BHBW South Africa Proprietary Limited – Diesel Mechanic Apprenticeship 2026

The primary purpose of the apprenticeship is to provide the apprentice with the opportunity to learn and practise the applicable trade under the guidance and supervision of skilled or qualified persons. The apprentice will be expected to gain sufficient practical experience while completing the required theoretical learning, practical training, workplace activities and assessments associated with the apprenticeship programme.

The role provides an opportunity to develop hands-on mechanical experience, particularly in relation to material handling equipment such as forklifts and associated mechanical systems. The apprentice will be required to learn how equipment operates, understand technical information, assist qualified technicians and progressively apply acquired knowledge and skills in a practical workplace environment.

Key Performance Areas

The successful candidate will be responsible for:

• Successfully completing all Apprentice level module outcomes and required theoretical learning.
• Attending and actively participating in all scheduled training and learning activities.
• Successfully completing practical training and required skills assessments.
• Applying theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the workplace.
• Assisting qualified technicians and other relevant personnel with mechanical and maintenance-related activities.
• Learning and applying safe working practices when working with forklifts, machinery, tools and workshop equipment.
• Developing an understanding of mechanical systems, components and equipment used within the material handling environment.
• Supporting inspection, servicing, maintenance and basic troubleshooting activities under appropriate supervision.
• Accurately updating the Apprentice Training Logbook.
• Ensuring all required Apprentice Training Logbook activities and completed tasks are properly recorded.
• Taking responsibility for keeping training records accurate, complete and up to date.
• Preparing adequately for required theoretical and practical assessments.
• Successfully completing the required Level Test on the first attempt.
• Working towards and successfully completing the Trade Test at the end of the apprenticeship.
• Meeting the objectives and requirements of the workplace as communicated by the manager or mentor.
• Following all reasonable instructions provided by managers, mentors, supervisors and qualified personnel.
• Maintaining a safe, clean and organised working environment.
• Complying with company health and safety policies, procedures and workplace standards.
• Wearing and correctly using all required personal protective equipment.
• Reporting unsafe conditions, damaged equipment or potential hazards to the appropriate person.
• Achieving individual Balanced Scorecard objectives and applicable Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
• Demonstrating effective self-management and taking ownership of personal performance.
• Maintaining good attendance, punctuality, discipline and professional conduct.
• Working effectively with colleagues, technicians, mentors and other team members.
• Showing willingness to learn, develop new skills and assist wherever reasonably required.

Theoretical and Practical Development

The apprenticeship will require the successful candidate to balance classroom-based or theoretical learning with practical workplace experience. The apprentice must demonstrate a willingness to study technical information and then apply that knowledge correctly in a practical environment.

Particular attention will be required when learning about:

• Mechanical components and systems.
• Diesel and material handling equipment.
• Forklift operating principles.
• Equipment servicing and maintenance.
• Basic fault-finding and troubleshooting.
• Engineering drawings and technical information.
• Workshop tools and equipment.
• Workplace safety requirements.
• Preventative maintenance principles.
• Correct procedures for handling mechanical equipment.
• Technical documentation and training records.

The apprentice will work under the guidance of experienced and qualified personnel and will be expected to progressively increase their technical competence as the apprenticeship develops.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Applicants must meet the following minimum educational requirements:

• N3 or equivalent qualification in Mechanical Engineering.
• Engineering Drawing as a passed subject.
• Computer Literacy as a passed subject.
• Valid Driver’s Licence.

The applicant should have a genuine interest in mechanical engineering, diesel mechanics, machinery, forklifts and material handling equipment. Candidates who have completed relevant technical subjects or have previous exposure to mechanical environments may be able to adapt more easily to the practical requirements of the role.

Minimum Experience

• Entry-level position.
• 0 to 1 year of experience required.
• Previous mechanical, technical, workshop or equipment-related exposure will be advantageous.
• Previous experience is not expected to be extensive, as the position is designed to provide structured apprenticeship training.

The most important requirement is a strong willingness to learn, develop practical skills and work under the supervision of qualified professionals.

Required Competencies and Skills

The successful candidate should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Attention to detail: Ability to carefully observe equipment, instructions, technical information and workplace procedures.
• Team player: Ability to work cooperatively with technicians, mentors, managers and colleagues.
• Goal-oriented: Demonstrates commitment to achieving learning, assessment and apprenticeship objectives.
• Process-driven: Able to follow established procedures and complete tasks according to required standards.
• Self-starter: Shows initiative and takes responsibility for personal learning and development.
• Ability to thrive under pressure: Remains focused and productive when dealing with deadlines, challenging tasks or busy working conditions.
• Basic analytical ability: Able to identify basic problems and understand cause-and-effect relationships.
• Basic reasoning: Able to understand instructions, processes and practical mechanical concepts.
• Basic numerical reasoning: Comfortable working with basic measurements, calculations and numerical information.
• Basic verbal comprehension: Able to understand and follow verbal and written instructions.
• Mechanical ability: Demonstrates an interest in and ability to understand mechanical systems and equipment.
• Reliable and honest: Demonstrates integrity, accountability, punctuality and dependability.
• Willingness to learn: Open to acquiring new technical knowledge and developing practical skills.
• Willingness to assist: Prepared to support colleagues and contribute positively to the workplace.
• Technical learning ability: Able to learn, understand and apply technical information relating to forklifts and other material handling equipment.

Health, Safety and Workplace Conduct

Safety will be an important part of the apprentice’s daily responsibilities. The successful candidate must understand that mechanical and material handling environments require strict adherence to safety procedures.

The apprentice will therefore be expected to:

• Follow all workplace health and safety rules.
• Use tools, machinery and equipment correctly.
• Wear prescribed personal protective equipment.
• Maintain a clean and safe work area.
• Report hazards, incidents and unsafe conditions promptly.
• Follow instructions from authorised personnel.
• Avoid unsafe shortcuts when performing tasks.
• Take reasonable care of company equipment and property.
• Maintain professional conduct at all times.
• Support a positive and safety-conscious workplace culture.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will be an enthusiastic, disciplined and hardworking individual who has a genuine interest in becoming a qualified diesel mechanic. The candidate should enjoy practical and technical work and be comfortable learning through both theory and hands-on experience.

The successful apprentice should be prepared to:

• Learn from experienced technicians and qualified artisans.
• Accept constructive feedback and use it to improve performance.
• Ask questions when clarification is required.
• Take responsibility for completing assigned tasks.
• Maintain accurate training and activity records.
• Study consistently for assessments and examinations.
• Develop practical mechanical skills over time.
• Work safely and responsibly.
• Demonstrate professionalism and respect towards colleagues.
• Remain committed to completing the full apprenticeship programme.
• Work towards successful completion of the applicable Trade Test.

This is an excellent opportunity for an entry-level candidate who is serious about building a long-term career in diesel mechanics and the material handling industry. The 36-month apprenticeship will provide valuable theoretical knowledge, structured workplace exposure and practical development under the guidance of experienced professionals.

Candidates who are technically minded, reliable, goal-oriented and eager to learn are encouraged to apply. The successful applicant will be expected to demonstrate commitment throughout the apprenticeship and consistently work towards meeting the required training, performance, safety and assessment standards.

How To Apply

Applicants should carefully review the qualification and competency requirements before submitting their applications. Candidates who meet the minimum requirements and demonstrate a strong interest in mechanical engineering and diesel mechanics are encouraged to apply before the closing date.

The apprenticeship represents an opportunity to build a strong technical foundation, gain valuable workplace experience and work towards becoming a qualified artisan in the diesel mechanic trade.