The Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent (MISA) has opened applications for its 2026/2027 Apprenticeship and Experiential Learnership Skills Development Programmes, providing opportunities for unemployed youth, graduates and learners to gain technical training and practical workplace experience in municipal infrastructure.
The programmes include a three-year Apprenticeship Programme, a two-year Experiential Learnership Programme for unemployed graduates, and Work Integrated Learning (WIL) opportunities of 12 to 24 months for learners who need workplace exposure to complete their studies.
Successful participants will be placed at MISA-identified host municipalities.
Applications close on 28 September 2026 at 16:00. MISA has stated that late applications will not be accepted.
MISA 2026/27 Apprenticeship Programme
The three-year MISA Apprenticeship Programme is aimed at training candidates towards becoming artisans.
The programme targets unemployed youth from TVET colleges and other accredited training institutions who have relevant qualifications for the advertised trades.
MISA also encourages applications from individuals from historically disadvantaged communities.
The targeted trades are:
- Electrical
- Plumbing
- Bricklaying
- Motor Mechanic
- Diesel Mechanic
Applicants should select the trade they are qualified for and use the correct reference number when submitting their application.
Academic requirements for the apprenticeship
The academic requirements differ according to the trade.
Electrical – Ref: Electrical 2026/01
Applicants can qualify through one of the listed routes, including:
- Engineering Science or full N2 Engineering with the relevant trade theory subjects; or
- A technical theory programme quality-assured by a SETA and deemed equivalent to NQF Level 3; or
- Relevant NC(V) Certificate with seven subjects at NQF Level 3; or
- Technical Grade 11 with Mathematics, Science, language and the relevant theory subject; or
- A relevant N6 certificate or National Technical Diploma in an applicable stream.
Plumbing – Ref: Plumbing 2026/02
The advert lists academic routes including relevant engineering qualifications, technical theory programmes deemed equivalent to NQF Level 3, relevant NC(V) qualifications and technical Grade 11 with the required subjects.
Bricklaying – Ref: Bricklaying 2026/03
Applicants can qualify through the relevant academic routes listed by MISA, including an appropriate NC(V) qualification with the required subjects or technical Grade 11 with Mathematics, Science, language and related theory.
Motor Mechanic – Ref: Motor Mechanic 2026/04
The advert accepts relevant qualifications such as a N6 certificate or National Technical Diploma in an applicable technical stream, among the listed academic routes.
Diesel Mechanic – Ref: Diesel Mechanic 2026/05
Applicants may qualify through routes including Technical Grade 12 with Mathematics, Engineering Science or full N2 Engineering with relevant subjects, or N3 Engineering with the required trade theory subjects.
Because the requirements differ between trades, applicants should consult the complete MISA advert before choosing a trade and submitting an application.
Experiential Learnership Programme
MISA is also offering a two-year Experiential Learnership Programme for unemployed graduates who require workplace exposure.
The programme is aimed at graduates in technical fields relevant to municipal infrastructure operations and maintenance.
It also caters for unemployed people seeking work-integrated learning to complete their studies.
The programme is described as a work-based internship opportunity for graduates from universities, universities of technology and TVET colleges who require workplace exposure before entering the labour market.
Experiential Learnership application categories
The advert provides three reference categories for the Experiential Learnership Programme:
- Ref No: 2026a – Electrical
- Ref No: 2026b – Civil
- Ref No: 2026c – Town Planning
Applicants should use the reference applicable to their qualification and submit their documentation to the relevant email address.
Work Integrated Learning opportunities
MISA is also accepting applications from learners who need between 12 and 24 months of practical work experience to satisfy the academic requirements of their higher-learning institution.
Applicants for WIL must be willing and available for placement, including possible rotation and relocation to other municipalities or private-sector organisations where adequate workplace exposure is available.
This is particularly important for students whose qualifications require practical workplace experience before they can complete their studies.
MISA also notes that applicants should consider applying for placement in municipal areas where they reside in order to minimise potential travelling and accommodation costs.
MISA does not guarantee employment
An important point in the advert is that participation in the programmes should not be confused with a permanent employment offer.
MISA specifically states that it does not guarantee employment opportunities after completion of the programme.
The purpose of the programmes is to provide structured training, practical exposure and skills development.
Documents required when applying
MISA requires applicants to submit their documents as one package, arranged sequentially according to the requirements in the advert.
The application must include:
- MISA application form with the correct trade or position reference number
- Name of the municipality selected from the relevant list
- Curriculum vitae
- Certified copies of relevant qualifications
- Certified copy of the South African identity document
- Proof of residential address
- For WIL applicants who are still studying, a letter from their institution confirming that work exposure is required
MISA warns that incomplete applications will not be considered.
Where to submit apprenticeship applications
Applications for the Apprenticeship Programme must be emailed to the address corresponding with the selected trade.
| Trade | Reference | Application email |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical | Electrical 2026/01 | [email protected] |
| Plumbing | Plumbing 2026/02 | [email protected] |
| Bricklaying | Bricklaying 2026/03 | [email protected] |
| Motor Mechanic | Motor Mechanic 2026/04 | [email protected] |
| Diesel Mechanic | Diesel Mechanic 2026/05 | [email protected] |
Applicants should ensure that the correct reference number and trade are clearly indicated.
Where to submit Experiential Learnership applications
Experiential Learnership applications should be emailed according to the relevant technical field:
| Field | Reference | Application email |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical | 2026a | [email protected] |
| Civil | 2026b | [email protected] |
| Town Planning | 2026c | [email protected] |
Applicants with questions about the programmes can contact the officials listed in the advert.
Selection and suitability checks
MISA states that applicants may be subjected to suitability checks as part of the selection process.
These checks can include verification relating to:
- Qualifications
- Employment
- Credit
- Criminal records
- Company ownership or directorship
- Reference checks
Successful apprenticeship candidates will also be subject to a medical fitness test.
The advert further notes that successful candidates may be required to undergo a pre-employment-related screening process.
Important application rules
MISA states that applications received after the closing date and time will not be considered.
The organisation also reserves the right not to make appointments.
Due to the expected high number of applications, MISA says that only successful candidates will be contacted.
Applicants should therefore keep copies of everything submitted and ensure their contact information is accurate.
Closing date
The closing date for the MISA 2026/2027 Apprenticeship and Experiential Learnership opportunities is:
28 September 2026 at 16:00
No late applications will be accepted.
Applicants should complete their applications well before the deadline to avoid problems with missing documents or late email submissions.
A pathway into technical workplace experience
The MISA programmes offer different routes depending on where an applicant is in their education and career journey.
An aspiring artisan can apply for the three-year Apprenticeship Programme, while an unemployed graduate in a relevant technical field can consider the two-year Experiential Learnership Programme.
Students who need practical experience to complete their qualifications can consider the WIL opportunities.
For all three pathways, applicants should read the full advert carefully and make sure they meet the requirements before submitting their documents.
Source and reporting note
This article is independently written from the official MISA 2026/2027 Apprenticeship and Experiential Learnership Skills Development Programme advert supplied for publication.
The trade requirements, application references, email addresses, document requirements, screening provisions and closing date are based on the supplied advert.
Editorial policy
We report employment, apprenticeship and skills-development opportunities using information contained in the relevant official advert. Applicants should always read the complete advert because requirements differ between programmes and trades.
Disclaimer
Eligibility to apply does not guarantee selection, placement or employment. MISA states that it does not guarantee employment opportunities after completion of the programmes.
Applicants should never pay anyone who claims they can secure a MISA apprenticeship, learnership or placement. Applications should be submitted using the official contact details provided in the advert.
