Columbus Stainless Apprenticeship Learnership Programme: A Long-Term Career Path in Plant Maintenance

Columbus Stainless (Pty) Ltd has opened applications for its Apprenticeship Learnership Programme, offering young South Africans an opportunity to build a stable, long-term career in plant maintenance within one of the country’s leading stainless steel producers. Based in Middelburg, Mpumalanga, this programme is designed for individuals who are practical, technically minded, and eager to grow within an industrial environment.

This apprenticeship is not about short-term training. It is a structured development pathway aimed at producing highly skilled artisans who can contribute meaningfully to the operations and future success of Columbus Stainless.

About Columbus Stainless (Pty) Ltd

Columbus Stainless is one of South Africa’s top stainless steel manufacturers, operating within a highly technical and competitive industrial environment. The company places strong emphasis on skills development, internal growth, and long-term employee success.

By investing in apprenticeship learnerships, Columbus Stainless ensures that critical technical skills are transferred to the next generation while offering young people a real opportunity to enter the manufacturing and maintenance sector with proper training and workplace exposure.

Apprenticeship Learnership Overview

The Columbus Stainless Apprenticeship Learnership is a contract-based training programme focused on plant maintenance and equipment care. Successful candidates are trained over an extended period, allowing them to gain both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience in a real production environment.

Programme Details

• Company: Columbus Stainless (Pty) Ltd
• Programme Type: Apprenticeship Learnership
• Location: Middelburg, Mpumalanga
• Contract Type: Fixed-term learnership
• Duration: Three years or longer
• Work Level: Student / Graduate
• Salary: Market-related
• Employment Equity Position: No
• Reference Number: AppyExt

Minimum Requirements

Applicants do not need extensive work experience, but they must meet the minimum academic and personal requirements set out by the company.

Educational Requirements

You must have one of the following:

• N3 or Matric with Mathematics and Science, with a minimum of 40% in each subject
• OR NCV Level 4 with 7 subjects, including Mathematics and Science, with a minimum of 40% in each

Personal and Legal Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be practical and logical in their approach to work
• Have a clear interest in equipment maintenance and technical work
• Be medically fit
• Be a South African citizen
• Be willing to work shifts and overtime when required

Preference will be given to candidates residing within the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality, in line with operational and community considerations.

What the Apprenticeship Offers

Successful applicants will receive structured training aimed at developing them into skilled plant maintenance professionals. The programme focuses on building competence, discipline, and technical confidence in a demanding industrial environment.

Training Focus Areas

Learners can expect exposure to:

• Plant and equipment maintenance principles
• Industrial safety practices
• Technical problem-solving
• Preventative and corrective maintenance
• Workplace discipline and professional conduct
• Long-term technical career development

This training prepares participants for a sustainable career in manufacturing and heavy industry.

Important Application Requirements

Applications must be complete. Incomplete submissions will not be considered.

You must include:

• Copies of all relevant qualifications
• Proof of residence within the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality
• A clearly indicated and active cell phone number on your CV for SMS communication

Failure to include all required documents will result in automatic disqualification.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted through the official Columbus Stainless recruitment platform.

To apply for this job please visit columbus.mcidirecthire.com.

Only applications submitted through this platform will be accepted.

Closing Date

Applications close on 25 December 2025.

If you are not contacted within six weeks after the closing date, your application should be regarded as unsuccessful.

Important Notice to Applicants

Columbus Stainless and its representatives never request any payment from job seekers. Any such requests should be treated as fraudulent.

By applying, you consent to the processing of your personal information in accordance with POPIA. Columbus Stainless commits to handling all personal data confidentially and only for recruitment purposes.

Conclusion

The Columbus Stainless Apprenticeship Learnership Programme offers more than just training. It provides a structured pathway into a skilled technical career within one of South Africa’s leading industrial companies. For young people with the right academic background, technical interest, and commitment to hard work, this programme represents a genuine opportunity to build a future in plant maintenance and manufacturing.

If you meet the requirements and are serious about developing long-term technical skills, this apprenticeship is well worth applying for.