Young South Africans passionate about the automotive industry understand how valuable the Volkswagen Group South Africa (VWSA) TVET Learnerships are. This is about more than just opening doors for you; this is about providing you the tools to build a sustainable career with a global company.
We will discuss what these learnerships are, their importance, and how to apply for them.
What are the Volkswagen Group SA TVET Learnerships?
Volkswagen Group SA TVET Learnerships are carefully designed learnership programs for the South African Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) collages. These learnership programs aim to balance the learners’ educational experience with enough exposure to the workplace to fulfil industry requirements.
Learnerships like these typically cover the following fields:
Automotive Mechatronics
Engineering
Electrical and Electronic
Automotive Repair and Maintenance
When the job market is as competitive as this, opportunities like this are invaluable.
Why You Should Apply to Volkswagen Group SA
1. Hands-On Experience
While most young people go to university, they end up graduating without any real-world experience. Volkswagen learnerships fill this gap by providing real work experience while you complete your training.
2. Respect in the Field
A VW-aligned TVET learnership is valued in the automotive and engineering industries, from dealerships to manufacturers and suppliers.
3. Experienced Mentors
You will be mentored by industry experts who will help you learn the role, and coach you how to succeed in the workplace.
4. Career Advancement
Outstanding learners usually move on to permanent employment, apprenticeships, or additional studies — at Volkswagen Group SA or with other distinguished companies.
Who Can Apply
You might be an excellent candidate if you fulfill the following criteria:
You are a South African citizen
You are between the ages of 18–29 (note that age limits vary by program)
You have completed your Grade 12 or have received equivalent certifications
You are currently enrolled at or have graduated from a TVET college in a pertinent discipline
You have a strong interest in automotive engineering and technology
You are willing to learn and work in a systematic setting
You will have a competitive advantage in the selection process if you are detail-oriented, and have a willingness to work with tools, technology, and a positive attitude.
Step‑by‑Step: How to Apply
1. Look out for the Announcements
Volkswagen Group SA usually opens the application window once every year. They announce the programs through:
VW SA official careers page
Social media platforms (LinkedIn, Facebook)
TVET college notice boards
Recruitment sites
You may set notification alerts or follow VWSA’ social media to avoid missing application deadlines
2. Document Collection
Documents typically required include:
A certified copy of your Identity Document
Your Grade 12 certificate or latest academic results
A Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Proof of college enrollment (if you’re a current student)
Certified copies of your college qualifications
Documents must be collected before the opening of application dates to ensure timely submission.
3. Completion of Online or Offline Forms
_You may be asked to:_
Complete the form of application online on the VWSA portal
Download and fill out a PDF application
Submit your application via email or at specified locations
To the best of your ability, answer all the questions clearly and honestly. Applications that are incomplete may be disregarded.
4. Motivation Letter
This is an opportunity for you to be unique. In the letter, include:
Your reasons for the wan to participate in the learnership
Your interest in the automotive sector
Your aspirations
Your level of enthusiasm in the field, including any relevant experiences, and any work you may have done in the past that is related to the learnership
Avoid being cliché. This is an opportunity to be professional and to show your personality.
5. Submit Before the Deadline
Deadlines must be met. Submit at least 48 hours early to not run into any last minute issues.
After You Apply
After you submit your application:
You might be asked to do an assessment test
Interviews are generally held for shortlisted candidates
They will take into consideration your academic results, assessment scores, and interview answers for the final selection.
If you are successful, congratulations! You will get an official offer letter including start dates, training schedules, and what is expected of you.
Top Tips for Success
✔ You could get disqualified for missing documents, or documents that are not certified, so check your papers.
✔ Make sure your application is truthful, your attitude is just as important as your scores.
✔ Prepare for interviews, and be ready to explain goals and reasons in depth.
✔ Treat all communications, whether by email, phone, or in person, with professionalism.
How to Apply
Click here to apply for Volkswagen Group South Africa Experiential Trainee Programme 2026
Applications must be submitted online via the Volkswagen Group careers portal.
Programme Closing Date
Closing Date: 23 January 2026
Late applications will not be accepted
Final Thoughts
The Volkswagen Group SA TVET Learnerships are not just programs for training, they are career boosters. This is an opportunity for young South Africans to take their first step in the field of automotive engineering and technology, and will give them a solid base, experience, and a chance for a career.