forestry jobs

Apprenticeship Opportunity

AFGRI Equipment has proudly held the John Deere Agency since 1962, covering the North-East and South-West regions of South Africa. Our branch network includes:

South Africa:
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.

International:
Botswana, Kenya, Uganda and Western Australia.

We operate highly equipped repair workshops that service and maintain agricultural equipment, construction and forestry machinery, as well as golf and turf equipment.

AFGRI Equipment is seeking motivated and results-driven candidates to be appointed as Tractor Apprentices or Earthmoving Apprentices.

About the Apprenticeship

This apprenticeship consists of 3 years of in-service training toward a qualification as a Tractor Mechanic or Earthmoving Mechanic.

Probation Period

• The first 6 months serve as a probation period.
• Both the company and the apprentice can assess suitability for a long-term relationship.
• Either party may withdraw during this period without consequences.

Training Structure

After probation, the apprentice enters into an AFGRI contract and begins formal training, which includes:

• Attendance at a Practical Training Institute for relevant phases (if required).
• Registration for subjects via distance learning through a college (if required and available).
• • Saturday classes may be required.
  • Distance learning may continue during workplace training.
• Product Training from relative suppliers or AFGRI specialists.
• Internal training hosted by AFGRI specialists.

Training Authorities

AFGRI supports training through:

• AgriSETA (Agriculture Sector Education and Training Authority), or
• MerSETA (Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services SETA).

Both AFGRI and the apprentice will be contracted to one of these SETAs.

Costs and Commitments

• Training provided is free of charge if passed.
• Any failed subjects or phases must be repeated at the apprentice’s own cost and time.
• The apprenticeship is bound by a 3-year contract.
• If the apprentice withdraws during the apprenticeship or the required work-back period, repayment of training costs will apply.
• Work-back period equals the time it took to qualify (calculated in years).
• The apprenticeship contract cannot exceed 4 years.
• • If the apprentice does not qualify within 4 years, the contract expires.

Duties of the Apprentice

• Training to become a Tractor Mechanic or Earthmoving Mechanic
• Repair and maintenance of related equipment
• Stock control
• Customer service
• General workplace duties

Minimum Requirements

• Valid driver’s license
• Good communication skills
• Administrative skills
• Computer literacy
• Grade 12 with the following subjects passed:

• • English
  • Mathematics/Technical Mathematics (NOT Mathematical Literacy)
  • Engineering/Technical or Physical Science (advantageous, not compulsory)
  • Engineering Graphics & Design (advantageous, not compulsory)
  • Diesel Trade Theory (advantageous, not compulsory)
  • Motor Trade Theory (advantageous, not compulsory)

Behavioral Competencies

• Highly motivated individual
• Strong attention to detail
• Effective team player
• Goal-oriented
• Deadline-driven

Complete the screening and assessment questions to the best of your own knowledge. You might need at least 30 min for it.

General Principles

Learners must avail themselves for an interview and assessment process as defined by the company.

Closing Date: 30 September 2026

Applicants who have not heard from us within 30 days of the closing date may assume that their applications have been unsuccessful, and are hereby thanked for their interest. The filling of these positions will be aligned to AFGRI's Employment Equity Policy.