MERSETA — Manufacturing & engineering
MERSETA learnerships and apprenticeships 2026
MERSETA funds 100+ programmes across 6 chambers — Metal & Engineering, Auto, Motor Retail, Components, Tyre, Plastics. Apprenticeships end with the Trade Test and Red Seal artisan qualification.
Updated 17 May 2026 ·By GoCareers
Visit MERSETA learnerships - Chambers
- Metal · Auto · Motor · Components · Tyre · Plastics
- Programmes
- 100+ learnerships & apprenticeships
- Stipend
- R3,000 – R7,500 / month
- Learnership duration
- 12–24 months
- Apprenticeship duration
- 3–4 years (Red Seal)
- Fraud line
- 0800 333 057
Who can apply
- South African citizen with valid SA ID
- Aged 18–35 (MERSETA's minimum is 16, but practical entry range for unemployed learners is 18–35)
- Mostly unemployed — some programmes accept employed learners
- Matric with Maths and Physical Science for most technical trades (Engineering Science accepted)
- Alternative: N1, N2 or N3 from a TVET / FET college (preferred for trades)
- Equity targets: 85% Black, 54% women, 4% people with disabilities (per Dept of Labour)
What you'll need
- Certified copy of green-barcoded SA ID or smart card
- Certified Matric / Grade 12 results
- N1, N2, N3 certificates for technical trades
- Updated CV
- Proof of residence (≤3 months old)
- Bank confirmation letter (for stipend)
- Disability confirmation letter (if applicable)
- Tertiary academic record (bursary applicants)
Step by step
-
Register on ESSA (Employment Services of SA)
Register as a work-seeker on the Department of Employment & Labour ESSA database at essa.labour.gov.za. Many MERSETA-funded programmes require ESSA registration before you can apply. -
Get all documents certified
ID, Matric, N-certificates, qualifications — all need to be certified within the last 3 months. SAPS stations and Post Offices certify for free. -
Search the right portals
-
Apply per advertisement — follow instructions exactly
Each advert has specific submission rules. Wrong email subject line, missing reference number, or applying through the wrong channel = auto-rejection. -
Pass the selection assessments
Numeracy, literacy, mechanical reasoning, then interview. Apprenticeships often have a hands-on aptitude test. -
Sign your learnership / apprenticeship agreement
Tripartite contract between you, the employer, and the accredited training provider. Required by the Skills Development Act.Tip: Apprenticeships alternate between block-release theory (often N1–N3 at a TVET) and on-the-job workplace experience. -
For apprenticeships: complete the Trade Test
Compile your workplace logbook, submit the Trade Test application, then sit the test at INDLELA (in Olifantsfontein, Pretoria) or a decentralised accredited centre. Pass = National Trade Test Certificate (Red Seal).
MERSETA's six chambers
- Metal & Engineering — fabrication, machining, structural steel
- Auto Manufacturing — OEM assembly, body shops
- Motor Retail — dealerships, service workshops
- Components Manufacturing — automotive parts
- New Tyre Manufacturing — Continental, Pirelli, Bridgestone, Sumitomo Dunlop
- Plastics Industries — moulding, extrusion, processing
MERSETA covers ~40,000 companies (≈14,600 levy-paying) and a workforce of ~600,000. Annual SDL income is approximately R1.308 billion, with ~70% distributed as grants.
Learnership vs apprenticeship — what's the difference
| Aspect | Learnership | Apprenticeship |
|---|---|---|
| End award | NQF-registered qualification | National Trade Test Certificate (Red Seal artisan) |
| Typical duration | 12–24 months (~18 avg) | 3–4 years (legal max 4) |
| Structure | Outcomes-based theory + workplace | Theory (N1–N3) + workplace + Trade Test |
| Entry | Grade 10–12 depending on field | Grade 9/10 + N2, or relevant Matric |
The Red Seal is awarded after the Trade Test and is issued by the QCTO (Quality Council for Trades and Occupations). It signals nationally recognised artisan competence.
Major trades MERSETA funds
- Metal & Engineering: Fitter, Turner, Fitter & Turner, Boilermaker, Welder, Millwright, Toolmaker, Rigger, Instrumentation Mechanician
- Electrical: Electrician (Engineering / Construction), Electrical Technician
- Motor & Auto: Diesel Mechanic, Auto/Motor Mechanic, Automotive Electrician, Spray Painter, Panel Beater, Vehicle Body Builder, Automotive Machinist, Automotive Engine Fitter, Automotive Trimmer
- Plastics: Plastics Manufacturing Machine Operator, Setter
- Tyre: Tyre Builder, Tyre Repairer
Major MERSETA-accredited host employers
- Energy / heavy industry: Eskom, Sasol, Transnet, ArcelorMittal SA
- Automotive OEMs: Toyota SA, BMW SA, Ford SA, Volkswagen SA, Mercedes-Benz SA, Nissan SA, Isuzu, MAN, Scania, Volvo Trucks
- Tyre: Continental, Pirelli, Bridgestone, Sumitomo Dunlop
- Mining / industrial: Sandvik, Atlas Copco, Columbus Stainless
- Component / automotive supply: Feltex Fehrer
MERSETA Bursary
The MERSETA Bursary funds engineering students at universities, universities of technology, and TVET (FET) colleges in mechanical, electrical, industrial, and chemical engineering; plastics; and automotive fields.
