Company: AFGRI Equipment
Reference Number: AO-2345
Position: Tractor Apprentice / Earthmoving Apprentice
Location: Various locations across South Africa
Job Type: Contract
Duration: 3 Years+
Work Level: Student / Graduate
Salary: Market Related
EE Position: Yes
Closing Date: 30 September 2026
Apprenticeship Opportunity
AFGRI Equipment is inviting motivated and career-focused individuals to apply for its 2026 Apprenticeship Programme, offering opportunities for aspiring Tractor Mechanics and Earthmoving Mechanics.
This programme is designed for candidates who want to develop practical technical skills while gaining valuable workplace experience in the agricultural, construction, forestry, golf and turf equipment sectors. Successful apprentices will receive structured workplace training and technical development aimed at preparing them for a career as a qualified mechanic.
AFGRI Equipment has represented the John Deere brand in South Africa since 1962 and operates an extensive branch network across the country. Its workshops are equipped to service and maintain a wide range of specialised machinery and equipment.
What the Apprenticeship Offers
The apprenticeship runs for approximately three years and combines practical workplace experience with formal technical training.
The initial six months will be treated as a probationary period, giving both the apprentice and the company an opportunity to determine whether the placement is suitable for a longer-term working relationship.
Following successful completion of the probation period, the apprentice will enter into a formal AFGRI contract and continue with the required training programme.
Depending on the requirements of the qualification, training may include attendance at a practical training institution, distance-learning studies, Saturday classes and workplace-based technical development.
Apprentices may also receive product-specific training from equipment suppliers, as well as internal training delivered by experienced AFGRI specialists.
The training programme is supported through relevant Sector Education and Training Authorities, including AgriSETA and MerSETA, depending on the applicable qualification and placement.
Areas of Training
Successful candidates will work towards developing the knowledge and practical ability required for a career in mechanical maintenance and repair.
Key areas may include:
- Tractor and agricultural equipment maintenance
- Earthmoving machinery maintenance and repairs
- Diagnosing mechanical and technical problems
- Servicing equipment and components
- Workshop procedures and safety practices
- Stock and parts control
- Customer service
- General workplace responsibilities
- Practical application of technical knowledge
This opportunity is particularly suitable for individuals who enjoy working with machinery, solving technical problems and developing hands-on engineering and mechanical skills.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants should meet the following requirements:
- Grade 12 / Matric qualification
- English passed at Grade 12 level
- Mathematics or Technical Mathematics passed
- Mathematical Literacy will not be accepted
- Valid driver’s licence
- Good communication abilities
- Basic administrative skills
- Computer literacy
The following subjects or qualifications will be advantageous, although they are not compulsory:
- Engineering / Technical Science
- Physical Science
- Engineering Graphics and Design
- Diesel Trade Theory
- Motor Trade Theory
Applicants should also demonstrate a genuine interest in mechanical work and be prepared to commit themselves to both practical training and academic requirements throughout the apprenticeship.
Personal Competencies
AFGRI Equipment is looking for candidates who are committed to learning and developing professionally. Successful applicants should be:
- Highly motivated and willing to learn
- Detail-oriented
- Comfortable working as part of a team
- Goal-driven
- Able to work according to deadlines
- Responsible and dependable
- Prepared to complete both workplace and academic training requirements
Candidates must also be willing to participate in the company’s interview and assessment process. Applicants should complete all screening and assessment questions independently and to the best of their own knowledge. The assessment process may take at least 30 minutes, so candidates should allow sufficient time to complete it properly.
Important Training Conditions
The apprenticeship provides an opportunity to receive training without upfront training fees, provided the required subjects and training phases are successfully completed.
However, candidates should understand the contractual obligations before applying. Any subjects or training phases that are failed may need to be repeated at the apprentice’s own expense and time.
The apprenticeship is subject to a three-year contractual commitment. If an apprentice leaves during the apprenticeship or during the applicable work-back period, they may be required to repay training costs in accordance with the terms of the agreement.
The work-back period is calculated based on the period required to qualify, expressed in years. The total apprenticeship contract cannot exceed four years. If the apprentice has not qualified within the maximum contractual period, the agreement will expire.
Locations
AFGRI Equipment has branches in numerous locations across South Africa, including Bethal, Bethlehem, Brits, Delmas, Frankfort, Grootvlei, Komatipoort, Marble Hall, Middelburg, Standerton, Harrismith, Marquard, Thabazimbi, Polokwane, Bellville, Malmesbury, Ceres, Worcester, Piketberg, George, Vredendal, Caledon, Kempton Park, Tzaneen, Springbok, Nelspruit, Newcastle, Winterton, Dalton, Pietermaritzburg, Empangeni, Salt Rock and Kokstad, among others.
Applicants should carefully review the application and placement information to determine the relevant location and requirements.
How to Apply
Interested candidates who meet the minimum requirements should submit their application through the official AFGRI Equipment recruitment process before the closing date.
Reference: AO-2345
Closing Date: 30 September 2026
Applicants who do not receive communication within 30 days after the closing date may consider their application unsuccessful.
The filling of these positions will be conducted in accordance with AFGRI Equipment’s Employment Equity Policy.
Important: Applicants should ensure that they meet the stated Mathematics requirement before applying. Mathematical Literacy does not meet the Mathematics requirement for this apprenticeship.