South African Forestry Company (SAFCOL) is inviting unemployed South African youth to apply for its Mechanised Harvesting Learnership Programme 2026. This opportunity aims to equip you with practical forestry skills and a National Certificate (Mechanised Harvesting) at NQF Level 3 — a qualification recognised in the forestry sector.
📌 What the Learnership Involves
- Duration: 10 months
- Qualification: Mechanised Harvesting (NQF Level 3)
- Training: Combination of accredited theory and practical workplace training
- Location: SAFCOL Training Centre (Platorand), Sabie, Mpumalanga Province
- Stipend: Monthly allowance provided for the duration of the learnership
- Accredited training prepares learners for careers or entrepreneurship (like setting up an SMME) in the forestry industry.
🎓 Who Can Apply
To be eligible for the programme you must:
✔ Be a South African citizen
✔ Be unemployed
✔ Be between 18 and 35 years old
✔ Have successfully passed Matric (Grade 12)
✔ Have a genuine interest in forestry and be able to work outdoors
SAFCOL is an equal‑opportunity employer and actively supports gender equality and inclusion of people living with disabilities. Preference may be given to youth from communities with which SAFCOL has signed Social Compact agreements.
📋 What You Will Learn
The learnership combines:
📘 Theoretical Training
- Accredited classroom learning in forestry operations
- Principles of mechanised harvesting
- Workplace safety and industry standards
🌱 Practical Field Training
- Hands‑on experience operating forestry equipment
- Mentorship from experienced professionals
- Exposure to real forestry workflows
Upon completion, you’ll receive an NQF Level 3 Certificate in Mechanised Harvesting, which can improve your job prospects in forestry and related fields.
📄 Documents You Need
When applying, prepare these certified copies:
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- South African ID document
- Matric Certificate (or Statement of Results)
Ensure your certifications are recent and legible.
📧 How to Apply
- Download the official SAFCOL Learnership Application Form from the SAFCOL website.
- Complete the form in full.
- Attach your certified documents.
- Email your application to:
📧 mechharvlearner@safcol.co.za
Include all relevant attachments and ensure your contact details are accurate.
