Closing Date: Varies (early 2026, typically March for bursaries, check merSETA announcements)
Location: Parktown, Gauteng; Cape Town, Western Cape; Durban, KwaZulu-Natal; industrial areas
Programme Types: Learnerships, Apprenticeships, Bursaries, Internships, Skills Programmes
Start Date: To be confirmed (2025/2026)
Stipend: R3,000–R5,500 per month for learnerships/apprenticeships/internships (estimated)
Bursary Value: Up to R80,000 for tuition, books, accommodation (estimated)
Join merSETA Skills Development Programmes 2025/2026! Learnerships, apprenticeships, bursaries, and internships for unemployed youth in manufacturing and engineering, offering stipends and qualifications. Apply by early 2026!
About merSETA Skills Development Programmes
The Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority (merSETA) empowers unemployed youth and sector employees by addressing scarce skills in manufacturing and engineering. Funded by the Department of Higher Education and Training, merSETA facilitates training in five subsectors: metal and engineering, auto-manufacturing, motor retail and component manufacturing, tyre manufacturing, and plastics industries, offering learnerships, apprenticeships, bursaries, internships, and skills programmes in fields like Toolmaking, Welding, and Automotive Manufacturing.
Programme Purpose
merSETA’s programmes aim to fulfill the National Skills Development Strategy by disbursing grants, identifying scarce skills, accrediting providers, and monitoring training quality. By funding learnerships, apprenticeships, and bursaries, merSETA closes skills gaps in manufacturing and engineering, supporting approximately 44,000 companies and a 600,000-strong workforce.
Programme Structure
| Programme | Qualification | Duration | Eligibility | Funding |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Learnerships | NQF Level 2–5 (e.g., Welding, Automotive Manufacturing) | 12–24 months | Grade 12 with Mathematics and Science | R3,000–R5,500/month stipend |
| Apprenticeships | NQF Level 2–5 (e.g., Toolmaking, Boilermaking) | 24–36 months | Grade 12 with Mathematics and Science | R3,000–R5,500/month stipend |
| Bursaries | Undergraduate (e.g., BEng Mechanical, Electrical Engineering) | 1–4 years | Grade 12 with Mathematics and Science, tertiary acceptance | Up to R80,000 (tuition, books, accommodation) |
| Internships | NQF Level 6–8 (e.g., Industrial Engineering, Motor Mechanics) | 12–24 months | Diploma/Degree | R3,000–R5,500/month stipend |
| Skills Programmes | Short courses (e.g., CNC Programming, Quality Control) | 1–6 months | Grade 12 with Mathematics and Science | Partial funding, no stipend |
- Components: Theoretical training, practical experience, and assessments.
- Outcome: Nationally recognized NQF qualifications or certificates.
- Delivery: Through merSETA-accredited training providers.
Key Responsibilities
Learnerships and Apprenticeships
- Participate in manufacturing or engineering tasks (e.g., welding, toolmaking, assembly).
- Complete classroom-based training and workplace assessments.
- Adhere to safety and industry standards.
Bursaries
- Maintain academic performance and submit progress reports.
- Engage in engineering-related studies or projects.
Internships
- Support manufacturing processes, quality control, or engineering design.
- Assist in production, maintenance, or technical support tasks.
- Participate in mentorship and skills development workshops.
Benefits
- Stipends of R3,000–R5,500/month for learnerships, apprenticeships, and internships.
- Bursaries covering tuition, books, and accommodation (up to R80,000).
- Nationally recognized qualifications (NQF Level 2–8).
- Enhanced employability in manufacturing and engineering sectors.
- Access to mentorship and accredited training providers.
Eligibility Criteria
- South African citizen with a valid ID.
- Aged 18–35 for learnerships, apprenticeships, and bursaries; no age limit for internships.
- Grade 12 with Mathematics and Science for learnerships, apprenticeships, and skills programmes; Grade 12 with Mathematics and Science and tertiary acceptance for bursaries; diploma/degree for internships.
- Unemployed or employed in manufacturing/engineering sectors (depending on programme).
- No prior participation in the same merSETA programme.
- Clear criminal record, verified via background checks.
Preferences
- Candidates from Employment Equity groups (e.g., Black, Coloured, Indian, women, persons with disabilities).
- Residents of Gauteng, Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, or industrial areas.
- Commitment to completing the programme and contributing to the sector.
Skills and Attributes
- Strong problem-solving and technical skills.
- Interest in manufacturing and engineering and willingness to learn.
- Manual dexterity and attention to detail (learnerships/apprenticeships).
- Basic computer literacy and numeracy (all programmes).
- Commitment to safety and industry standards.
Why Join merSETA Skills Development Programmes?
merSETA Skills Development Programmes 2025/2026 offer unemployed youth and sector professionals a chance to gain nationally recognized qualifications, stipends, or bursary funding in high-demand industries. Participants will develop skills in toolmaking, welding, automotive manufacturing, or engineering, contributing to South Africa’s industrial growth while building rewarding careers.
Application Process
Submit your application by early 2026 (typically March for bursaries, check merSETA announcements) via email to info@merseta.org.za or hand-deliver to Metropolitan Park, Block C, 8 Hillside Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, 2193. Postal applications can be sent to PO Box 61826, Marshalltown, 2107. Include a CV, certified copies of your ID, qualifications (Grade 12, diploma/degree, or acceptance letter for bursaries), and proof of residence (certified within the last 6 months). Specify the programme (e.g., Apprenticeship: Toolmaking, Bursary: BEng Mechanical). Incomplete applications or late submissions will not be considered. For enquiries, contact info@merseta.org.za or +27 10 219 3000 / 0861 637 738. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted within 60–90 days of the closing date. Background checks (criminal record, citizenship, qualifications) will be conducted. If you do not hear back within 90 days, consider your application unsuccessful. No application fees are charged.
Contact Information
For enquiries, contact: info@merseta.org.za or +27 10 219 3000 / 0861 637 738. Physical: Metropolitan Park, Block C, 8 Hillside Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, 2193. Postal: PO Box 61826, Marshalltown, 2107