SAA Technical Apprenticeship and Learnership Programme 2026 – Applications Close 3 February

Looking for a way to start a career in aviation without going to university? The SAA Technical Apprenticeship and Learnership Programme 2026 might be exactly what you need. This programme, run by South African Airways Technical (SAAT), trains young people to become skilled workers who fix and maintain aircraft. You will learn real skills, work with actual planes, and get qualifications that are recognised across South Africa. If you have always been curious about how planes work or enjoy working with your hands, this could be your chance to turn that interest into a proper career.

What Is This Programme All About?

The SAA Technical Apprenticeship and Learnership Programme is a training initiative that teaches young South Africans how to work on aircraft. SAAT is the part of South African Airways that handles all the maintenance, repairs, and overhauls of their planes. They need skilled people to do this work, and that is where you come in.

This is not some quick weekend course. The programme takes time and covers everything from classroom lessons to actual hands-on work with real aircraft. You will be trained by experienced professionals who know what they are doing. By the end, you could become a qualified artisan in the aviation field.

Why Should You Care About This Opportunity?

South Africa does not have enough trained technical workers, especially in areas like aviation where safety rules are strict and the work requires a lot of skill. Planes need constant maintenance to stay safe, and there are not enough people to do this work.

This programme helps fix that problem while also giving you a solid career path. Here is what makes it worth your time:

You will learn skills that are in high demand. You could get a job that lasts for years, not just months. You will be part of keeping South Africa’s aviation industry running. You might become one of the people who keeps aircraft safe for passengers.

This is about building a real future for yourself, not just getting a certificate to hang on your wall.

What Trades Can You Learn?

When you join this programme, you will be trained in a specific trade. The exact one depends on what SAAT needs and how well you do in your assessments. Here are some of the areas you could end up working in:

Aircraft Welding

This is all about joining metal parts together to make aircraft structures. You will learn special welding techniques that meet strict safety rules. Every weld has to be perfect because lives depend on it.

Aircraft Spray Painting

Painting planes is not just about making them look good. The paint actually protects the aircraft from rust and damage. You will learn how to prepare surfaces properly and use materials that are approved for aviation.

Aircraft Trimming

This trade focuses on the inside of the plane. Think seats, safety equipment, and cabin parts. Everything has to be fitted correctly and safely.

Composite Structures

Modern planes use a lot of lightweight materials called composites. You will learn how to repair and maintain these parts, which are becoming more common in newer aircraft.

All of these trades require you to be careful, accurate, and serious about following safety rules.

Who Can Apply?

This programme is for young South Africans who have a good foundation in technical subjects and really want to work in aviation.

What You Need Academically

You must have one of these:

A Grade 12 certificate with Mathematics (they prefer Pure Maths), Physical Science, and English.

Or an N3 qualification with subjects like Mathematics and Engineering Science.

Other Things You Need

You must be a South African citizen. You need to be able to speak and write in English clearly. You should pay attention to small details because this work does not allow for mistakes. You must be willing to follow safety and security rules. You should actually enjoy technical and mechanical work.

Just because you meet these requirements does not mean you will automatically get in. Many people apply, so they only pick the best candidates.

How Does the Training Work?

The programme has a clear structure that mixes learning in a classroom with real work experience.

Classroom Learning

You will sit in classes where you learn about technical theory, safety rules, aviation standards, and the basics of your specific trade. This gives you the knowledge you need before you start working on actual aircraft.

Hands-On Training

This is where things get exciting. You will work at SAAT’s facilities under the supervision of qualified artisans. You will see how things work in real life and learn by doing actual tasks.

Testing Your Progress

Throughout the programme, your trainers will check how you are doing through practical tests, workplace evaluations, and competency assessments. This makes sure you are actually learning what you need to know.

Where Will You Train?

Most of the training happens in Gauteng, where SAAT has its main facilities. If you live far away, you need to be ready to move or travel to this area for your training.

Will You Get Paid?

The exact details can change depending on funding, but these programmes usually include a monthly stipend to help you cover your basic costs. You will also likely get protective clothing and safety gear, plus access to training materials.

Do not trust any information about money unless it comes directly from SAA Technical through official channels.

When Do Applications Close?

You must submit your application before 3 February 2026. They will not accept late applications, and if your application is incomplete, they might throw it out. Do yourself a favour and apply early so you do not run into problems at the last minute.

How Do You Apply?

You need to go through the official SAA Technical eRecruit portal. Here is what the process usually looks like:

First, create an account and set up your profile. Then fill out the application form completely. Upload the documents they ask for, including a certified copy of your ID, your CV, and your academic certificates or transcripts. If they give you the option, select which trade areas interest you most.

Click here to apply on the official SAAT careers portal

Only people who make the shortlist will be contacted for the next steps.

What Happens After You Apply?

Because aviation is all about safety, the selection process is serious. If you make the shortlist, you might have to go through aptitude tests or psychometric assessments, interviews with the selection team, medical examinations to make sure you are physically fit for the work, and background and security checks.

They do all this to make sure they only accept people who can handle the demands of the job.

What Can You Do After Finishing the Programme?

Once you complete the SAA Technical Apprenticeship and Learnership Programme, you will have options. You could work as an artisan in aviation maintenance, find jobs in engineering and other technical industries, continue studying to get more qualifications, or build a long career in aircraft maintenance.

Even if you do not get a job right away, the experience and skills you gain are respected across many technical fields.

Watch Out for Scams

Some dishonest people try to take advantage of job seekers. Remember these things:

SAA Technical never charges money for applications. You should only apply through official websites. Real offers come through verified channels, not random messages.

If anyone asks you to pay money or register through an unofficial website, it is a scam. Report it and move on.

What Makes This Programme Special?

There are many training programmes out there, but this one stands out for several reasons. It has strong support from a respected organisation. It focuses on skills that South Africa really needs. It prepares you for actual work, not just theory. It can lead to a career that lasts for decades.

If you are interested in aviation, engineering, or technical work, this is one of the best ways to get your foot in the door.

One Last Thing

The SAA Technical Apprenticeship and Learnership Programme 2026 is a serious opportunity for serious people. Applications close on 3 February 2026, so do not wait until the last day. Get your documents ready now, make sure everything is correct, and submit your application as soon as you can.

This programme is about more than just learning a trade. It is about becoming part of the team that keeps South Africa’s aviation industry running safely and smoothly. If that sounds like something you want to be part of, now is the time to act.