Bellville Mechanical Workshop Apprenticeship

Note: We're hiring! Apply for the Artisan Apprenticeship (Fitter and Turner): Construction and Maintenance at the Bellville Mechanical Workshop.

The Department of Transport and Public Works offers a four year apprenticeship programme to prepare students for the working world.

When qualified, apprentices can study further at a higher education institution (HEI) toward becoming a mechanical engineering technician or an engineer.

The department can also employ apprentices as artisans. They are recognised and covered by the Occupation Specific Dispensation (OSD) if offered this opportunity. In this case, artisans are eligible for higher posts and higher grades in current posts.

Apprentices develop skills in the following areas at the workshop:

• Occupation Health and Safety Act.
• Safety in the Workplace.
• Basic Hydraulics.
• Basic Auto Electricity.
• Diesel Injector Servicing.
• Abnormal Load Transportation.
• General repairs to earthmoving machinery.
• Servicing and maintenance of road construction machinery.
• Ground engaging tools and implements.
• Basic welding.
• Basic fitting and turning.
• Basic spray painting.

Accreditation
 

The apprenticeship is registered with the Manufacturing and Engineering Related Sectorial Education and Training Authority (Merseta). The apprentice signs a four year contract with Merseta which is approved by the Department of Labour.

Participant requirements

• Technical Matric Certificate or technical equivalent certificate (N3 or N4 college certificate).
• Under 21 years old.
• A pass mark in Mathematics and Physical Science.
• Preference will be given to applicants who show more technical ability and knowledge i.e. Mechanical Technology and Engineering Graphics and Design.

Each year of the four-year apprenticeship consists of the following stages:

1. 3-month combination of intensive practical and theoretical training.
2. 3-month at technical college doing the National Technical Certificate (NTC) courses.
3. 6 months practical training in one of the Department’s workshops.

As apprentices progress through the programme they are given increasing levels of responsibility until they qualify as an artisan.

How to apply
 

The Bellville Mechanical Workshop Apprenticeship is advertised in various newspapers in the Western Cape and on the Western Cape Government website at different times throughout the year.

The Department of Transport and Public Works advertises the apprenticeship annually  to students at different technical colleges in the province.

Contact Details

Tel: 021 959 7700
Address: Department of Transport and Public Works, Bellville Workshop, Robert Sobukwe Drive, Bellville
Email: Transport.Publicworks@westerncape.gov.za
Twitter: @WCGovTPW 

VIDEO: The Bellville Mechanical Workshop Apprenticeship

Read more on youth development and job creation at the Department of Transport and Public Works:

• Youth Month 2015
• Career building opportunities at the Department of Transport and Public Works
• Learning Programmes at Gene Louw Traffic College
• Masakh'iSizwe Bursary Programme
• Expanded Public Works Programme
• National Youth Service
• Contractor Development Programme

Bellville Mechanical Workshop Apprenticeship in the News:

• Bellville Workshop Welcomes Apprentices to Skills Training Programme.
• Bellville Workshop Apprentices Set for Skilled Artisans' Careers.