The Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent (MISA) invites applications for Apprenticeship and Experiential Learnership Skills Development Opportunities for the 2026/2027 financial year. The opportunities are aimed at unemployed youth, graduates and learners who require practical workplace experience or Work Integrated Learning (WIL) to complete their studies.
Successful candidates will be placed at MISA-identified municipalities and other relevant organisations to gain practical experience and develop technical skills related to municipal infrastructure operations and maintenance.
The programmes provide opportunities in several technical fields, including Electrical, Plumbing, Bricklaying, Motor Mechanic, Diesel Mechanic, Civil and Town Planning.
Applications close on 28 September 2026 at 16:00. Late applications will not be accepted.
MISA Apprenticeship Positions
- Electrical Apprentice — Ref: Electrical 2026/01
- Plumbing Apprentice — Ref: Plumbing 2026/02
- Bricklaying Apprentice — Ref: Bricklaying 2026/03
- Motor Mechanic Apprentice — Ref: Motor Mechanic 2026/04
- Diesel Mechanic Apprentice — Ref: Diesel Mechanic 2026/05
MISA Experiential Learnership Positions
- Electrical Experiential Learner — Ref: 2026a
- Civil Experiential Learner — Ref: 2026b
- Town Planning Experiential Learner — Ref: 2026c
Closing date: 28 September 2026 at 16:00.
MISA Apprenticeship Programme
The MISA Apprenticeship Programme is a three-year learnership programme designed to train candidates to become qualified artisans.
The programme focuses on unemployed youth from TVET colleges and other accredited training institutions who possess qualifications relevant to the specified artisanal trades.
The programme is not exclusively limited to individuals from previously disadvantaged communities. However, historically disadvantaged individuals are encouraged to apply.
Successful candidates will receive a combination of on-the-job and off-the-job training as they work towards qualifying as artisans.
Candidates selected for the programme will enter into a three-year learnership contract with MISA and will be placed at a host municipality.
A. MISA Apprenticeship Programme
The Apprenticeship Programme spans three years and is designed to train learners to become qualified artisans. It targets unemployed youth from Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges and accredited institutions who possess relevant qualifications for specific trades. The programme combines on-the-job and off-the-job training, ensuring participants acquire practical and theoretical knowledge necessary for artisan certification.
Objectives
- Facilitate artisan training for unemployed youth.
- Strengthen municipal technical capacity through skilled personnel.
- Promote inclusion of historically disadvantaged individuals in technical fields.
- Support municipalities in infrastructure maintenance and service delivery.
Targeted Trades
| Trade | Reference Number | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical | 2026/01 | Engineering Science or full N2 Engineering Certificate with relevant trade theory subjects such as Industrial Electronics and Mathematics. Equivalent SETA-accredited qualifications accepted. |
| Plumbing | 2026/02 | Technical Grade 12 with Mathematics and Science or N2 Engineering Certificate with Plumbing Trade Theory. |
| Bricklaying | 2026/03 | Technical Grade 11 or N2 Engineering Certificate with relevant trade theory subjects. |
| Motor Mechanic | 2026/04 | N3 Engineering Certificate with Motor Mechanic Trade Theory or equivalent qualification. |
| Diesel Mechanic | 2026/05 | N3 Engineering Certificate with Diesel Mechanic Trade Theory or equivalent qualification. |
Each trade requires a combination of theoretical and practical training aligned with SETA standards. Candidates must demonstrate competence in Mathematics, Science, and trade-specific subjects. Successful applicants will enter a three-year learnership contract with MISA and be placed in host municipalities listed on the MISA or COGTA websites.
Experiential Learnership Programme
The MISA Experiential Learnership Programme is aimed at unemployed graduates who require practical workplace exposure, as well as unemployed youth who need Work Integrated Learning to complete their studies.
The programme provides opportunities for candidates from universities, universities of technology and TVET colleges.
B. Experiential Learnership Programme
The Experiential Learnership Programme caters to unemployed graduates and youth requiring work exposure to complete their studies. It provides structured internship opportunities within municipal environments, focusing on technical disciplines relevant to infrastructure operations and maintenance.
Programme Structure
- Duration: Two years.
- Target Group: Unemployed graduates from universities, universities of technology, and TVET colleges.
- Objective: Provide practical experience to enhance employability and bridge academic learning with workplace application.
