AFGRI Equipment has opened 40 apprenticeship positions for candidates wanting to qualify as Tractor Mechanics or Earthmoving Mechanics through a 3-year in-service training programme. Applicants need Grade 12 with English and Mathematics (not Maths Literacy) plus a valid driver’s licence, and applications close on 30 September 2026.
Forty positions. A free trade qualification. Training on the world’s most recognised agricultural brand. For school leavers with the right Matric subjects, opportunities like this are about as good as the artisan path gets — and the entry bar is lower than you might think.
Who Is AFGRI Equipment?
AFGRI Equipment has proudly held the John Deere agency since 1962, covering the north-east and south-west regions of South Africa with more than 30 branches nationwide — plus international operations in Botswana, Kenya, Uganda and Western Australia.
The company runs highly equipped repair workshops servicing agricultural equipment, construction and forestry machinery, and golf and turf equipment. That’s the environment apprentices step into: real workshops, real machines, real customers.
How Does the Apprenticeship Work?
The programme is a 3-year in-service apprenticeship leading to a formal qualification as either a Tractor Mechanic or an Earthmoving Mechanic.
It starts with a 6-month probation period during which both you and AFGRI assess whether the relationship fits — either side can walk away during this window without consequences.
After probation, you sign an AFGRI contract and formal training begins, which can include:
- Attendance at a Practical Training Institute for relevant phases
- Distance learning subjects through a college, which may continue during workplace training
- Saturday classes where required
- Product training from suppliers and AFGRI specialists
- Internal training hosted by AFGRI’s own experts
Your training is registered through either AgriSETA or MerSETA, with both you and AFGRI formally contracted to the SETA — meaning your qualification carries recognised, national weight.
What Will the Apprenticeship Cost You?
Here’s the part every applicant should read twice:
- Training is completely free of charge — if you pass
- Any failed subjects or phases must be repeated at your own cost and time
- The apprenticeship runs on a 3-year contract, and cannot exceed 4 years
- After qualifying, a work-back period applies, equal to the time it took you to qualify
- Withdrawing during the apprenticeship or work-back period triggers repayment of training costs
These conditions aren’t there to trap you — they’re standard for funded artisan training. But go in with open eyes: this is a multi-year commitment, and AFGRI is investing serious money in your trade.
Do You Meet the Minimum Requirements?
You’ll need:
- Grade 12 with passes in English and Mathematics or Technical Mathematics (Mathematical Literacy does not qualify)
- A valid driver’s licence
- Good communication and administrative skills
- Computer literacy
Subjects like Engineering/Physical Science, Engineering Graphics & Design, Diesel Trade Theory and Motor Trade Theory are advantageous but not compulsory — so don’t hold back just because you didn’t take technical subjects at school.
AFGRI is also looking for highly motivated, detail-focused team players who are goal-oriented and deadline-driven. Apprentices will repair and maintain equipment, handle stock control, serve customers and perform general workplace duties throughout the programme.
Insider Tip: The application includes screening and assessment questions that take at least 30 minutes — and this is where most candidates sabotage themselves by rushing. Set aside a full hour, find a quiet space with stable internet, and answer honestly in your own words. These assessments often check consistency, so contradicting yourself between questions is a silent disqualifier. And dust off that driver’s licence requirement now: if yours is still pending, book the test today, because the closing date in September gives you just enough runway.
How Do You Submit Your Application?
Applications close on 30 September 2026, and with 40 positions available across AFGRI’s national branch network, candidates from all corners of the country have a genuine shot.
Use reference number AO-2345 and prepare your CV, certified Matric certificate and driver’s licence before you begin — then budget that 30+ minutes for the assessment questions.
Applications must be submitted through AFGRI’s official online recruitment portal.
Shortlisted candidates must make themselves available for an interview and assessment process. If you haven’t heard back within 30 days of the closing date, consider your application unsuccessful. The filling of these positions is aligned to AFGRI’s Employment Equity Policy.
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Final Thoughts
Qualified tractor and earthmoving mechanics are among the most employable artisans in Southern Africa — agriculture, construction, mining and forestry all compete for them. A free, SETA-registered apprenticeship with a John Deere dealer that’s been in business for over 60 years is the kind of foundation that pays off for decades.
Forty positions sounds like a lot, but trade apprenticeships attract thousands of applications. Get yours in early, take the assessment seriously, and give yourself the best possible shot before 30 September 2026.
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