The Chart Industries Engineering Apprenticeship Programme 2026 is one of the exciting artisan development opportunities currently available for unemployed South African youth who want to build careers in the engineering and manufacturing industry. The programme is offered through Howden South Africa, which forms part of Chart Industries, a globally recognised engineering company known for industrial air and gas handling solutions. The apprenticeship programme provides practical workplace experience, technical exposure, and structured artisan training in important engineering trades that are highly demanded across South Africa.
This apprenticeship programme is ideal for candidates who have completed Grade 12, N2, or N3 engineering studies and are passionate about becoming qualified artisans. The programme focuses on developing technical skills while giving apprentices the opportunity to work alongside experienced artisans in real industrial environments. Successful applicants will receive hands-on training combined with theoretical learning over a four-year period.
Fields Offered
The Chart Industries Engineering Apprenticeship Programme 2026 offers training opportunities in the following artisan fields:
- Boilermaker
- Welder
- Mechanical Fitter
There are five apprenticeship positions available in total:
- 2 Boilermaker positions
- 1 Welder position
- 2 Mechanical Fitter positions
These trades are essential in the engineering, mining, manufacturing, and industrial maintenance sectors. Apprentices will gain valuable technical skills that can help them secure long-term employment opportunities after completing the programme.
Location
The apprenticeship opportunities are available in the following South African locations:
- Booysens, Johannesburg, Gauteng
- Arnot, Mpumalanga
- Kendal, Mpumalanga
The Gauteng placements are mainly for Boilermaker and Welder apprenticeships, while the Mechanical Fitter opportunities are based in Mpumalanga.
Requirements
To qualify for the Chart Industries Engineering Apprenticeship Programme 2026, applicants are expected to meet several important requirements. Candidates should have a strong technical interest and willingness to learn within an industrial environment.
Minimum requirements include:
- Grade 12 (Matric)
- N2 or N3 Engineering qualification relevant to the trade
- Good communication skills
- Technical and mechanical aptitude
- Ability to work well in a team
- Attention to detail
- Problem-solving skills
- South African citizenship
- Must be unemployed
- Medically fit for industrial work
- No criminal record
- Willingness to undergo psychometric assessments
Applicants are also encouraged to prepare the following documents before applying:
- Updated CV
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Certified academic results
- Copies of engineering qualifications
The company is looking for motivated young people who are eager to build careers in technical and artisan professions.
Training and Experience
One of the biggest advantages of this apprenticeship programme is the combination of practical workplace exposure and formal technical learning. Apprentices will work under qualified artisans and learn how engineering operations function in real industrial environments.
Training will include:
- Workshop and plant exposure
- Maintenance and repair techniques
- Welding and fabrication skills
- Mechanical fitting practices
- Safety procedures
- Engineering problem-solving
- Technical theory and assessments
This structured approach helps apprentices gain both practical and theoretical knowledge needed to qualify as artisans in South Africa’s engineering industry.
Why This Apprenticeship Matters
South Africa continues to face a shortage of skilled artisans in engineering and maintenance trades. Programmes like the Chart Industries Apprenticeship Programme help address this challenge by developing future technical professionals. Apprenticeships also improve employment opportunities for young people by giving them real work experience while they learn.
Candidates who successfully complete the programme can pursue careers in industries such as:
- Manufacturing
- Mining
- Power generation
- Construction
- Industrial maintenance
- Engineering services
Qualified artisans are highly valuable in South Africa and internationally, making this a strong long-term career opportunity.
Application Process
Applications for the Chart Industries Engineering Apprenticeship Programme 2026 must be submitted online through the company’s official careers portal.
Direct Application Link
Apply for Chart Industries Apprenticeship Programme
Applicants should search for the “Apprenticeship Programme 2026” listing under Johannesburg or South Africa opportunities.
Contact Numbers
For company and recruitment enquiries, applicants may contact Howden South Africa through the following numbers:
- Johannesburg Office: +27 11 240 4000
- Middelburg Office: +27 13 246 8400
- Sasolburg Office: +27 16 986 0795
Closing Date (active )
The official apprenticeship advertisements indicate that applications are currently open during the 2026 intake period. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible before positions are filled because engineering apprenticeship opportunities are highly competitive in South Africa.