1. PURPOSE OF APPROVAL
This document constitutes the formal approval of the TMS International Engineering Apprenticeship 2026 Programme (hereafter “the Programme”) for implementation in the Republic of South Africa. The approval is granted under the framework of the Administrative, Development & Skills Enhancement (ADSE) initiatives to foster workforce development, technical skills transfer, and youth employment in the engineering and maintenance sectors.
The purpose of this approval is to:
- Recognise the Programme as an operational apprenticeship pathway aligned with national and labour market priorities, supporting skills development in technical trades.
- Confirm that the Programme’s objectives, structure, and outcomes meet recognised quality and developmental standards for apprenticeships.
- Enable eligible candidates to participate in structured industry-based training and workplace learning under authorised conditions.
2. BACKGROUND
TMS International (Pty) Ltd (“TMS International”) is a global services provider specialising in industrial mill support services for steelmaker operations internationally. The organisation has diversified workforce needs that align with national technical skills shortages in mechanical and electrical trades.
The Programme is designed to equip unemployed South African youth with structured, practical engineering competencies through workplace exposure, mentor-led learning, and trade-relevant instruction. The initiative also supports broader national goals of reducing youth unemployment, strengthening industrial capacity, and addressing critical skills gaps in engineering disciplines.
The approval is based on submitted documentation including the Programme outline, apprenticeship roles, entry criteria, training methodologies, assessment mechanisms, and organisational capability to support apprentices.
3. PROGRAMME DESCRIPTION
3.1 Programme Title
TMS International Engineering Apprenticeship Programme – 2026
3.2 Host Employer
TMS International (Pty) Ltd
Operating sites will be located in Germiston, Gauteng Province, South Africa.
3.3 Programme Overview
The Programme aims to deliver hands-on, workplace-based apprenticeship training for entry-level candidates seeking industry-oriented technical skills in mechanical and electrical trades. It is a full-time, employer-led apprenticeship offering real workplace exposure and task application.
The training emphasises maintenance trades critical to industrial operations, including diesel mechanics, auto electrical systems, and industrial electrical installations. The Programme combines on-site practical training with supportive supervision and evaluation mechanisms.
3.4 Available Apprenticeship Occupations
The following apprenticeship positions are approved under this Programme for the 2026 intake:
- Diesel Mechanic Apprentices – four (4) positions.
- Auto Electrician Apprentice – one (1) position.
- Electrician Apprentice – one (1) position.
- Boilermakers
3.5 Entry Requirements
To be eligible for selection into the Programme, candidates must meet the following minimum qualifications:
- South African citizenship or valid legal residency status.
- Grade 12 (Matric) certificate with passes in:
- Mathematics (not Mathematical Literacy), and
- Physical Sciences (Physics / Science) — mandatory.
- N3 Technical Qualification relevant to the applied trade (e.g., mechanical or electrical).
SEND YOUR APPLICATION TO:
madi.tsoari@tmsinternational.com
Programme entry is competitive and subject to submission of certified educational documents, curriculum vitae, and any additional employer-specified requirements.
3.6 Training Components
The Programme’s training comprises:
- Workplace learning: Apprentices work under supervision in actual industrial environments on maintenance and technical tasks.
- Mentored learning: Experienced practitioners provide guidance, skills coaching, and feedback.
- Competency development: Apprentices progress through trade-specific competencies aligned with recognised standards.
- Support structures: Supervisory oversight, performance evaluation, and safety training are embedded throughout the apprenticeship.
The combination of these components is expected to result in meaningful skill gain and enhanced employability for apprentices upon Programme completion.
4. IMPLEMENTATION AND MANAGEMENT
4.1 Programme Governance
TMS International is responsible for overall Programme implementation, management of apprentices, and compliance with workplace health, safety, and training standards. The employer must ensure apprentices are integrated into workplace routines, provided with adequate supervision, and afforded opportunities to develop practical competencies.
4.2 Monitoring and Evaluation
The Programme will be monitored through:
- Periodic performance evaluations conducted by TMS International supervisors.
- Progress reviews against pre-defined task competencies.
- Reporting mechanisms on apprentice progress, workplace conduct, and training quality.
Continuous improvement feedback will be documented and provided internally to support effective delivery.
4.3 Safety and Compliance
All apprentices must undergo induction to workplace health and safety procedures. TMS International must maintain compliance with applicable Occupational Health and Safety legislation and risk management practices within industrial environments.
5. EXPECTED OUTCOMES
The Programme is expected to deliver the following outcomes for apprentices and the broader labour market:
- Technical competence: Apprentices will acquire practical trade skills applicable in engineering maintenance environments.
- Workforce readiness: Candidates will be more employable with hands-on experience and competency exposure.
- Career pathways: Graduates may progress toward further formal qualifications, trade testing (e.g., merSETA–accredited trade tests), or advanced technical learning.
- Support for industrial development: The Programme contributes to addressing national skills gaps and stimulating sustainable technical employment pathways.
6. CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
Approval of the Programme is subject to the following conditions:
- Compliance with national apprenticeship standards: The Programme must align with recognised apprenticeship frameworks and quality benchmarks for technical training.
- Workplace safety: TMS International must provide a safe working environment compliant with relevant South African legislation.
- Documentation: All apprentice records, evaluation data, and training reports must be maintained and made available for ADSE review.
- Equal opportunity: Recruitment and selection processes must reflect principles of equity, non-discrimination, and labour market inclusivity.
7. VALIDITY AND REVIEW
This approval is valid for the 2026 intake cycle, with the closing date for applications set on 28 February 2026. The approval is subject to review upon formal request by TMS International before future intake cycles.