The Necsa Learning Academy (NLA) is offering a golden opportunity for young, unemployed South Africans to apply for their 2025 Apprenticeship Programme. This initiative is specifically designed to equip youth with technical and professional training in various trades, giving them the chance to secure skilled employment in critical sectors such as manufacturing, mining, energy, and construction.
The programme provides comprehensive learning experiences, making it an ideal pathway for anyone passionate about hands-on work and career development.
NESCA Apprenticeship Opportunities Available
The NLA’s apprenticeship programme focuses on several essential occupational certificates (OCs) and trades. Participants will gain skills in the following areas:
Mechanical Trades
- Fitter and Turner
- Mechanical Fitter
- Toolmaker
- Metal Machinist
Electrical Trades
- Electrician
- Instrumentation
- Millwright
Fabrication Trades
- Boilermaker
- Welder
These trades are integral to South Africa’s industrial and infrastructure sectors. Upon completion of the apprenticeship, participants will be well-equipped to pursue careers in industries such as manufacturing, mining, energy, and construction, where their skills will be in high demand.
Reference Numbers by Province and Trade
Each trade and province is associated with a unique reference number. It is critical that applicants use the correct reference number when submitting their application. Failure to do so will result in the application not being considered.
Mechanical Trades Apprenticeship Opportunities by Province
| Trade | Eastern Cape | Free State | KwaZulu-Natal | Limpopo | Mpumalanga | Northern Cape | North West |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fitter & Turner | fitt&turnec2025 | fitt&turnfs2025 | fitt&turnkzn2025 | fitt&turnlimp2025 | fitt&turnmp2025 | fitt&turnnc2025 | fitt&turnnw2025 |
| Mechanical Fitter | mechfittec2025 | mechfittfs2025 | mechfittkzn2025 | mechfittlimp2025 | mechfittmp2025 | mechfittnc2025 | mechfittnw2025 |
| Metal Machinist | metmachec2025 | metmachfs2025 | metmachkzn2025 | metmachlimp2025 | metmachmp2025 | metmachnc2025 | metmachnw2025 |
| Toolmaker | toolmakec2025 | toolmakfs2025 | toolmakkzn2025 | toolmaklimp2025 | toolmakmp2025 | toolmaknc2025 | toolmaknw2025 |
Electrical Trades Apprenticeship Opportunities by Province
| Trade | Eastern Cape | Free State | KwaZulu-Natal | Limpopo | Mpumalanga | Northern Cape | North West |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician | electricec2025 | electricfs2025 | electrickzn2025 | electriclimp2025 | electricmp2025 | electricnc2025 | electricnw2025 |
| Instrumentation | instruec2025 | instrufs2025 | instrukzn2025 | instrulimp2025 | instrump2025 | instrunc2025 | instrunw2025 |
| Millwright | millwrec2025 | millwrfs2025 | millwrkzn2025 | millwrlimp2025 | millwrmp2025 | millwrnc2025 | millwrnw2025 |
Fabrication Trades Apprenticeship Opportunities by Province
| Trade | Eastern Cape | Free State | KwaZulu-Natal | Limpopo | Mpumalanga | Northern Cape | North West |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Welder | weldec2025 | weldfs2025 | weldkzn2025 | weldlimp2025 | weldmp2025 | weldnc2025 | weldnw2025 |
| Boilermaker | boilermakec2025 | boilermakfs2025 | boilermakkzn2025 | boilermaklimp2025 | boilermakmp2025 | boilermaknc2025 | boilermaknw2025 |
Minimum Requirements to Apply
To be eligible for this apprenticeship, candidates must meet at least one of the following educational requirements:
- Grade 12 (Matric) with Mathematics and Physical Science (NQF Level 4)
- N2 – N6 Engineering Certificate with four relevant subjects, including trade theory
- Technical Matric including Maths, Science, and trade theory
- NCV Level 3/4 Engineering Certificate with seven subjects and relevant trade theory
Additional Non-Academic Requirements
Applicants must also meet several non-academic criteria:
- Demonstrate technical understanding of their chosen trade
- Ability to work in a team and follow instructions
- Strong practical skills
- Medically fit
- Capable of passing security clearance, qualification verification, and technical assessments
- Willing to attend interviews and training at designated locations
Who Can Apply?
This apprenticeship opportunity is available to:
- South African citizens aged 18 to 35 years.
- Unemployed youth who have not been previously funded by NSF for any apprenticeship programme.
- Residents from the following provinces:
- Eastern Cape
- Free State
- KwaZulu-Natal
- Limpopo
- Mpumalanga
- Northern Cape
- North West
The programme is committed to inclusivity and encourages individuals with disabilities to apply. The NLA values equal opportunity and strives to provide a platform for all South African youth to advance in their careers.
Duration and Benefits
The apprenticeship will span three years and is structured under a Section 18.2 contract. The programme includes:
- Classroom instruction
- Workplace exposure
- Assessments
Benefits for Successful Applicants
- Free accommodation 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
How to Apply
To apply for this opportunity, applicants must follow these steps:
Step 1: Prepare Documents
Ensure that your application includes the following documents:
- 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. Applicants must ensure they include the correct reference number in their application subject line. For example:
- KwaZulu-Natal – Welder: weldkzn2025
- Free State – Millwright: millwrfs2025
- Mpumalanga – Electrician: electricmp2025
Applications submitted without the correct reference number 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 for applications: 17 April 2025.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
- If you do not hear from NLA within 14 days of the closing date, consider your application unsuccessful.
Contact Information for Inquiries
If you need further assistance or have questions regarding the application process, you can contact the following numbers during office hours:
- Telephone: 012 305 3304
- Telephone: 012 305 3328
- Telephone: 012 305 3901
The NESCA Apprenticeship Programme offers an incredible opportunity for young South Africans looking to gain technical skills and experience in highly sought-after trades. With the deadline fast approaching, those interested in advancing their careers should act quickly.
Remember to submit your application before 17 April 2025, and ensure you include all the required documents and the correct reference number. Best of luck to all applicants!