Coverage: tuition, registration, prescribed textbooks, accommodation, meals, monthly stipend.
2026/2027 closing date: 20 February 2026.
Applications are routed via the student's institution's financial aid office, not directly to MERSETA.
Trade Test — INDLELA and decentralised centres
The National Trade Test is your final hurdle for any apprenticeship. Two routes:
- INDLELA (Institute for the National Development of Learnerships, Employment Skills and Labour Assessments) — government trade test centre in Olifantsfontein, Pretoria. Subsidised test fees ~R250–R450.
- Decentralised accredited centres — including Northlink College (Western Cape), KATS Training, Technotrain, and many MERSETA-accredited workshops. Higher fees but faster availability.
Submit the Trade Test application (form LPM-FM-009-ARPL-Trade-Test-Application-Form for ARPL candidates) with your workplace logbook signed off. Pass and you get the Red Seal.
Accredited training providers
- Resolution Circle (Johannesburg) — multi-trade
- Gert Sibande TVET College Skills Academy & Artisan Development Centre (Mpumalanga)
- Ekurhuleni East TVET College
- Northlink College (Western Cape — also a trade test centre)
- Technotrain (SAIW-affiliated, welding)
- KATS Training Services — decentralised trade test centre
- CSG Skills
- Impumelelo Consulting and Training
- Training Force
- South Hills TVET Institute
Common rejection reasons
- Missing or uncertified documents
- Not meeting subject requirements (especially Maths and Physical Science)
- Outside the 18–35 age band
- Already holding a qualification that disqualifies "unemployed youth" status
- Not registered on ESSA
- Failing to follow instructions exactly (wrong email subject, missing reference number)
- Missed deadlines
- Failed psychometric or aptitude assessment
MERSETA scams
MERSETA learnerships are 100% free to apply for. Common scams:
- "Application fee" or "registration fee" requests — always fraudulent
- Fake WhatsApp or Telegram groups claiming guaranteed placement
- Cloned websites mimicking merseta.org.za with payment portals
- "Trade test fee" demands from non-INDLELA, non-accredited centres
- Recruiters demanding cash for shortlisting
A real fraud case occurred in 2025 — a MERSETA Regional Manager was arrested in Malelane after being caught with R40,000 in alleged extortion cash. The SETA takes this seriously and operates a dedicated fraud hotline.
Contact
- Head office (Gauteng South): 8 Hillside Road, Metropolitan Park, Block C, Parktown, 2193
- Phone: 010 219 3001
- Email: customerservice@merseta.org.za
- Regional offices: Pretoria (Hatfield), Witbank (Mpumalanga), Tygervalley (Western Cape), Gqeberha (Eastern Cape), Bloemfontein (Free State), Westville (KZN)
Frequently asked questions
How do I apply for a MERSETA learnership in 2026?
Through host employer careers portals (Sasol, Eskom, Transnet, Toyota, BMW), MERSETA-accredited training providers, SA Youth at sayouth.mobi, or the ESSA work-seeker database. Never directly to MERSETA.
How much does MERSETA pay per month?
Typically R3,000–R7,500/month. Learnerships at the lower end (R3,000–R4,500), apprenticeships and corporate hosts like Sasol or Eskom at the upper end (R5,000–R7,500+).
What qualifications do I need for a MERSETA learnership?
Matric with Maths and Physical Science for most technical trades, or an N1/N2/N3 certificate from a TVET college. Some entry-level posts accept Grade 10–11.
What is the difference between a learnership and an apprenticeship?
Learnerships are 12–24 months and end with an NQF-registered qualification. Apprenticeships are 3–4 years, end with the National Trade Test, and award the Red Seal artisan certificate.
What is a Red Seal qualification?
A nationally recognised artisan trade certificate issued by the QCTO after passing the National Trade Test. It signals occupational competence to work as a qualified artisan anywhere in SA, and is required for senior maintenance, supervisory and contract roles.
Where can I do a Trade Test in South Africa?
At INDLELA in Olifantsfontein, Pretoria (subsidised, ~R250–R450) or at decentralised accredited centres like Northlink College, KATS Training, Technotrain (higher fees, faster availability).
Is the MERSETA bursary still open for 2026?
The 2026/2027 cycle closed on 20 February 2026. Applications route through the student's institution's financial aid office. Next cycle opens early 2027.
Can I apply for MERSETA without Matric?
Some NQF L1–L2 programmes accept Grade 10–11. For most technical learnerships and all apprenticeships you need Matric (with Maths and Physical Science) or N1/N2/N3.
How do I become an artisan through MERSETA?
Apply for a MERSETA apprenticeship at a host employer (Sasol, Eskom, Transnet, automotive OEM, etc.). Complete 3 years of theory (N1–N3) plus workplace experience, sign off your logbook, and pass the National Trade Test. You'll get the Red Seal.
Related guides
Last updated 17 May 2026. We review and refresh this guide regularly —
if something here is out of date, let us know.