Engen is proud to announce the graduation of 21 newly qualified artisans who have successfully completed an intensive three-year apprenticeship programme aimed at tackling youth unemployment and addressing South Africa’s critical skills shortage.
A formal graduation ceremony was held in Durban on 10 June to honour the graduates, who began their apprenticeship journey in May 2023 and completed the programme at the end of April 2026.
The apprenticeship programme combined practical workplace experience with classroom-based theoretical learning in line with SETA requirements (CHIETA). Each year consisted of nine months of on-the-job training and three months of classroom instruction, equipping learners with both technical expertise and hands-on industry experience.
All 21 apprentices completed their workplace training at the Engen Durban Marine Terminal, based in the Island View industrial precinct, and successfully passed an external trade test examination to qualify as artisans. Impressively, every learner who started the programme in 2023 graduated successfully.
The graduating group includes:
- 7 Electrical artisans
- 7 Mechanical Fitting artisans
- 7 Instrumentation artisans
Notably, 11 of the 21 graduates are women, representing more than 50% of the cohort and highlighting Engen’s commitment to empowering women in traditionally male-dominated technical fields.
Targeted at unemployed youth under the age of 35, the programme provides participants with valuable workplace exposure, technical development and monthly financial support through stipends. By the time they qualify, graduates have accumulated nearly two-and-a-half years of practical work experience, making them job-ready and highly employable.
Andiswa Mkhize, Engen Talent and Development Manager, said: “In a country facing a critical shortage of skilled professionals, we continue to witness the remarkable transformation of potential into expertise. These young graduates stand as beacons of hope and exemplify the true spirit of youth empowerment.
“By equipping them with world-class technical skills, we are making a meaningful contribution to South Africa’s efforts to combat high unemployment. In doing so, we turn ambition into opportunity and help build a more resilient and self-sufficient economy that will benefit generations to come.”
Riana Ohlson, Engen General Manager: Human Resources, added: “At Engen, we believe that creating opportunities for young people through skills development is one of the most meaningful investments we can make in South Africa’s future. Programmes such as our artisan apprenticeship not only help address critical skills shortages but also open pathways to sustainable employment and long-term economic participation.
“We are especially encouraged by the strong representation of women among this year’s graduates, reflecting our commitment to building a more inclusive and diverse technical workforce.”
Artisan development remains a national priority, with artisans recognised as scarce and critical skills within the South African economy and across multiple industries.
Engen Skills Development Facilitator, Pontsho Matshediso, emphasised the importance of industry-aligned training and practical skills development.
“Creating employment through targeted skills development is not just a business strategy, it’s a national imperative,” said Matshediso.
“We are committed to nurturing tomorrow’s talent while meeting today’s industry needs by providing both theoretical and real-world experience that positions young people for success in a competitive job market.”
Matshediso added that investing in scarce and critical skills not only strengthens industry capability but also uplifts communities through meaningful employment opportunities.
The apprenticeship route also provides an important alternative pathway to traditional university education. While many graduates leave university with primarily theoretical knowledge, Engen’s apprenticeship programme ensures learners graduate with both academic understanding and substantial workplace experience.
As South Africa commemorates Youth Month and reflects on the role young people play in shaping the nation’s future, Engen continues to demonstrate its commitment to developing skilled youth talent and creating sustainable opportunities through apprenticeships, learnerships, bursaries, and graduate development programmes.
