John Thompson is opening a practical artisan training pathway for young Western Cape candidates who want to enter boilermaking and welding. The company will provide training to successful applicants, making this a valuable opportunity for people with the right technical subjects, certificates and interest in engineering.
John Thompson, a division of ACTOM, is recruiting Apprentices in Boilermaking & Welding for 2026. The opportunity offers a maximum of 20 vacancies and is open to candidates who reside in the Western Cape.
Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old. They must also meet the listed technical qualification requirements and show a clear interest in engineering.
No previous experience is required. John Thompson will provide training to successful candidates.
What Is The John Thompson Apprenticeship About?
This apprenticeship gives selected candidates a route into practical artisan training in boilermaking and welding.
John Thompson manufactures and services industrial and utility boilers for local and export markets. The company operates in the engineering and manufacturing sector as part of ACTOM.
Successful candidates will go through a selection process before final placement. The company says candidates will complete a psychometric test first.
After that, successful candidates may start a three-month evaluation period as unskilled workers. Management may then offer apprenticeships to those who show the potential to complete the programme successfully.
Who Can Submit An Application?
This opportunity is only open to candidates who reside in the Western Cape.
Applicants must also be available for the John Thompson Bellville office. Interviews will take place at the Bellville office.
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be between 18 and 35 years old
- Reside in the Western Cape
- Have an interest in engineering
- Be medically fit for the relevant trades
- Meet the listed education requirements
- Attach academic results and certificates
The company will not consider candidates from Electrical, Diesel, Fitting and Turning, Motor, National Diploma or qualified artisan backgrounds for this specific opportunity.
What Qualifications Are Required?
Applicants must meet one of the accepted qualification routes.
The minimum qualification options include:
- Grade 12 Technical with Metal Work, Welders Theory and Technical Maths
- Technical Science
- Grade 12 Academic with Maths and Physical Science
- N2 Trade Theory subjects such as Platers Theory or Welders Theory
- N2 Maths, Engineering Science and Platers Drawings
- NCV Level 4 Fabrication
Maths Literacy does not meet the requirement for this opportunity. The advert specifically requires Maths or Technical Maths, depending on the qualification route.
Is Previous Experience Needed?
No previous experience is needed.
John Thompson states that the company will provide training to successful candidates. This makes the opportunity suitable for young applicants who meet the education requirements but have not yet entered the engineering workplace.
However, applicants must still submit a complete application. Missing certificates can disqualify a candidate.
What Documents Must Applicants Submit?
Applicants must submit a CV of no more than 4 pages.
The CV must include academic results and certificates. John Thompson says it will disqualify CVs that do not include certificates.
Prepare these documents before submitting:
- A cover letter stating the position
- A current CV, maximum 4 pages
- Certified copies of certificates
- Academic results
- Any relevant supporting documents
Itumeleng’s Insider Tip: Keep your CV short, clear and focused on your technical subjects, certificates and interest in engineering. Do not send a long CV. Also, do not forget your certificates because the advert clearly warns that CVs without certificates will be disqualified.
How Can Candidates Submit Their Applications?
Candidates can email their applications to:
HumanResource@johnthompson.co.za
Applications can also be posted to:
PO Box 129, Bellville, 7535
Applicants must address their applications to the Senior HR Officer and include a cover letter, current CV and certified certificates.
When Is The Closing Date?
Applicants must submit their applications by 15 May 2026.
Because this opportunity requires certified certificates and academic results, applicants should prepare their documents early. Waiting until the final day may lead to rushed or incomplete submissions.
John Thompson may reject incomplete applications, especially when certificates or required academic records are missing.
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Final Thoughts
The John Thompson Boilermaking & Welding Apprenticeships 2026 offer a valuable entry point for young Western Cape candidates who want practical artisan training in engineering.
The opportunity is especially useful for applicants who meet the technical subject requirements, have the correct certificates and want to build a future in boilermaking or welding.
