A welding apprenticeship linked to Sasol and Plant Design and Project Services could give unemployed young South Africans practical artisan training in a field that supports mining, petrochemicals, manufacturing and heavy engineering.
The Sasol and Plant Design and Project Services Welding Apprenticeships 2026 target motivated applicants who want to build a technical career in welding, metalwork and engineering. The programme gives candidates workplace exposure while helping them develop practical skills for long-term artisan career growth.
Applications close on 17 July 2026.
Why should young people consider the Sasol and PDPS Welding Apprenticeships 2026?
South Africa continues to need skilled artisans in technical industries.
Welders play an important role in sectors such as mining, petrochemicals, construction, energy, manufacturing, infrastructure development and heavy engineering.
Therefore, this apprenticeship can help motivated applicants gain practical exposure in a trade that remains useful across several industries.
For candidates who enjoy hands-on work, welding can become a strong technical career path.
Who is offering the welding apprenticeship?
The programme is offered through Sasol in partnership with Plant Design and Project Services, also known as PDPS.
The apprenticeship focuses on welding and supports candidates who want to become skilled artisans.
Because the application process uses email only, applicants must prepare their documents carefully and send them before the closing date.
What are the apprenticeship details?
Programme: Sasol Welding Apprenticeship Programme 2026
Partner Organisation: Sasol and Plant Design and Project Services
Field: Welding Apprenticeship
Reference Number: 2026 Welding Apprenticeship
Application Method: Email
Closing Date: 17 July 2026
Applicants must quote the correct reference number when submitting their application.
Who should apply for this apprenticeship?
This opportunity suits applicants who are serious about welding and engineering.
Sasol and Plant Design and Project Services are looking for candidates who are:
- Passionate about welding
- Interested in engineering and metalwork
- Self-motivated
- Willing to learn
- Well-groomed
- Committed to technical training
- Interested in becoming skilled artisans
- Able to meet the residential requirements
Applicants must also meet one of the qualification pathways listed in the advert.
Which residential areas qualify?
Applicants must reside in one of the listed areas.
Qualifying areas include:
- Govan Mbeki Municipality
- Ekandustria Region 7
- City of Tshwane
- Dark City
- Ekangala
- Rethabiseng
- Zithobeni
Candidates may need to provide proof of residence.
For this reason, applicants should prepare the correct residential documents before sending their application.
What qualification does an applicant need with Grade 12?
Applicants with Grade 12 must have the required school subjects.
Grade 12 applicants need:
- English, with the ability to read and write
- Pure Mathematics
- Physical Science
The following subjects may strengthen the application:
- Engineering Graphic Design
- Welding
- Platers Theory
Mathematical Literacy will not be accepted.
Therefore, applicants must check their results carefully before applying.
What qualification does an applicant need with N3 Engineering?
Applicants with an N3 Engineering qualification must have the required technical subjects.
N3 Engineering applicants need:
- English
- Engineering Mathematics N3
- Engineering Science N3
A trade-related Theory Subject N3 may also be an advantage.
This pathway may suit applicants who already followed a technical engineering route.
What qualification does an applicant need with National Certificate Vocational Level 4?
Applicants with a National Certificate Vocational Level 4 must meet the required subject combination.
National Certificate Vocational Level 4 applicants need:
- English National Certificate Vocational Level 4 or First Additional Language National Certificate Vocational Level 4
- Mathematics Level 4, Pure Mathematics
- Engineering Science Level 4
- Engineering Processes Level 4
- Professional Engineering Practice Level 4
- Applied Engineering Technology Level 4
- Trade-related Theory Subject
Welding or Platers Theory is compulsory.
Applicants should make sure their subject results match the requirements before submitting.
What career paths can welding training support?
A welding apprenticeship can support several technical career paths after training and experience.
Possible career paths include:
- Qualified Welder
- Fabricator
- Boilermaker
- Maintenance Technician
- Welding Inspector
- Supervisor
These career paths may require further experience, trade testing, workplace exposure or additional training.
However, an apprenticeship can help candidates begin building that foundation.
Why is welding experience valuable?
Welding is a practical trade that supports many industries.
A strong welder must understand safety, accuracy, measurements, tools, materials and workplace discipline.
Also, welding work often requires patience, focus and the ability to follow technical instructions.
That is why apprenticeship training matters. It helps candidates build skill through practice, not theory alone.
Which documents must applicants submit?
Applicants must email certified copies of the required documents.
Required documents include:
- Updated curriculum vitae
- South African identity document
- Qualifications
- High school results or documents
- Driver’s licence, if applicable
- Municipal water and electricity account showing the current residential address
Applicants should make sure every document is clear, readable and correctly certified where required.
What extra proof of residence documents may be required?
If the property is not in the applicant’s name, the applicant must submit extra proof.
This includes:
- Affidavit from the applicant
- Affidavit from the landlord
- South African Police Service certified confirmation showing how long the applicant has stayed at the address
Applicants must also include:
- South African Revenue Service confirmation letter reflecting the same residential address
- Bank statement showing the current residential address
These documents help confirm that the applicant meets the residential requirements.
Itumeleng’s Insider Tip: Do not leave proof of residence until the last day. This apprenticeship has strict area requirements, so your address documents must match and support your application clearly. Also, use the reference number exactly as stated when sending your email.
How can candidates submit their applications?
Applications must be submitted by email only.
Send applications to:
welderapprentices2026@pdps.co.za
Applicants must quote this reference number:
2026 Welding Apprenticeship
No manual curriculum vitae submissions will be accepted.
Therefore, candidates should not hand deliver applications unless the advert gives a separate official instruction.
What should applicants write in the email?
Applicants should keep the email clear and professional.
A simple subject line can be:
2026 Welding Apprenticeship
The email body should briefly mention:
- Full name
- Area of residence
- Qualification pathway
- Contact number
- Interest in the welding apprenticeship
- Attached documents
Applicants should also double-check that all attachments are included before sending.
Who will not qualify for this apprenticeship?
Applicants may not qualify if they do not meet the requirements.
The advert notes that applicants currently contracted to another training programme are not eligible.
In addition, applicants may face disqualification if they:
- Miss the closing date
- Submit incomplete documents
- Do not meet the residential requirements
- Do not meet the qualification requirements
- Fail to quote the correct reference number
- Submit manually instead of by email
Because of this, applicants should follow the instructions carefully.
What happens after applying?
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Interviews will take place with shortlisted applicants.
If applicants do not receive feedback within two weeks after the closing date, they should consider their application unsuccessful.
Applicants should still keep their phone active and check their email regularly after submitting.
What should applicants check before submitting?
Before sending the email, applicants should review every detail.
Check that:
- Your curriculum vitae is updated
- Your South African identity document copy is certified
- Your qualifications are attached
- Your high school results are included
- Your driver’s licence is attached, if applicable
- Your proof of residence documents are correct
- Your reference number is included
- Your email address and cellphone number are correct
- Your application is sent before 17 July 2026
Small mistakes can weaken an application, especially when technical and residential requirements are strict.
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Final Thoughts
The Sasol and Plant Design and Project Services Welding Apprenticeships 2026 give unemployed young South Africans a chance to begin building a practical artisan career.
The programme is especially useful for applicants who meet the qualification requirements, live in the listed areas and want hands-on training in welding and engineering.
Candidates who qualify should prepare certified documents, confirm their proof of residence and email their application to welderapprentices2026@pdps.co.za before 17 July 2026.
