VKB Group is giving a Grade 12 candidate the chance to start a formal mechanical apprenticeship with practical training in vehicle, machinery and equipment maintenance. The selected apprentice will learn alongside qualified mechanics in a professional agricultural workshop. Online applications close on 11 July 2026, leaving candidates little time to prepare.
This opportunity is designed for someone who is passionate about mechanics but may not yet have extensive workshop experience. Basic mechanical knowledge will be advantageous, but it is not an essential requirement.
What should candidates know about the VKB apprenticeship?
The Mechanic Apprentice opportunity forms part of VKB Commercial Services and its Mechanisation business unit.
The programme combines supervised workshop experience with support towards formal qualifications and trade testing.
Programme overview:
- Employer: VKB Group
- Position: Mechanic Apprentice
- Division: VKB Commercial Services
- Business unit: VKB Mechanisation
- Industry: Agriculture
- Functional area: Engineering
- Employment type: Contract
- Minimum experience level: Internship
- Qualification: Grade 12
- Posted: 10 July 2026
- Closing date: 11 July 2026
The portal records the contract term as 24, although it does not display the unit attached to this number.
What will the VKB mechanic apprentice learn?
The apprentice will work alongside qualified mechanics while developing practical skills in agricultural machinery and vehicle maintenance.
Training responsibilities will include:
- Assisting qualified mechanics with servicing vehicles and machinery
- Supporting scheduled maintenance activities
- Helping with mechanical repairs under supervision
- Learning basic diagnostic procedures
- Using workshop tools and equipment safely
- Completing structured workplace training
- Maintaining an apprenticeship training logbook
- Helping keep the workshop clean, safe and organised
- Following workplace safety procedures
- Supporting the efficient operation of the workshop
The programme is intended to develop technical confidence through practical participation rather than observation alone.
Which qualifications are required by VKB Group?
Applicants must have completed Grade 12.
The following subjects will strengthen an application:
- Mathematics
- Physical Science
These subjects are advantageous but are not listed as compulsory requirements.
Candidates must also be willing to register for and complete a formal mechanical apprenticeship.
Can candidates without workshop experience be considered?
Yes. Previous workshop exposure or basic mechanical knowledge will be advantageous, but it is not essential.
VKB Group is looking for candidates who demonstrate a genuine interest in:
- Mechanics
- Agricultural machinery
- Technical maintenance
- Vehicle and equipment repairs
- Developing practical trade skills
Candidates should be ready to learn from qualified artisans, accept supervision and participate actively in workshop tasks.
Which personal qualities is VKB Group looking for?
Technical interest is important, but the apprentice must also fit into a collaborative workshop environment.
Suitable candidates should demonstrate:
- A humble attitude and willingness to learn
- Motivation to develop technical skills
- Strong attention to detail
- Basic problem-solving ability
- Initiative when completing assigned tasks
- A positive approach to challenges
- The ability to work effectively with colleagues
- Respect for safety rules and workshop procedures
VKB Group’s values place particular emphasis on being humble, hungry to grow, bold, smart and committed to teamwork.
What support will the successful apprentice receive?
The successful candidate will join a structured apprenticeship that includes practical workplace training.
VKB Group offers:
- Experience inside a professional agricultural workshop
- Guidance from qualified mechanics
- Exposure to servicing and mechanical repairs
- Support towards formal qualifications
- Preparation for future trade testing
- Practical training in diagnostic processes
- Opportunities for long-term development within the group
Future employment is not guaranteed, but the programme can help the apprentice develop valuable experience for a career in agricultural engineering and mechanical maintenance.
Itumeleng’s Insider Tip: Use your curriculum vitae to highlight practical mechanical activities, even if they were not completed through formal employment. School technical projects, personal vehicle maintenance, workshop exposure and experience using hand tools can help demonstrate genuine interest in the trade.
Where will the successful apprentice be based?
The vacancy heading lists the workplace as Bethlehem, Free State. However, the written position description refers to the Mechanisation team in Vrede.
Candidates should confirm the final workplace with VKB Group before making travel, accommodation or relocation arrangements.
Which application documents should be prepared?
Candidates should prepare a clear and updated curriculum vitae in one of the following formats:
- Portable Document Format
- Microsoft Word format
The curriculum vitae must be easy to read and must not contain handwritten information.
Applicants may also be asked to upload supporting documents separately, including:
- South African identity document
- Grade 12 certificate
- Driver’s licence, where applicable
- Additional qualifications
- Relevant supporting documents
Do not combine these documents with the curriculum vitae. The portal provides separate sections for supporting documents.
If a profile photograph is requested, the minimum image size is 300 × 300 pixels.
How should candidates submit their details to VKB Group?
Applications must be submitted through the official VKB Group online application portal.
Candidates are advised to use Google Chrome when accessing the portal.
The online form must be completed before 11 July 2026. Because the opportunity was posted only one day before the deadline, candidates should not delay their submission.
What should candidates check before submitting?
Before completing the online process, confirm that:
- The curriculum vitae is uploaded in the correct section
- The document has no handwritten additions
- Supporting documents are uploaded separately
- All personal details are correct
- Contact information is current
- Required questions have been answered
- The submission is completed before the deadline
VKB Group may close the opportunity earlier at its discretion.
The company is an equal-opportunity employer and considers its Employment Equity Plan during recruitment. Candidates living with disabilities are encouraged to submit their details.
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Final Thoughts
The VKB Group Mechanic Apprenticeship offers a practical starting point for Grade 12 candidates interested in mechanical maintenance, agricultural machinery and skilled artisan development.
Previous workshop experience could strengthen an application, but it is not compulsory. Motivation, technical curiosity, attention to detail and willingness to complete a formal apprenticeship are equally important.
Online applications close on 11 July 2026, leaving candidates with a very short submission window.
