Use the details below to assess your suitability for the University of the Free State’s opportunity and prepare a complete application.
Read this first: Have your school and technical qualification documents ready when checking the eligibility requirements below.
At a glance
| Role | Mechanical Apprentice |
| Reference | Job ID 6633; portal posting 2308 |
| Unit | Engineering and Sustainability, University Estates |
| Location | Bloemfontein Campus, Free State |
| Positions | 10 |
| Contract | One year; extension possible |
| Hours | 40 per week |
| Start | As soon as possible |
| Closing Date | 21 October 2026 |
| Last Checked | 16 October 2026 |
Minimum requirements
- Grade 12 or a National Vocational Certificate at NQF Level 4.
- A qualification in a mechanical or engineering-related field.
- Basic mechanical-equipment knowledge and MS Office proficiency.
- Mechanical experience is advantageous, not compulsory.
State your qualification’s full name, institution and completion date on your CV. If you are unsure whether your course meets the requirement, ask UFS recruitment to confirm before assuming that you qualify.
What the work involves
Assist technicians with equipment installation, maintenance, repairs and troubleshooting; learn mechanical regulations, attend training, use tools and record work and materials.
How to present your practical skills
Choose one or two relevant examples from your studies, workshop projects or previous work. Explain the task, your contribution, the tools you used and what you learned. Clearly distinguish supervised practice from work you completed independently.
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For computer skills, describe tasks you can actually perform, such as updating a spreadsheet or preparing a report. A specific example helps a recruiter understand your ability better than an unsupported list of software names.
Required application documents
- A detailed CV.
- School and technical qualification certificates or official proof; SAQA accreditation for foreign qualifications.
- Your identity document or passport.
- External applicants: current or most recent employment confirmation, such as a letter, contract, service certificate or recent payslip.
Upload limit: Eight attachments maximum. Incomplete applications are rejected.
If you combine documents, check that every page remains readable and correctly oriented. Use clear filenames and open the final files before uploading. Keep a separate copy of the documents you submit.
For help preparing your documents, visit our Learnership Resources and Guides.
Questions to clarify if shortlisted
Ask about the training and assessment plan, any trade-test pathway, daily working arrangements and the conditions for an extension. Confirm these details in the written agreement before making longer-term study, travel or accommodation commitments.
About the University of the Free State
UFS is a South African university whose work includes teaching, research and engagement with society. It operates the Bloemfontein, Qwaqwa and South campuses.
Visit the official University of the Free State website for institutional information.
Scam warning
- Use the official recruitment link below and check the website address before uploading personal documents.
- Do not pay anyone who promises an interview, apprenticeship placement or guaranteed selection.
- Never share banking PINs, passwords or one-time PINs with a recruiter.
- Verify unexpected messages through contact details obtained independently from the university’s website.
How this opportunity was verified
We read the official vacancy and checked its recruitment address against the vacancy link on UFS’s main website. Review the original advert again before submitting, as this summary does not replace it.
Read more on our How We Verify Listings page.
How to apply
UFS accepts applications through its vacancy portal only.
- Open the official advert using the button below.
- Select the application option and sign in or create your profile.
- Complete all required fields and attach the requested documents.
- Review your contact details, qualification information and uploaded files.
- Submit the application and save any confirmation provided.
Application closing date
Use the official deadline shown in the table above. Recommended submission date: 20 October 2026, allowing time to resolve upload or profile problems.