Build Your Future in Engineering and Manufacturing
What Are merSETA Skills Development Programmes?
The merSETA Skills Development Programmes are designed to open doors for unemployed youth and working professionals in the manufacturing and engineering sectors. Backed by the Department of Higher Education and Training, merSETA (Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority) offers a range of opportunities to gain practical training, stipends, and recognized qualifications.
From learnerships and apprenticeships to bursaries and internships, these programmes cater to those who are eager to grow within South Africa’s industrial landscape.
The Purpose Behind the Programmes
The core aim of merSETA’s initiatives is to reduce the shortage of technical and engineering skills across the country. By funding training programmes and accrediting providers, merSETA supports the National Skills Development Strategy.
Ultimately, these efforts serve to boost employment prospects and economic productivity in vital industries such as automotive manufacturing, metal engineering, plastics, tyre production, and motor retail. With support extended to over 44,000 companies and nearly 600,000 workers, merSETA plays a key role in upskilling the nation.
Programme Types and Structure
merSETA offers various training options, each tailored to specific career paths and education levels. Here’s how they break down:
Learnerships
- Qualification: NQF Level 2–5 (e.g., Welding, Automotive Manufacturing)
- Duration: 12–24 months
- Eligibility: Grade 12 with Mathematics and Science
- Stipend: R3,000–R5,500 per month
Apprenticeships
- Qualification: NQF Level 2–5 (e.g., Toolmaking, Boilermaking)
- Duration: 24–36 months
- Eligibility: Grade 12 with Mathematics and Science
- Stipend: R3,000–R5,500 per month
Bursaries
- Focus Areas: Degrees like BEng Mechanical or Electrical Engineering
- Duration: 1–4 years
- Eligibility: Grade 12 with Mathematics and Science, tertiary acceptance required
- Funding: Up to R80,000 for tuition, books, and accommodation
Internships
- Qualification: NQF Level 6–8 (e.g., Motor Mechanics, Industrial Engineering)
- Duration: 12–24 months
- Eligibility: Relevant diploma or degree
- Stipend: R3,000–R5,500 per month
Skills Programmes
- Type: Short courses (e.g., CNC Programming, Quality Control)
- Duration: 1–6 months
- Eligibility: Grade 12 with Mathematics and Science
- Funding: Partial funding (no stipend)
Each of these programmes combines classroom learning with hands-on experience and ends with nationally recognized qualifications.
What You’ll Be Doing
For Learnerships and Apprenticeships
- Take part in engineering tasks such as welding, assembly, or toolmaking
- Attend training sessions and complete assessments
- Follow workplace safety rules and industry regulations
For Bursary Recipients
- Focus on your studies and maintain solid academic results
- Complete coursework in your chosen engineering field
For Internships
- Assist with production, quality assurance, or design
- Participate in technical support and maintenance
- Join mentorship and skills development activities
What You Get in Return
By joining merSETA programmes, you can expect:
- A monthly stipend of R3,000 to R5,500 (for learnerships, internships, and apprenticeships)
- Bursaries covering education costs up to R80,000
- Accredited NQF-level qualifications
- Greater chances of employment in high-demand sectors
- Access to expert mentorship and certified training institutions
Do You Qualify?
To apply, you must:
- Be a South African citizen with a valid ID
- Be between the ages of 18 and 35 (applies to most programmes)
- Hold a Grade 12 with Mathematics and Science (required for most programmes)
- Have tertiary acceptance for bursaries or a diploma/degree for internships
- Be unemployed or currently employed in a relevant sector
- Have a clean criminal record
Who Gets Preference?
While applications are open to all qualified individuals, merSETA gives preference to:
- Candidates from Employment Equity groups (Black, Coloured, Indian, women, persons with disabilities)
- Residents of Gauteng, Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and key industrial zones
- Applicants who demonstrate long-term commitment to completing the programme
What Skills Will Help You Succeed?
Strong candidates typically have:
- Good technical and problem-solving skills
- A genuine interest in engineering and hands-on work
- Manual dexterity and attention to detail (especially for trades)
- Basic computer literacy and math skills
- A commitment to safety and following procedures
Why Choose merSETA?
merSETA doesn’t just offer training—it offers transformation. Whether you’re fresh out of high school or looking to enhance your current skill set, these programmes equip you with real-world experience, meaningful qualifications, and access to jobs in key sectors of the economy.
You won’t just be learning—you’ll be building the future.
How to Apply
To apply for any merSETA Skills Development Programme, follow these steps carefully:
Submission Deadline:
Applications should be submitted by early 2026—
Where to Apply:
Email:
Send your documents to: info@merseta.org.za
In Person:
Metropolitan Park, Block C,
8 Hillside Road, Parktown,
Johannesburg, 2193
By Post:
PO Box 61826,
Marshalltown, 2107
Required Documents:
- Your updated CV
- Certified copy of your ID
- Certified copies of your highest qualification(s)
- Proof of residence (certified, not older than 6 months)
- If applying for a bursary: Proof of university acceptance
Be sure to clearly indicate which programme you are applying for (e.g., “Apprenticeship: Toolmaking” or “Bursary: BEng Mechanical”). Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
What Happens After You Apply?
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted within 60–90 days of the deadline. Background checks—such as ID verification, qualification checks, and criminal record clearance—will be conducted. If you don’t hear back within 90 days, unfortunately, your application was not successful. Remember: there are no application fees, so beware of scammers.
Contact Details
General Enquiries:
📧 info@merseta.org.za
📞 +27 10 219 3000 or 0861 637 738
Office Address:
Metropolitan Park, Block C,
8 Hillside Road, Parktown, Johannesburg
Postal Address:
PO Box 61826,
Marshalltown, 2107
For more information, visit the official merSETA website at: www.merseta.org.za