The Necsa Learning Academy (NLA) invites young, unemployed South Africans to apply for its 2025 Apprenticeship Programme. This initiative is aimed at empowering youth through technical and professional training, opening the door to skilled employment in various trades. If you are passionate about working with your hands, solving problems, and building a stable future, this is your opportunity.
NESCA Apprenticeship Opportunities Available
The apprenticeship programme is focused on the following Occupational Certificates (OCs)/Trades:
Mechanical Trades
- Fitter and Turner
- Mechanical Fitter
- Toolmaker
- Metal Machinist
Electrical Trades
- Electrician
- Instrumentation
- Millwright
Fabrication Trades
- Boilermaker
- Welder
Each of these trades is critical in South Africa’s infrastructure and industrial sectors. After completing the programme, participants will have the chance to seek work in industries such as manufacturing, mining, construction, and energy.
Reference Numbers by Province and Trade
You MUST include the correct reference in your application email subject line or your application will NOT be considered.
Mechanical Trades
| Province | Fitter & Turner | Mechanical Fitter | Metal Machinist | Toolmaker |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern Cape | fitt&turnec2025 | mechfittec2025 | metmachec2025 | toolmakec2025 |
| Free State | fitt&turnfs2025 | mechfittfs2025 | metmachfs2025 | toolmakfs2025 |
| Kwa-Zulu Natal | fitt&turnkzn2025 | mechfittkzn2025 | metmachkzn2025 | toolmakkzn2025 |
| Limpopo | fitt&turnlimp2025 | mechfittlimp2025 | metmachlimp2025 | toolmaklimp2025 |
| Mpumalanga | fitt&turnmp2025 | mechfittmp2025 | metmachmp2025 | toolmakmp2025 |
| Northern Cape | fitt&turnnc2025 | mechfittnc2025 | metmachnc2025 | toolmaknc2025 |
| North West | fitt&turnnw2025 | mechfittnw2025 | metmachnw2025 | toolmaknw2025 |
Electrical Trades
| Province | Electrician | Instrumentation | Millwright |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern Cape | electricec2025 | instruec2025 | millwrec2025 |
| Free State | electricfs2025 | instrufs2025 | millwrfs2025 |
| Kwa-Zulu Natal | electrickzn2025 | instrukzn2025 | millwrkzn2025 |
| Limpopo | electriclimp2025 | instrulimp2025 | millwrlimp2025 |
| Mpumalanga | electricmp2025 | instrump2025 | millwrmp2025 |
| Northern Cape | electricnc2025 | instrunc2025 | millwrnc2025 |
| North West | electricnw2025 | instrunw2025 | millwrnw2025 |
Fabrication Trades
| Province | Welder | Boilermaker |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern Cape | weldec2025 | boilermakec2025 |
| Free State | weldfs2025 | boilermakfs2025 |
| Kwa-Zulu Natal | weldkzn2025 | boilermakkzn2025 |
| Limpopo | weldlimp2025 | boilermaklimp2025 |
| Mpumalanga | weldmp2025 | boilermakmp2025 |
| Northern Cape | weldnc2025 | boilermaknc2025 |
| North West | weldnw2025 | boilermaknw2025 |
Minimum Requirements to Apply
To be considered for this programme, applicants must meet one of the following educational qualifications:
- Grade 12 (Matric) with Mathematics and Physical Science (NQF Level 4), or
- N2 – N6 Engineering Certificate with four relevant subjects including trade theory, or
- Technical Matric including Maths, Science, and trade theory, or
- NCV Level 3/4 Engineering Certificate with seven subjects and relevant trade theory
Additional Non-Academic Requirements
- Technical understanding of chosen trade
- Willingness to work in a team
- Ability to follow instructions and apply practical skills
- Must be medically fit
- Must pass security clearance, qualification verification, and technical assessments
- Must be willing to attend interviews and training at designated locations
Read more: PSV Circular 11 of 2025: Available Government Vacancies in South Africa 2025
Who Can Apply?
The opportunity is strictly for:
- South African citizens aged 18 to 35 years
- Unemployed youth who have not previously been funded by NSF for any apprenticeship programme
- Residents of the following provinces:
- Eastern Cape
- Free State
- KwaZulu-Natal
- Limpopo
- Mpumalanga
- Northern Cape
- North West
Note: Individuals with disabilities are highly encouraged to apply. NLA is committed to inclusivity and aims to provide equal opportunities to everyone, regardless of background or physical challenges.
Duration and Benefits
Programme Duration
The apprenticeship will run for a period of three years under a Section 18.2 contract. This includes classroom instruction, workplace exposure, and assessments.
Benefits for Successful Applicants
- Free accommodation provided during training
- Monthly stipend to cover transport, food, and personal costs
- Access to industry-standard tools and equipment
- Practical experience under the guidance of qualified mentors
- A potential career pathway in a high-demand trade
Also check: Alpha Technical Engineering Apprenticeship 2025
How to Apply
Follow these steps carefully:
Step 1: Prepare Documents
Make sure your application includes:
- A well-structured CV
- Certified copy of your South African ID
- Certified copies of all educational certificates
- Proof of residence (municipal account or affidavit)
Step 2: Choose the Correct Reference Number
Each trade and province has a specific reference number that must be included in the subject line of your application email. For example:
- KwaZulu-Natal – Welder: weldkzn2025
- Free State – Millwright: millwrfs2025
- Mpumalanga – Electrician: electricmp2025
Applications submitted without the correct reference will not be considered.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Send your application documents to:
Email Address: inforNLA@necsa.co.za
Subject Line: Use the relevant reference number (e.g. “electrickzn2025”)
Important Notes:
- No hand deliveries will be accepted
- Closing date: 17 April 2025
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
- If you do not hear back within 14 days after the closing date, consider your application unsuccessful
Contact Information for Inquiries
If you need help understanding the requirements or how to apply, you can contact the following numbers during office hours:
- Telephone: 012 305 3304
- Telephone: 012 305 3328
- Telephone: 012 305 3901
