The EThekwini Municipality Engineering Apprenticeship 2025–2026 offers an incredible opportunity for South African youth who aspire to build successful careers in the technical and engineering fields. This prestigious apprenticeship program is part of EThekwini Municipality’s ongoing commitment to empowering young people through skills development, practical training, and sustainable employment opportunities.
With Durban and surrounding areas under its administration, the EThekwini Municipality continues to invest in programs that build technical capacity and create a skilled workforce capable of maintaining and improving the city’s essential infrastructure. If you’re passionate about engineering and want a hands-on experience that blends theory with practice, this is the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.
🏙️ About EThekwini Municipality
EThekwini Municipality governs one of South Africa’s most dynamic metropolitan regions — Durban, a hub for trade, tourism, and industrial growth. The municipality manages critical services such as water, sanitation, electricity, transport, waste management, and public infrastructure.
To ensure that these essential services run efficiently, EThekwini invests in human capital through apprenticeships, internships, and learnership programs. These programs provide training and work exposure to unemployed youth, preparing them for full-time employment in technical and engineering careers.
The Engineering Apprenticeship 2025–2026 is one of the most anticipated municipal training opportunities, designed to equip participants with practical skills and national certifications recognized across the industry.
⚙️ What the Engineering Apprenticeship Offers
The EThekwini Municipality Engineering Apprenticeship 2025–2026 focuses on developing skilled artisans and technicians in critical trades required for municipal operations. Apprentices gain hands-on experience working on infrastructure projects while receiving formal theoretical instruction at accredited training centers.
🔧 Available Apprenticeship Fields
The municipality typically offers apprenticeships in the following disciplines:
- Electrical Engineering (Heavy Current & Light Current)
- Mechanical Engineering (Fitting, Turning, Welding, and Boilermaking)
- Civil Engineering (Construction and Maintenance)
- Plumbing and Pipefitting
- Automotive and Diesel Mechanics
- Air-conditioning and Refrigeration
- Instrumentation and Control
Apprentices are trained to work with professional municipal engineers and artisans on real infrastructure maintenance and development projects, giving them a strong foundation in their chosen trade.
🎯 Objectives of the Apprenticeship
The main goals of the EThekwini Engineering Apprenticeship include:
- Providing Practical Experience: Bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world applications.
- Building Employable Skills: Developing technical expertise to meet South Africa’s growing need for qualified artisans.
- Promoting Youth Empowerment: Offering unemployed young people a pathway to sustainable careers.
- Supporting Municipal Efficiency: Ensuring the city has a pool of skilled professionals to maintain and expand essential infrastructure.
This program not only benefits participants but also contributes to the city’s long-term development goals and economic growth.
🧑🎓 Who Can Apply
The apprenticeship is open to unemployed South African youth who are passionate about engineering and technical trades. Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be between 18 and 35 years old.
- Hold a Grade 12 (Matric) certificate with passes in Mathematics, Physical Science, and English.
- Have completed an N2 or N3 certificate relevant to the trade (preferred).
- Be willing to undergo a trade test and medical examination if required.
- Reside within the EThekwini municipal area (proof of residence required).
Applicants with previous exposure to technical environments or a TVET background will be given preference.
🏗️ Benefits of Joining the EThekwini Engineering Apprenticeship
Participating in this program offers a wide range of benefits that extend beyond technical training:
- Comprehensive Training:
Apprentices receive both on-the-job practical training and theoretical classroom learning in their chosen engineering field. - National Certification:
Upon successful completion, participants obtain a National Trade Test Certificate accredited by the National Artisan Moderation Body (NAMB) and QCTO. - Monthly Stipend:
Apprentices receive a stipend throughout the training period to cover basic expenses. - Workplace Readiness:
Apprentices gain the discipline, teamwork, and communication skills required for professional work environments. - Employment Opportunities:
Top-performing apprentices may be absorbed into permanent technical positions within the municipality or qualify for private-sector roles.
🕒 Duration of the Apprenticeship
The EThekwini Municipality Engineering Apprenticeship 2025–2026 typically runs for 24 to 36 months (2 to 3 years), depending on the specific trade and training schedule. During this period, apprentices rotate between classroom-based training and fieldwork within different municipal departments.
🧾 How to Apply Online
The EThekwini Municipality encourages all applicants to use the online application system for the 2025–2026 intake. Follow these steps to apply:
- Visit the EThekwini Municipality Careers Page:
Go to the official website:
🔗 https://www.durban.gov.za - Navigate to the “Careers” Section:
Click on “eServices” or “Careers” from the main menu, then select “Apprenticeships & Learnerships.” - Find the Engineering Apprenticeship 2025–2026 Listing:
Look for the posting titled “Engineering Apprenticeship Programme 2025–2026” and click “Apply Online.” - Register or Log In:
Create an account on the portal if you’re a first-time applicant. Existing users can log in using their ID number and password. - Complete the Application Form:
Fill in your personal details, education background, and preferred trade. Attach certified copies of:- ID document
- Matric certificate
- N2/N3 certificate (if applicable)
- Proof of residence
- Updated CV
- Submit and Save Confirmation:
Review your application carefully before submitting. You’ll receive a confirmation email or application reference number once your submission is successful.
📅 Closing Date
Applications for the EThekwini Municipality Engineering Apprenticeship 2025–2026 close on 31 January 2026.
Late or incomplete applications will not be considered, so applicants are advised to apply early to avoid last-minute technical issues.
📞 Contact Information
For queries about the apprenticeship program, applicants can contact the municipality’s Skills Development Department: