addressed to:
Senior HR Officer
PO Box 129
Bellville
7535
Candidates should make sure their documents are complete before sending.
The closing date is 15 May 2026.
What should applicants check before sending?
Before submitting your application, check every detail carefully.
Make sure:
- Your CV is not longer than four pages
- Your certificates are certified
- Your academic results are attached
- Your cover letter states the position clearly
- Your contact details are correct
- Your subject line includes HR17/2026
- Your documents are readable
Do not wait until the closing date to prepare your documents.
Certified copies and academic records can take time to arrange.
Why is this apprenticeship worth considering?
Boilermaking and welding are practical trades with long-term value.
These skills are used in industries that build, repair, maintain and support major infrastructure.
For young people who enjoy technical work, this kind of training can open doors into artisan careers, workshop environments, industrial projects and engineering support roles.
The biggest advantage is that no prior experience is required.
That gives technically minded young people a chance to prove themselves through testing, evaluation and workplace performance.
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Final Thoughts
The John Thompson Apprentice Training Programme 2026 is a strong opportunity for Western Cape youth who want to enter the engineering trades through boilermaking or welding.
With a maximum of 20 vacancies, no experience required, and clear technical qualification routes, this intake is ideal for candidates who are ready to build practical artisan careers.
Applicants should prepare carefully, attach all required certificates, use the correct reference number and submit before 15 May 2026.
