The Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent (MISA) is offering valuable opportunities for young South Africans to gain practical experience through its Apprenticeship and Experiential Learnership Programme for 2026/2027. This initiative aims to equip unemployed youth, graduates, and students with essential skills in municipal infrastructure, operations, and maintenance. By providing hands-on training, MISA helps bridge the gap between academic learning and the demands of the professional world.
The program is divided into two main streams: the Apprenticeship Programme, which lasts for three years, and the Experiential Learnership Programme, designed for graduates and students needing workplace experience. Both programs are crucial for developing a skilled workforce capable of supporting South Africa’s municipal infrastructure development.
Apprenticeship Opportunities
The Apprenticeship Programme offers training in various trades essential for municipal infrastructure. These trades provide a solid foundation for a career in technical fields. Successful applicants will gain practical skills and knowledge over a three-year period.
Electrical Apprenticeship
For those interested in electrical work, the Electrical Apprenticeship is a key opportunity. Applicants need a strong academic background, such as a full N2 Engineering qualification with relevant trade theory, Engineering Science, Industrial Electronics, and Mathematics. Other acceptable qualifications include SETA-quality assured technical trade theory qualifications equivalent to NQF Level 3, a relevant NC(V) Engineering Certificate, Technical Grade 11, or an N6 Certificate or National Technical Diploma. The application email for this trade is [email protected], and applicants must quote the reference number Electrical 2026/01.
Plumbing Apprenticeship
The Plumbing Apprenticeship focuses on the essential skills needed for water and sanitation infrastructure. Similar to the electrical trade, applicants must meet specific academic requirements, including an N2 qualification, SETA NQF Level 3, NC(V), Technical Grade 11, N6 Certificate, or National Technical Diploma. Applications for this trade should be sent to [email protected] with the reference number Plumbing 2026/02.
Bricklaying Apprenticeship
Bricklaying is a fundamental trade in construction and infrastructure development. Applicants for the Bricklaying Apprenticeship must meet the recognized engineering or technical study pathways as outlined by MISA. The application email is [email protected], and the reference number is Bricklaying 2026/03.
Motor Mechanic Apprenticeship
The Motor Mechanic Apprenticeship provides training in the maintenance and repair of vehicles used in municipal services. Qualifying applicants typically need Technical Grade 12 with Mathematics, a full N2 Engineering qualification with relevant trade theory, or an N3 Engineering qualification with specific subjects and Motor trade theory. Applications should be emailed to [email protected] quoting reference number Motor Mechanic 2026/04.
Diesel Mechanic Apprenticeship
Similar to the motor mechanic role, the Diesel Mechanic Apprenticeship focuses on heavy-duty vehicles. Requirements include Technical Grade 12 with Mathematics, a full N2 Engineering qualification with relevant trade theory, or an N3 Engineering qualification with specific subjects and Diesel Mechanic Trade Theory. The application email for this position is [email protected], with the reference number Diesel Mechanic 2026/05.
Experiential Learnership Programme
The Experiential Learnership Programme is designed for unemployed graduates and students who need practical workplace experience to complete their studies or enhance their employability. This program offers valuable learning opportunities in fields critical to municipal infrastructure.
Electrical Learnership
For graduates and students requiring experience in electrical fields, MISA offers an Electrical Experiential Learnership. This program provides approximately two years of workplace learning. Applications should be sent to [email protected] with the reference number 2026a.
Civil Learnership
The Civil Learnership focuses on infrastructure development and maintenance. This opportunity is ideal for graduates and students in civil engineering or related fields. Applications for this program should be directed to [email protected] using the reference number 2026b.
Town & Regional Planning Learnership
MISA also provides an opportunity in Town & Regional Planning. This learnership is for individuals who need practical experience in urban and regional development planning. Applications must be emailed to [email protected] with the reference number 2026c.
The duration for the graduate experiential program is approximately two years of workplace learning. Work Integrated Learning (WIL) opportunities are available for students needing about 12 to 24 months of practical experience. Applicants can come from universities, universities of technology, or TVET Colleges, depending on the specific program requirements.
Application Requirements
To apply for either the Apprenticeship or Experiential Learnership Programme, candidates must submit a complete application package. This includes a completed MISA application form, the correct reference number for the chosen trade or field, and their preferred municipality. Applicants also need to provide an updated CV, certified copies of relevant qualifications, a certified copy of their South African ID, and proof of residential address. For WIL applicants, an institutional release or confirmation letter may be required. All documents must be submitted together in one application package; incomplete applications will not be considered.
The official MISA application form can be requested via email from [email protected].
Application Method and Closing Date
Applications must be sent to the specific email address provided for each trade or experiential program. Faxed, posted, or hand-delivered applications will not be accepted. Applicants should clearly indicate their preferred municipality and be prepared to relocate or rotate if necessary to gain sufficient workplace exposure. The application closing date for the MISA Apprenticeship and Experiential Learnership Programme 2026/2027 is 28 September 2026 at 16:00. Late applications will not be considered.
Conclusion
The MISA Apprenticeship and Experiential Learnership Programme 2026/2027 presents a significant opportunity for young South Africans to gain valuable practical experience and develop essential skills in municipal infrastructure. By offering structured training in various trades and fields, MISA is investing in the future workforce and contributing to the development of the nation’s infrastructure. Aspiring applicants are encouraged to review the requirements carefully and submit their applications before the closing date to take advantage of this beneficial program.
