SAA Technical Apprenticeship Programme

Written by Thabo MokoenaSenior Education Editor

Reviewed & verified by Naledi KhumaloSenior Admissions and Bursaries EditorVerified

SAA Technical (SAAT), the aircraft maintenance arm of South African Airways, trains its own artisans through a Training Apprenticeship Programme. South African Airways says the programme was set up across eleven trade disciplines because aviation maintenance needs highly skilled people who are hard to find. Apprentices sign a learnership contract, attend a company-sponsored training course and work towards a trade qualification with SAAT in Kempton Park, Gauteng. The 2026 intake closed on 3 February 2026, and SAAT has not announced the next one.

Eleven trades on paper, four in the 2026 intake

The SAA Youth Development page lists the full set of disciplines the programme can train in: Aircraft Mechanic, Aircraft Spray Painter, Aircraft Composite Structures, Aircraft Electrician, Aircraft Instrument Technician, Aircraft Radiotrician, Aircraft Structure Worker, Aircraft Trimming, Turner Machinist, Welding and Electroplating. SAAT does not recruit for all eleven every year. The 2026 advert (reference SAA260126-2) offered 45 places across four trades, and applicants could choose two in order of preference:

Apprentices receive structured theory and practical training in the chosen trade, and SAAT describes the aim as producing artisans who meet both industry and regulatory standards. Neither the Youth Development page nor the 2026 advert states a monthly allowance, and SAA says plainly that finishing the programme does not guarantee a job at the airline.

Maths and Physical Science at 50%, or N3

The 2026 advert set two entry routes:

• Grade 12 with at least 50% (level 4) in pure Mathematics and in Physical Science, and a pass in English; or
• an N3 certificate with at least 50% in Mathematics and in Engineering Science.

Mathematical Literacy does not meet the pure Mathematics requirement. Applicants must be South African citizens, able to read and write English, medically fit and willing to sign a learnership contract. A basic grasp of technical or mechanical concepts counts in your favour but is not required. The Youth Development page still quotes the old Higher Grade and Standard Grade symbols; the percentages in the 2026 advert are the current version.

Psychometric tests, medicals and security clearance

Applications for 2026 went through the SAA Technical e-recruitment portal, with a certified copy of the ID, a CV and certified copies of the matric or N3 certificate attached. SAAT asked applicants to give their permanent residential address. Only shortlisted candidates were contacted. They went through interviews, psychometric tests, medical examinations, security clearance and background checks, all held in Gauteng for that intake. Anyone who had not heard from SAAT by 30 April 2026 was to consider the application unsuccessful.

SAAT’s recruitment policy says internal candidates are considered first where that supports its employment equity goals. Candidates with disabilities are welcome to apply.

Watching for the next SAAT intake

The 2026 posting was open in late January and closed on 3 February, so the window was short. SAAT publishes no calendar for the programme, so check the SAAT opportunities portal regularly and have certified copies ready. Create a profile on the portal before an advert appears, because the system requires a complete profile before it accepts an application.

Other routes into aircraft and engineering trades are listed on our aviation bursaries and artisan bursaries pages, and funding for welding training is on the welding bursaries page.

FAQs