MERSETA is the Sector Education and Training Authority for manufacturing, engineering and related services — the sector that includes automotive plants, metals, plastics and engineering workshops. An important thing to understand: a SETA is usually not the employer. MERSETA funds and accredits learnerships, apprenticeships and bursaries that are hosted at companies in its sector, from vehicle manufacturers to small engineering firms, alongside a smaller number of posts at MERSETA itself. If you want an artisan trade — fitting, welding, motor mechanics, toolmaking — MERSETA-funded programmes are one of the main doors in. Listings below include both MERSETA's own posts and MERSETA-funded programmes at host employers. Not sure how learnerships and apprenticeships differ? Read our guide before you choose.
Learnership vs Internship vs Apprenticeship vs Bursary: Which Is Right for You?
Our archive has 7 MERSETA adverts in it, the earliest from June 2026 and the latest from October 2026.
6 of the 7 are still open; the other 1 have closed.
The mix is broad: 3 apprenticeships, 2 bursaries, 1 internship and 1 learnership.
The recruiting is spread across 5 places — Gauteng (2), nationwide postings (2), Eastern Cape (1), KwaZulu-Natal (1) and Western Cape (1).
Nothing new has arrived since October 2026.
71% of the adverts ask for matric, though the range runs from matric up to a degree at NQF 7.
Applicants get room here: a median of 141 days from publication to closing, over 4 adverts giving both dates.
Worked out by SetaJobs from the 7 MERSETA adverts we hold, including programmes it funds at host employers — 6 open, 1 closed.
ALPLA Lanseria in Gauteng, the programme is designed to
ALPLA Lanseria in Gauteng is offering a structured Plastics Apprenticeship Programme for 2026. This opportunity is designed for individuals seeking…
Grade 12 / Matric
ApprenticeshipThe SARB established this bursary scheme to help address the severe shortage of skills in South Africa by supporting students from disadvantaged…
Degree (NQF 7)
BursaryThis bursary is part of Toyota's broader commitment to identify and develop emerging talent that can contribute to the future of mobility in Africa.…
Grade 12 / Matric
BursaryThe Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services SETA (merSETA) funds boilermaker apprenticeships with host employers across the East Rand,…
R5 000 – R6 500 / month
Apprenticeship
Volkswagen Group South Africa
Volkswagen Group South Africa offers a mechatronics learnership at its Kariega (Uitenhage) plant, blending mechanical, electrical and automation…
R5 500 – R6 500 / month
LearnershipToyota South Africa Motors
Toyota South Africa Motors runs a merSETA-registered motor mechanic apprenticeship at its Prospecton plant near Durban, the largest vehicle…
R5 500 – R7 000 / month
ApprenticeshipApply safely: MERSETA never charges application fees — anyone asking for money to "secure" a post is running a scam. Check our guide on how to spot job and learnership scams before you share personal documents.
