Thos Begbie & Co (Pty) Ltd is a long-established South African engineering and manufacturing company based in Middelburg, Mpumalanga. The company plays an important role in the heavy engineering and foundry sector, supplying products and services mainly to the mining and industrial industries. As part of its commitment to developing technical skills in South Africa, Thos Begbie & Co offers structured apprenticeship programmes designed to train future artisans.
These apprenticeships provide a combination of theoretical training and practical workplace experience, helping learners build strong foundations in engineering trades.
Apprenticeship Fields Offered
Thos Begbie & Co typically offers apprenticeships in the following engineering trades:
Apprentice Moulder
The Moulder apprenticeship focuses on foundry and manufacturing processes. Apprentices learn how to prepare moulds used in metal casting and how to operate tools and equipment safely in a foundry environment.
Key training areas include:
- Preparing and assembling moulds using sand and other materials
- Understanding metal casting processes
- Operating moulding and foundry equipment
- Following quality control standards
- Maintaining a safe and clean working environment
This trade is suitable for individuals who enjoy hands-on manufacturing work and working with industrial materials and equipment.
Fitter and Turner
The Fitter and Turner apprenticeship focuses on mechanical engineering skills used in workshops and industrial environments. Apprentices are trained to assemble, repair, and maintain machinery and mechanical components.
Training typically includes:
- Reading and interpreting engineering drawings
- Using precision measuring instruments
- Operating workshop machinery such as lathes and milling machines
- Fitting and assembling mechanical parts
- Maintaining and repairing industrial equipment
- Applying workshop safety standards
This trade is ideal for learners who are interested in machinery, tools, and mechanical systems.
Minimum Entry Requirements
To qualify for Thos Begbie & Co engineering apprenticeships, applicants usually need:
- Grade 12 (Matric) certificate
- A minimum of an N2 Engineering qualification with subjects such as:
- Mathematics
- Engineering Science
- Engineering Drawing
Additional relevant subjects like Mechanotechnology, Moulder Theory, or Mechatronics may be advantageous depending on the trade.
Candidates must show strong technical interest and a willingness to learn practical skills in a workshop or foundry environment.
How to Apply
To apply for Thos Begbie & Co apprentice programmes:
📧 Email: vacancies@thosbegbie.com – Submit your application with:
- Detailed CV
- Certified copies of your qualifications (Matric and N-certificates)
Personal Skills and Attributes
Besides academic qualifications, successful applicants are usually:
- Interested in mechanical or manufacturing work
- Good at problem solving
- Able to follow instructions carefully
- Willing to work in industrial and physically demanding environments
- Committed to workplace safety
- Able to work well as part of a team
- Responsible and eager to learn
A positive attitude and dedication to completing the full training period are important.
Skills Developed During the Apprenticeship
Apprentices at Thos Begbie & Co gain valuable technical and workplace skills such as:
- Operating industrial tools and machinery
- Precision measurement and mechanical assembly
- Understanding manufacturing and foundry processes
- Equipment maintenance and repair
- Reading and interpreting technical drawings
- Applying safety regulations in industrial environments
- Time management and teamwork
These skills prepare learners for trade testing and long-term careers in engineering and manufacturing industries.
Career Opportunities
After completing the apprenticeship and passing trade tests, learners may qualify as artisans in their respective trades. Career paths may include:
- Qualified Moulder
- Fitter and Turner Artisan
- Maintenance Technician
- Workshop Technician
- Manufacturing or production roles
With experience, artisans can grow into supervisory or specialist technical positions within the engineering sector.
Why Consider a Thos Begbie Apprenticeship
An apprenticeship at Thos Begbie & Co offers hands-on industry experience in a well-established engineering company. Learners gain exposure to real industrial operations while receiving structured training that leads toward recognized artisan status. For individuals with N2 engineering qualifications, this programme can be an important step toward a stable and skilled technical career.