Motus Corporation has opened applications for a Level One Apprentice at Kia South Africa, giving an entry-level candidate the chance to gain supervised automotive workplace training. Applicants need Pure or Technical Mathematics, Physical Sciences and a high school qualification, while applications close on 5 August 2026.
The permanent opportunity is based in Umhlanga, KwaZulu-Natal, and falls within Kia South Africa’s automotive operations. Motus published the vacancy on 29 July 2026, leaving applicants with a limited period to complete the online process.
Successful candidates will work under experienced professionals, participate in workplace training and assist with tasks assigned by their supervisors. Therefore, the programme offers a practical starting point for someone who wants to build technical knowledge within the automotive sector.
What will the Motus Kia apprentice do?
The selected apprentice will gain hands-on workplace exposure while learning from experienced employees.
Although the listing does not provide a detailed breakdown of mechanical duties, Motus expects the apprentice to support supervisors with assigned tasks and projects. In addition, the successful candidate will participate in training sessions designed to improve workplace knowledge and practical skills.
The main responsibilities include:
- Assisting supervisors with allocated tasks and projects
- Participating in training sessions and development courses
- Following workplace safety procedures
- Working collaboratively with other team members
- Communicating clearly with colleagues and supervisors
- Taking initiative when completing responsibilities
- Maintaining a positive attitude towards learning
- Demonstrating a dependable work ethic
Because this is an entry-level opportunity, Motus places strong emphasis on attitude, reliability and the willingness to learn rather than previous professional experience.
Who should consider this apprenticeship?
The opportunity may suit recent school leavers who want to enter the automotive industry through practical workplace training.
It may also appeal to candidates who enjoy technical subjects, problem-solving and learning through supervised tasks. However, applicants should feel comfortable working within a structured team and following instructions from experienced professionals.
A strong candidate will show:
- Genuine interest in the automotive industry
- Willingness to develop practical skills
- Respect for workplace safety rules
- Good communication abilities
- Reliability and punctuality
- Ability to work with others
- Positive responses to guidance and feedback
- Initiative and a strong work ethic
Furthermore, candidates should understand that an apprenticeship requires consistent participation. Attending training sessions, completing assigned work and maintaining professional conduct will remain important throughout the programme.
Which qualifications does Motus require?
Motus lists the opportunity at entry level and requires applicants to hold a high school diploma or an equivalent qualification.
Candidates must also have Pure Mathematics or Technical Mathematics, together with Physical Sciences. Additionally, applicants need basic computer skills and a basic understanding of the relevant field or industry.
Applicants should therefore ensure that their curriculum vitae clearly shows:
- Their completed school qualification
- Pure Mathematics or Technical Mathematics
- Physical Sciences
- Any automotive or technical subjects
- Basic computer knowledge
- Relevant practical exposure, where available
Previous work experience does not appear as a compulsory requirement. Nevertheless, candidates can strengthen their applications by mentioning school projects, college workshop exposure or informal technical experience.
Why are Mathematics and Physical Sciences important?
Automotive work requires technicians to understand measurements, systems, movement, electricity and mechanical principles.
Therefore, Mathematics and Physical Sciences provide an important academic foundation for technical training. These subjects can help apprentices understand diagnostic information, calculations and the operation of vehicle components.
Technical Mathematics may also help candidates understand workshop measurements, formulas and practical engineering concepts.
Applicants should upload clear academic records or certificates that confirm these subjects when the application system requests supporting documents.
Which personal qualities will help applicants succeed?
Motus wants someone who can follow instructions and work effectively within a team.
Therefore, academic qualifications alone may not secure selection. Applicants must also show that they can communicate professionally, arrive on time and remain committed to learning.
The official vacancy highlights:
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to follow instructions
- Willingness to learn and grow
- Punctuality
- Reliability
- Teamwork
- A positive attitude
- Basic computer skills
These qualities matter because apprentices regularly work with supervisors, technicians and other dealership employees.
Moreover, a dependable apprentice makes it easier for mentors to provide increasingly advanced responsibilities as the training progresses.