Graduate Fields
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Town Planning
- Mechanical Engineering
- Environmental Management
Reference Numbers and Application Emails
| Field | Reference Number | Email Address |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical Engineering | 2026a | [email protected] |
| Civil Engineering | 2026b | [email protected] |
| Town Planning | 2026c | [email protected] |
C. Work Integrated Learning (WIL)
Work Integrated Learning offers opportunities to learners who require between 12 and 24 months of practical experience to complete their academic programmes. Participants must be willing to relocate or rotate among municipalities and private sector organisations to gain adequate exposure. MISA does not guarantee employment after completion but provides valuable experience to enhance career prospects.
Applicants are encouraged to apply for placement within municipalities near their residence to reduce travel and accommodation costs.
D. Application Process
Applications must be submitted using the official MISA application form, available on the MISA and COGTA websites. The form can also be requested via email at [email protected]. Each application must include the reference number corresponding to the trade or learnership programme.
Required Documents
- Completed MISA application form with reference number and municipality name.
- Curriculum Vitae.
- Certified copies of qualifications.
- Certified copy of South African identity document.
- Proof of residential address.
- Release letter from the institution of higher learning confirming approval for work exposure (for WIL applicants).
Submission Guidelines
- Applications must be emailed to the designated addresses for each programme.
- Faxed, posted, or hand-delivered applications will not be accepted.
- Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
- Fraudulent qualifications or documentation will result in disqualification.
- Successful candidates will undergo medical fitness tests and background checks.
- Direct or indirect canvassing for preferential treatment will lead to disqualification.
Email Addresses for Apprenticeship Programme
| Trade | Email Address |
|---|---|
| Electrical | [email protected] |
| Plumbing | [email protected] |
| Bricklaying | [email protected] |
| Motor Mechanic | [email protected] |
| Diesel Mechanic | [email protected] |
E. Selection and Placement
Candidates will undergo suitability checks including verification of qualifications, employment history, credit records, criminal background, and references. Successful applicants will be placed in host municipalities identified by MISA. Placement aims to ensure equitable distribution of technical skills across municipalities and support local infrastructure development.
MISA reserves the right to appoint or not appoint candidates. Correspondence will be limited to successful applicants only. If no response is received within 90 days after the closing date, the application should be considered unsuccessful.
F. Programme Benefits
The Apprenticeship and Experiential Learnership Programmes contribute to national goals of skills development and employment creation. Participants gain:
- Practical exposure to municipal infrastructure operations.
- Technical competence aligned with industry standards.
- Enhanced employability through structured training.
- Contribution to community development through improved service delivery.
These programmes also strengthen municipal capacity to maintain infrastructure, ensuring sustainable service provision across South Africa.
G. Important Dates and Contact Information
- Closing Date: 28 September 2026 at 16:00 PM.
- Enquiries:
- Ms Nobuhle Latha – (012) 848 5529
- Ms Thulisile Mosoeu – (012) 848 5515
- Ms Kelebogile Mekwa – (012) 848 5300
Due to the high volume of applications, only successful candidates will be contacted. All documents must be submitted in one package, arranged sequentially as per the application requirements. Incomplete submissions will not be considered.
H. Programme Impact and Vision
The MISA Apprenticeship and Experiential Learnership Programmes embody a strategic vision to address technical skills shortages within municipalities. By equipping youth and graduates with practical experience, the initiative enhances the sustainability of municipal infrastructure and promotes inclusive economic growth. The programme aligns with national development priorities, fostering a skilled workforce capable of supporting infrastructure expansion and maintenance.
Through collaboration with municipalities and educational institutions, MISA ensures that participants receive comprehensive training that meets both academic and industry standards. The initiative also contributes to reducing unemployment among youth and graduates, empowering them to participate meaningfully in the economy.
I. Ethical and Administrative Compliance
All applicants must adhere to ethical standards and administrative requirements outlined by MISA. The organisation maintains transparency and fairness throughout the recruitment process. Candidates are expected to uphold integrity and professionalism during training and placement.
MISA’s commitment to governance excellence ensures that the programme operates within the framework of national legislation and public service regulations. The initiative supports the Department of Cooperative Governance’s mission to strengthen local government capacity and improve service delivery outcomes.
J. Conclusion
The MISA Apprenticeship and Experiential Learnership Skills Development Opportunities for the 2026/2027 financial year represent a significant investment in South Africa’s technical workforce. The programme provides structured pathways for unemployed youth and graduates to acquire essential skills, gain practical experience, and contribute to municipal infrastructure development. Through targeted training in trades such as
Download the Advert
Download the full MISA Apprenticeship and Experiential Learnership Advert for 2026/2027 to view all requirements, participating municipalities, application instructions and contact details.