A hands-on apprenticeship at Free State Oil could open the door to a technical career in industrial maintenance. VKB Group is recruiting for a Millwright Apprenticeship in Villiers, giving candidates the chance to train with experienced artisans while gaining practical exposure to machinery, maintenance, repairs and workshop safety.
VKB Group has opened applications for a Millwright Apprenticeship at Free State Oil (Pty) Ltd in Villiers, Free State. This is a contract opportunity within VKB Agri Processors, aimed at candidates who want hands-on technical training in machinery installation, maintenance and repair. The vacancy was posted on 04 May 2026 and closes on 06 May 2026.
For young technical-minded candidates, this opportunity offers more than a workplace placement. It is a structured pathway into the world of industrial equipment, mechanical systems and maintenance work inside an agricultural processing environment.
What is the VKB Free State Oil Millwright Apprenticeship?
The apprenticeship is offered by Free State Oil (Pty) Ltd, a subsidiary of VKB Agriculture, based in Villiers in the Eastern Free State. The company operates in the edible oil industry and forms part of VKB’s broader agricultural processing operations.
Successful candidates will receive hands-on training to develop the skills needed to become a certified Millwright. The role includes assisting experienced Millwrights with the installation, maintenance, troubleshooting and repair of industrial machinery and mechanical equipment.
This is ideal for candidates who enjoy practical work, problem-solving and technical environments.
Where is the apprenticeship based?
The opportunity is based in Villiers, Free State, under Free State Oil’s Villiers Oil Press business unit. The contract term is listed as 12 months, and the functional area is Operations.
Candidates should be comfortable working in a physical, hands-on environment where safety, discipline and teamwork matter every day.
What will apprentices be expected to do?
Apprentices will support experienced technical staff while learning core Millwright duties.
Responsibilities include assisting with machinery installation, assembly and dismantling, as well as helping with preventive maintenance on motors, conveyors, pumps, gearboxes and related equipment.
The role also involves learning how to read blueprints, technical diagrams and manufacturer manuals, using hand tools and power tools under supervision, aligning machinery, cleaning and lubricating equipment, maintaining a safe workspace and attending required classroom training sessions.
This is not a desk-based opportunity. It is practical, physical and skills-driven.
Who can be considered for this apprenticeship?
Applicants need Grade 12 / NQF Level 4. VKB also lists previous experience in construction, maintenance or mechanical trades, as well as enrolment in or completion of a pre-apprenticeship programme, as requirements for the role.
Candidates should have a passion for maintenance, strong attention to detail, willingness to learn, good communication skills and the ability to work under supervision.
The role also suits applicants who can handle outdoor environments and physical working conditions.
What skills will help applicants stand out?
VKB highlights communication skills, physical ability, teamwork and the ability to work under supervision as important skills for this apprenticeship.
A strong application should show more than qualifications. Candidates should make their interest in mechanical work clear in their CV, especially any exposure to tools, maintenance, construction, workshops, machinery, technical school subjects or practical projects.
Itumeleng’s Insider Tip: Before submitting your CV, make sure your technical experience is easy to spot. Even small practical experience — helping with repairs, workshop exposure, mechanical subjects or maintenance tasks — can strengthen your application when presented clearly.
How should candidates prepare their application?
VKB advises applicants to use Google Chrome when accessing the career portal. Candidates must upload a clear CV in either PDF or Word format, and the CV should not contain handwriting.
The company also states that applicants must upload only the CV in the Upload CV section, not a combined PDF containing documents such as ID or driver’s licence. The application form provides separate areas for supporting documents.
For profile photos, VKB notes that the minimum uploaded image size should be 300 x 300 pixels.
When is the closing date?
The closing date is 06 May 2026. Since the vacancy was posted on 04 May 2026, the application window is very short.
Candidates who meet the requirements should prepare their CV carefully and submit before the closing date.
How can candidates submit their application?
Applications must be completed through the official VKB Group online application portal.
VKB notes that the company may expire vacancies at any time at its own discretion, so applicants should avoid leaving submission until the last moment.
Grow Your Career with SETACareers
Access the latest learnerships, internships, bursaries, scholarships, fellowships, apprenticeships, and practical SETA guides designed to help you succeed.
- Learnerships
- Internships
- Apprenticeships
- Bursaries
- Scholarships
- Fellowships
- Career Advice
- SETA Guides
Final Thoughts
The VKB Free State Oil Millwright Apprenticeship is a strong opportunity for candidates who want to build a technical career through practical training. With exposure to industrial machinery, preventive maintenance, tools, safety procedures and classroom learning, this programme can help develop the foundation needed for future artisan growth.
For applicants with Grade 12, mechanical interest and a serious attitude toward hands-on work, this apprenticeship deserves urgent attention before the 06 May 2026 closing date.
