A new technical training opportunity is opening doors for young South Africans and experienced artisans in 2026. The Sekhukhune Development Agency, working with merSETA, is offering diesel mechanic apprenticeships and ARPL opportunities that can help candidates build recognised skills, strengthen employability, and move closer to long-term trade careers.
The Sekhukhune Development Agency (SDA), in partnership with merSETA, is opening applications for its 2026 apprenticeship and Artisan Recognition of Prior Learning (ARPL) opportunities. The programme is aimed at unemployed youth who want to train as diesel mechanics, as well as experienced artisans who want formal recognition for the skills they already have.
One of the biggest highlights is the Diesel Mechanic Apprenticeship Programme, which runs for 36 months and offers a monthly stipend of R3,000. There are also ARPL opportunities across several technical trades for both unemployed and employed artisans.
Submissions close on Thursday, 30 April 2026 at 16:30.
For candidates looking for a practical route into the engineering and technical trades sector, this is the kind of opportunity that can create real momentum.
What opportunities are available through the SDA and merSETA programme?
There are two main opportunities under this 2026 intake.
The first is the Diesel Mechanic Apprenticeship Programme, which is aimed at young unemployed South Africans who want structured technical training.
The second is the ARPL programme, which is aimed at experienced artisans who want their workplace skills to be formally recognised and certified.
This makes the overall opportunity relevant to two very different groups: people entering the trade space for the first time and artisans who already have experience but need formal recognition.
What is the Diesel Mechanic Apprenticeship Programme?
The Diesel Mechanic Apprenticeship Programme is a structured training opportunity designed to prepare participants for work in diesel mechanics through a combination of practical and theoretical learning.
Diesel Mechanic Apprenticeship details
- Qualification: Occupational Certificate – Diesel Mechanic
- Duration: 36 months
- Stipend: R3,000 per month
- Number of opportunities: 28
This programme is a strong fit for young people who want to build technical skills in a recognised trade while receiving financial support during training.
Who can be considered for the diesel mechanic apprenticeship?
To be considered for the apprenticeship, candidates must meet all the listed requirements.
Applicants must be:
- South African citizens
- Between 18 and 35 years old
- Unemployed
They must also have one of the following minimum qualifications:
- Matric with Mathematics, or
- N2 / NCV Level 3 or higher with relevant trade theory
This means the programme is geared toward young people who already have a basic educational foundation linked to technical learning.
Which documents are needed for the diesel mechanic apprenticeship?
Candidates interested in the apprenticeship must prepare the following documents:
- Application letter
- Comprehensive CV
- Certified copy of ID not older than 3 months
- Certified copies of qualifications not older than 3 months
Certified documents that fall outside the required time frame can easily weaken a submission, so checking dates matters.
What is the ARPL opportunity?
The Artisan Recognition of Prior Learning (ARPL) programme is designed for experienced artisans who already have trade skills but need formal recognition and certification.
This option is especially important for candidates who have been working in technical roles and want their experience to count toward formal trade recognition.
Which trades are available under ARPL?
The ARPL opportunity covers the following trades:
- Electrician
- Motor Mechanic
- Diesel Mechanic
- Welding
These are core trades linked to sectors such as engineering, automotive work, technical services, and industrial operations.
Who qualifies for the ARPL programme?
Candidates interested in ARPL must meet the following requirements:
- Be a South African citizen
- Be 25 years or older
- Have at least 3 years of relevant work experience in the trade
This pathway is meant for artisans who already know the work and now want a more formal route to recognition.
How many ARPL opportunities are available?
The ARPL intake includes:
- 20 opportunities for unemployed artisans
- 4 opportunities for employed artisans
That creates space for both job seekers and working artisans who want their experience assessed and recognised more formally.
Which documents are required for ARPL submissions?
Candidates applying for the ARPL opportunity must submit:
- Application letter
- Comprehensive CV
- Certified ID copy not older than 3 months
- Certified qualifications not older than 3 months
- Service letter from employer if applicable
- Company letterhead confirming experience of at least 3 years
Because ARPL is based heavily on prior experience, clear proof of work history is especially important here.
How can documents be submitted?
There are two ways to submit documents for these opportunities.
Hand delivery
Documents can be delivered to:
Sekhukhune Development Agency (SDA) Office
Sekhukhune District Headquarters
Bareki Mall, Groblersdal 0470
Email submission
Documents can also be sent to:
leshilo@seda.co.za
moropjane@sekhukhune.gov.za
For email submissions, candidates should make sure all attachments are clear, complete, and easy to open.
When is the closing date?
The deadline for submissions is:
Thursday, 30 April 2026 at 16:30
Late submissions will not be considered.
What important rules should candidates keep in mind?
There are a few key points that applicants should not ignore:
- Late submissions will not be considered
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
- Candidates who do not meet the requirements will be disqualified
A strong opportunity can be lost on basic mistakes, so meeting every requirement is essential.
Why is this opportunity worth serious attention?
Trade and artisan opportunities remain some of the most practical routes into long-term technical careers. For younger candidates, the diesel mechanic apprenticeship offers a structured entry point into a recognised trade. For experienced artisans, ARPL offers a way to formalise years of hands-on knowledge.
These opportunities can help candidates:
- Gain recognised trade-related credentials
- Build or formalise practical skills
- Improve employability in engineering and mining-related sectors
- Strengthen long-term career prospects in technical fields
For many applicants, this is not just about training.
It is about turning technical ability into a stronger future.
Who can candidates contact for enquiries?
For enquiries, candidates can contact:
Ms Tshidi Kubuze
013 363 7648 / 7782
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Final Thoughts
The Sekhukhune Development Agency merSETA Apprenticeships 2026 intake offers a valuable opening for both aspiring diesel mechanics and experienced artisans who want formal recognition in their trade. With 28 diesel mechanic apprenticeship opportunities, a monthly stipend of R3,000, and additional ARPL positions across multiple trades, this programme creates practical pathways into technical and engineering-related careers.
For candidates who meet the requirements, this is a strong chance to gain recognised skills, improve employability, and move closer to long-term work in the trades sector. With submissions closing on 30 April 2026 at 16:30, early preparation is the smart move.
