AFGRI Artisan Training Opportunities for Unemployed Youth 2026 (X40 Posts)

Who can apply

• Minimum Qualification:
• To qualify, applicants must have:
• A valid driver’s licence
• Good communication skills
• Basic administrative ability
• Computer literacy
• Grade 12 with:
• English
• Mathematics or Technical Mathematics (Mathematical Literacy is not accepted)
• Advantageous subjects include:
• Engineering Science
• Physical Science
• Engineering Graphics and Design
• Diesel Trade Theory
• Motor Trade Theory
• These are not compulsory but improve selection chances.

How to apply

Applications are submitted directly to AFGRI Artisan Training Unemployed - we do not collect applications. Read the eligibility criteria, prepare your supporting documents, then complete your application on the official page.

Full details

South Africa’s agricultural and earthmoving machinery sectors continue to face a shortage of qualified artisans. If you are interested in becoming a tractor mechanic or earthmoving mechanic, the AFGRI Equipment Artisan Training Opportunities offers one of the most practical and structured entry routes into a high-demand technical career.

This 3-year artisan training opportunity combines workplace experience, technical learning, supplier-level product exposure, and SETA-supported trade qualification pathways. Importantly, it is designed for young South Africans with Matric Mathematics or Technical Mathematics, making it a strong alternative career route for those not pursuing university study.

Quick Overview

Programme: AFGRI Equipment Artisan Training Opportunities 2026 Reference Number: AO-2345 Number of Posts: X40 Closing Date: 30 September 2026 Duration: 3 years (maximum contract period 4 years) Probation Period: First 6 months Training Fields:

• Tractor Mechanic
• Earthmoving Mechanic

Training Authorities:

• AgriSETA
• MerSETA

Minimum Qualification:

• Grade 12 with Mathematics or Technical Mathematics
• Driver’s Licence: Required
• Training Cost: Covered if subjects are passed
• Work-Back Period: Equal to qualification period

About the AFGRI Artisan Training Opportunities Structure

The programme runs over 3 years of structured in-service training.

Training includes:

Workplace technical exposure

• Equipment repair
• Preventative maintenance
• Diagnostics
• Parts handling
• workshop procedures

Formal learning phases

• practical institute attendance
• distance learning modules
• supplier-led training sessions

Internal AFGRI training support

• specialist mentoring
• structured assessments
• technical progression tracking

Some learning phases may include Saturday classes depending on programme requirements.

Understanding the 6-Month Probation Period

The first six months act as a mutual evaluation phase.

During this period:

AFGRI evaluates

• discipline
• technical aptitude
• teamwork ability
• workplace attitude

Apprentices evaluate

• career suitability
• workshop environment fit
• learning expectations

Either party may withdraw during this stage without penalties.

This protects both the employer and learner before entering the full apprenticeship contract.

Training Authorities Supporting the Programme

The apprenticeship is supported by:

AgriSETA and MerSETA

These SETAs regulate artisan development in South Africa.

They ensure:

• training quality standards
• qualification recognition
• workplace alignment with industry needs
• national trade certification pathways

This significantly strengthens your employability after completion.

What You Will Learn During the Apprenticeship

Apprentices receive structured exposure to:

• Mechanical diagnostics

Understanding machine failures and identifying repair solutions.

• Equipment servicing

Routine maintenance of agricultural and earthmoving machinery.

• Workshop systems

Tool usage, safety procedures and workflow management.

• Customer support

Communicating with operators and clients about equipment issues.

• Stock control

Managing parts and workshop inventory.

• Administrative coordination

Recording service activities and maintenance documentation.

Duties of an AFGRI Apprentice

During the apprenticeship you will:

Train toward qualification as:

• Tractor Mechanic
• Earthmoving Mechanic
• Perform equipment servicing tasks
• Support workshop operations
• Assist with spare parts handling
• Participate in stock control systems
• Provide customer support assistance
• Complete general workplace responsibilities

Minimum Requirements

To qualify, applicants must have:

• A valid driver’s licence
• Good communication skills
• Basic administrative ability
• Computer literacy

Grade 12 with:

• English
• Mathematics or Technical Mathematics (Mathematical Literacy is not accepted)

Advantageous subjects include:

• Engineering Science
• Physical Science
• Engineering Graphics and Design
• Diesel Trade Theory
• Motor Trade Theory

These are not compulsory but improve selection chances.

Behavioural Competencies AFGRI Is Looking For

Successful candidates are typically:

• Highly motivated
• Detail-oriented
• Team players
• Goal-driven
• Reliable under deadlines
• Committed to technical learning

Artisan training requires discipline and consistency over multiple years.

Important Training Cost Rules You Must Understand

Training is free if you pass.

However:

• Failed subjects must be repeated at your own cost
• Failed modules may delay qualification
• Work-back obligations apply after training completion

If you leave early:

• you may be required to repay training costs
• The work-back period equals the duration of your apprenticeship training.

Example:

3-year training = 3-year work-back period

Where Apprentices May Be Placed

Placements may occur at AFGRI branches across South Africa including:

• Polokwane
• Bethlehem
• Brits
• Middelburg
• George
• Bellville
• Pietermaritzburg
• Empangeni
• Kempton Park
• Nelspruit
• Tzaneen
• Kokstad

Placement depends on operational needs.

Applicants should be prepared to relocate if required

How to Apply

APPLY FOR THE ARTISAN TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES 2026 (X40 POSTS) HERE

Edupstairs Advice for Applicants

This apprenticeship is ideal if you:

• enjoy working with machinery
• prefer practical learning over classroom study
• want a stable artisan career
• are comfortable working in workshop environments
• have strong technical curiosity
• To improve your chances:
• revise basic mechanical concepts
• prepare for screening questions carefully
• demonstrate motivation during interviews
• highlight technical school subjects in your CV

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Is this a paid apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships usually include structured training support and may include stipends depending on training phase alignment.

• Do I need Engineering Graphics and Design?

No. It improves your chances but is not compulsory.

• Is Mathematical Literacy accepted?

No. Mathematics or Technical Mathematics is required.

• Can I apply without a driver’s licence?

No. A valid licence is compulsory.

• Will AFGRI pay for all training?

Yes, if you pass all subjects.

Failed modules must be paid for by the apprentice.

• Can I withdraw during training?

Yes, but repayment of training costs may apply after probation.

CLOSING DATE: 30 SEPTEMBER 2026

You can also:

Disclaimer

Edupstairs shares verified opportunity information to help young South Africans access training and employment pathways. We are not involved in recruitment or selection processes. Always apply through the official AFGRI recruitment platform and never pay application fees.

EDUPSTAIRS IS A REGISTERED NON-PROFIT ORGANISATION NPO No: 232 - 182, PUBLIC BENEFIT ORGANISATION (PBO): 930066984. EDUPSTAIRS DOES NOT, IN ANY WAY OR FORM, SOLICIT MONEY OR CV’S FROM PEOPLE FOR JOBS. PLEASE BE AWARE OF PHONY JOB POSTINGS AND RECRUITMENT FRAUD. USE THE EDUPSTAIRS SCAM DETECTOR TOOL TO SPOT A SCAM BEFORE YOU APPLY

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Sources

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