Volkswagen Opens 2027 Technical Training in Automotive, Electrical and Mechatronics Trades
Young people in Kariega and qualifying Volkswagen families can apply for Volkswagen Group Africa’s 2027 technical training programme in automotive, electrical, mechanical and mechatronics trades.
Training takes place through Volkswagen’s Technical Learning Academy and runs for three or four years, depending on the trade. The programme is designed to build practical skills for work in automotive manufacturing, maintenance and technical services.
Applications close on 11 September 2026.
Which trades are available?
Applicants can choose from several technical fields:
- Electrical
- Mechanical Fitter
- Millwright
- Automotive Motor Mechanic
- Transportation Electrician
- Mechatronics Technician
These trades support different parts of modern vehicle manufacturing and maintenance.
Applicants must rank their preferred fields in order when completing the application.
Who can apply?
The programme is open to three groups:
- Permanent Volkswagen hourly-rated employees
- Children of permanent Volkswagen employees
- Members of the Nelson Mandela Bay local community
This means the programme is not open nationally to every applicant.
Candidates should make sure they fall into one of the approved groups before applying.
What qualifications do you need?
Applicants need Grade 12 or Technical Matric with passes in:
- Core Mathematics or Technical Mathematics
- Physical Science or Engineering Science
Mathematical Literacy is not accepted.
An alternative route is available for applicants with N3 or NTC3.
This qualification must include at least four subjects, with Mathematics and Physical Science among them.
Higher relevant technical qualifications may also be considered.
What does a Millwright do?
Millwrights work with both mechanical and electrical equipment.
In an automotive factory, that can include maintaining machinery, motors, production equipment and automated systems.
The trade suits people who enjoy fault finding and working across more than one technical discipline.
Millwright skills are also useful outside the automotive industry in manufacturing, mining, energy and other industrial sectors.
What does a Mechanical Fitter do?
Mechanical Fitters keep machinery and mechanical systems working properly.
Their work can include assembling equipment, replacing worn components, maintaining moving parts and repairing faults.
In a vehicle manufacturing plant, this is important because production depends on machinery operating reliably.
This trade can lead to work in automotive manufacturing, industrial maintenance and engineering services.
What is mechatronics?
Mechatronics combines mechanical, electrical and electronic systems.
A Mechatronics Technician may work with automated production equipment, sensors, control systems and machinery that combines mechanical movement with electronics.
This is especially relevant in modern vehicle manufacturing, where automation is used across many parts of the production process.
For students interested in both engineering and technology, mechatronics can be one of the strongest options in the programme.
What does an Automotive Motor Mechanic do?
Automotive Motor Mechanics focus on vehicle systems.
They inspect, service and repair components that affect how a vehicle performs.
Training can build knowledge in areas such as:
- Engines
- Braking systems
- Steering
- Suspension
- Electrical systems
- Vehicle servicing
This route is better suited to applicants who want to work directly with vehicles rather than factory production equipment.
What does a Transportation Electrician do?
Transportation Electricians focus on electrical systems used in vehicles and related equipment.
Modern vehicles use increasingly complex electrical and electronic systems, which makes this a more technical trade than traditional vehicle wiring alone.
The work can include electrical fault finding, system testing and maintenance.
How does the training work?
The programme provides full-time technical and trade training through Volkswagen’s Technical Learning Academy.
Participants follow a structured learning plan over three or four years.
The aim is to build the practical and theoretical skills needed to complete the selected technical programme and move into skilled work.
Participants cannot work overtime unless this has been authorised. They also cannot register for unrelated studies that require attendance during normal working hours.
This keeps the focus on completing the technical programme successfully.
What can you gain from the programme?
The biggest value is hands-on experience in a large automotive manufacturing business.
Participants can build practical skills in areas such as:
- Automotive systems
- Mechanical maintenance
- Electrical work
- Industrial machinery
- Mechatronics
- Fault finding
- Manufacturing equipment
- Workshop safety
These skills can support careers across automotive manufacturing, engineering services, maintenance and other industrial sectors.
What documents do you need?
Applicants must upload all required documents through the Volkswagen careers system.
These include:
- Certified South African ID
- Certified copy of your highest school or college qualification
- Motivation letter
- Cellphone number
- Alternative contact number
- Email address
Certified documents must not be older than three months.
Volkswagen specifically requires the highest qualification document, rather than only an academic transcript.
What should your motivation letter cover?
Your motivation letter should explain why you want to enter the technical programme and why the chosen trade suits you.
Keep it focused on your interest in technical work, your school or college subjects and what you hope to build as a career.
For example, someone applying for Mechatronics should be able to explain an interest in mechanical systems, electronics or automation.
A candidate interested in Motor Mechanics should focus more on vehicles, servicing and technical problem-solving.
How do you apply?
Applications must be submitted through the Volkswagen Group careers portal.
Apply for the Volkswagen Group Africa Technical Programme 2027
Applications close on 11 September 2026.
Make sure all required documents are uploaded before submitting.
For programme enquiries, contact ssf.recruitment.vwsa.r.uit@vwsa.co.za.
