MISA Opens Apprenticeships and Experiential Learnerships for 2026/2027

Who can apply

• Entry requirements depend on the trade and the subjects you completed. A qualification’s level alone does not establish eligibility.
• Relevant N2 engineering studies with four subjects and the required trade theory.
• Technical trade programmes quality assured by a Sector Education and Training Authority and considered equivalent to National Qualifications Framework Level 3.
• A relevant National Certificate (Vocational) in engineering with seven subjects at Level 3.
• Technical Grade 11 with Mathematics, Science, a language and the relevant theory subject.
• Relevant N6 trade theory qualifications or a National Technical Diploma.
• Diesel mechanic entry routes include Technical Grade 12 with Mathematics, or the specified N2 or N3 engineering subjects and trade theory.
• Before choosing a trade, compare your subject results with the MISA trade-specific academic requirements. This helps you identify the appropriate route without assuming that every engineering certificate qualifies.

How to apply

Applications are submitted directly to MISA - we do not collect applications. Read the eligibility criteria, prepare your supporting documents, then complete your application on the official page.

Full details

A technical qualification can leave one important gap: practical experience. The Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent (MISA) has opened its 2026/2027 apprenticeship and experiential learnership intake for unemployed youth, graduates and students who need workplace learning. Applications close on 28 September 2026 at 16:00, with placements available through participating host municipalities.

The intake includes three-year apprenticeships, two-year graduate internships and 12 - 24 months of work integrated learning, depending on academic requirements. MISA’s apprenticeship and experiential learnership programmes therefore serve candidates at different stages of their technical training.

For students waiting to complete a qualification, the practical placement matters as much as the classroom results. Choosing the correct route is the first step.

Which trades does the MISA apprenticeship programme cover?

The apprenticeship route combines workplace training with training away from the workplace. Successful candidates enter a three-year learnership contract and work towards becoming qualified artisans.

The available trades are:

• Electrical.
• Plumbing.
• Bricklaying.
• Motor mechanic.
• Diesel mechanic.

This route targets unemployed young people from technical and vocational education and training colleges and other accredited institutions who hold relevant qualifications.

What qualifications do apprenticeship candidates need?

Entry requirements depend on the trade and the subjects you completed. A qualification’s level alone does not establish eligibility.

The recognised routes include:

Diesel mechanic entry routes include Technical Grade 12 with Mathematics, or the specified N2 or N3 engineering subjects and trade theory.

Before choosing a trade, compare your subject results with the MISA trade-specific academic requirements. This helps you identify the appropriate route without assuming that every engineering certificate qualifies.

How do graduate internships differ from work integrated learning?

The graduate route supports unemployed graduates whose technical qualifications relate to municipal infrastructure operations and maintenance. Candidates may come from universities, universities of technology or technical and vocational education and training colleges.

Work integrated learning, meanwhile, supports students who still need practical experience to complete their studies. These students must include an institutional release letter approving their workplace learning.

If you are unsure which route fits your position, ask your institution whether your qualification is complete or still depends on workplace experience.

How should you choose a host municipality?

Training needs differ between municipalities. Therefore, check the participating municipality list for 2026/2027 for your intended trade or discipline before selecting a placement preference.

Also consider the daily journey. Compare transport options, travel time and possible accommodation costs before entering a municipality’s name on your form.

Work integrated learning candidates must remain available for placement arrangements that may include rotation or relocation to another municipality or a private-sector organisation.

How do you submit a complete MISA application?

Complete the MISA Apprenticeship and Experiential Learnership Application Form for 2026/2027, including the correct reference and your preferred municipality.

Alternatively, request the form through [email protected].

Arrange your application package in this order:

1. Completed MISA application form.
2. Updated curriculum vitae.
3. Certified copies of relevant qualifications.
4. Certified copy of your South African identity document.
5. Proof of residential address.
6. Institutional release letter, if you require work integrated learning to complete your qualification.

Then email the complete package to the address for your chosen route.

Apprenticeship submissions

• 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]

Experiential learnership submissions

• Reference 2026a: [email protected]
• Reference 2026b: [email protected]
• Reference 2026c: [email protected]

Use the experiential reference that corresponds to your intended field.

Itumeleng’s Insider Tip: Before sending, open every attachment and check that each page is readable. Also compare the reference on your form with the recipient’s email address. Electrical apprenticeship and electrical experiential learning submissions use different addresses, so check that detail carefully.

Submit before 16:00 on 28 September 2026. MISA does not accept incomplete, late, faxed, posted or hand-delivered applications.

What else do applicants need to know?

MISA conducts suitability checks, and successful candidates must undergo a medical fitness test. If you receive no response within 90 days after the closing date, regard your application as unsuccessful.

For programme enquiries, contact:

• Ms Nobuhle Latha: 012 848 5529.
• Ms Thulisile Mosoeu: 012 848 5515.
• Ms Kelebogile Mekwa: 012 848 5300.

What are applicants asking about the MISA programme?

Can I submit only my curriculum vitae?

No. Include the completed MISA application form and all required supporting documents.

Do work integrated learning students need an institutional letter?

Yes. Students who need workplace learning to complete their qualification must include a release letter from their institution.

Does completing the programme guarantee employment?

No. MISA does not guarantee employment after qualification.

Final Thoughts

MISA’s 2026/2027 intake offers practical training for candidates pursuing artisan qualifications, graduate experience or the workplace component of their studies. Start with your qualification and subject results, choose a suitable placement, and prepare a complete application for the correct route.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

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