What does the permanent contract mean?
Motus lists the Level One Apprentice opportunity as permanent.
However, applicants should review the employment contract carefully if they receive an offer. The contract should explain the apprenticeship structure, remuneration, training requirements, working hours and conditions of employment.
The official advert does not disclose a salary or learner allowance.
Therefore, shortlisted applicants should confirm the remuneration package during the recruitment process rather than assuming that a particular stipend applies.
Where will the apprentice complete the training?
The selected candidate will join Kia South Africa’s operations in Umhlanga, KwaZulu-Natal.
Applicants should consider daily transport and travelling costs before submitting an application. Reliable attendance will matter because Motus specifically identifies punctuality and reliability as important requirements.
Candidates who live outside the area should not assume that accommodation or relocation assistance will be available. The official listing does not mention either form of support.
Itumeleng’s Insider Tip: Tailor your curriculum vitae to the apprenticeship instead of sending a general version. Place Mathematics, Physical Sciences, technical subjects and computer skills near the top. Then add a short career objective explaining your interest in automotive training and practical workplace learning.
Which documents should candidates prepare?
The official listing does not provide a complete document checklist. However, candidates should prepare the documents commonly requested during entry-level recruitment.
These may include:
- An updated curriculum vitae
- A certified South African identity document
- A certified school certificate
- A statement of results or academic record
- Copies of additional technical certificates
- Proof of address if requested
Every uploaded document should remain clear and readable.
Additionally, applicants should save files using professional names, such as:
Lerato_Mthembu_Matric_Certificate.pdf
The curriculum vitae should also include an active telephone number and professional email address. Otherwise, the recruitment team may struggle to contact shortlisted candidates.
How can applicants strengthen their curriculum vitae?
Candidates may have limited formal experience because Motus lists the position at entry level.
However, they can still build a relevant curriculum vitae by including transferable skills and practical activities.
Applicants can mention:
- Technical school projects
- Automotive-related hobbies
- Computer skills
- Volunteer responsibilities
- Team projects
- Leadership activities
- Practical college assignments
- Mechanical or electrical exposure
Candidates should avoid unsupported claims. Instead, they should briefly explain what they did and which skill they developed.
For example, an applicant could state that they participated in a school technical project that required teamwork, accurate measurements and safe tool handling.
How should candidates complete the online application?
Applications must be submitted through the official Motus online application portal.
Candidates should complete every required field and upload all requested documents before 5 August 2026. Since the closing date is approaching, applicants should avoid waiting until the final day.
Before submitting, candidates should check that:
- Their personal details are correct
- Their telephone number remains active
- Their qualifications appear accurately
- Mathematics and Physical Sciences are clearly listed
- Their supporting documents open correctly
- Their curriculum vitae reflects relevant skills
- They have completed every compulsory field
Applicants should also keep confirmation of their submission where possible.
Motus advises candidates who receive no response within three weeks of applying to regard their applications as unsuccessful.
Which mistakes should applicants avoid?
A rushed or incomplete application can weaken an otherwise suitable candidate.
Applicants should avoid:
- Submitting after 5 August 2026
- Leaving compulsory fields incomplete
- Uploading blurred certificates
- Omitting Mathematics or Physical Sciences
- Providing outdated contact details
- Using an unprofessional email address
- Claiming experience or qualifications they do not have
- Paying someone who promises guaranteed placement
- Sending documents through unofficial social media accounts
Candidates should use only the official recruitment platform.
Furthermore, registration or acknowledgement of an application does not guarantee employment. Motus will still screen and shortlist candidates according to its recruitment requirements.
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Final Thoughts
The Motus Kia Level One Apprentice opportunity gives an entry-level candidate a valuable route into the automotive industry through practical workplace training and professional supervision.
Applicants need a high school qualification, Pure or Technical Mathematics, Physical Sciences and basic computer skills. In addition, they must demonstrate reliability, teamwork and a strong willingness to learn.
The opportunity is based in Umhlanga and applications close on 5 August 2026. Therefore, eligible candidates should prepare their supporting documents and complete the official online application before the deadline.