TotalEnergies Apprenticeship Programme 2026

Apply for the TotalEnergies Instrument Mechanician Apprenticeship in Durban. Gain structured engineering training, hands-on plant experience, and technical skills in maintenance and instrumentation.
Engineering Apprenticeship Opportunity in Durban
TotalEnergies Marketing South Africa (Pty) Ltd is offering an Instrument Mechanician Apprenticeship in Durban. This structured training opportunity is designed for individuals with a technical background who want to build a career in engineering maintenance and instrumentation within an industrial manufacturing environment.
The apprenticeship will take place at the companyโs Lubricants Manufacturing Plant, where participants will gain practical workplace experience while completing theoretical training requirements. The programme combines hands-on learning, safety-focused operations, and structured mentorship from experienced maintenance professionals.
This opportunity is ideal for candidates with less than three years of experience who want to strengthen their technical skills and gain exposure to real-world engineering operations.
Structured Training in an Industrial Environment
The apprentice will be integrated into the plantโs maintenance team and will work closely with experienced technicians and engineers. The training environment focuses on operational efficiency, equipment reliability, and adherence to industry safety standards.
Participants will learn how instrumentation systems support plant operations, including monitoring, measurement, and control of industrial processes. The apprenticeship aims to develop technical competence while ensuring that learners understand the importance of safety, compliance, and quality in engineering operations.
The programme also includes structured theoretical learning delivered through an appointed training provider. This ensures that participants gain both practical and academic knowledge necessary for certification and career development.
Key Responsibilities During the Apprenticeship
The Instrument Mechanician apprentice will be expected to actively participate in maintenance activities while working toward defined learning objectives. Key responsibilities include:
Safety Compliance and PPE
The apprentice must wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all times and adhere to HSSEQ (Health, Safety, Security, Environment, and Quality) standards. Safety compliance is a critical component of the training programme.
Maintenance Team Support
Participants will work alongside the maintenance team, assisting with daily operational duties. This hands-on exposure helps learners understand plant operations and maintenance procedures.
Training Participation
The apprentice will attend all required theoretical training sessions and practical learning activities. These sessions are essential for developing technical knowledge and fulfilling apprenticeship requirements.
Workplace Learning Tasks
Learners will carry out occupationally related tasks aligned with both theoretical learning and practical experience. These tasks are designed to build competency in instrumentation and maintenance operations.
Documentation and Assessments
Participants must complete timesheets, logbooks, and project documentation. They will also take part in formative and summative assessments to evaluate progress.
Compliance With Policies and Procedures
The apprentice will follow company policies, site rules, and work instructions. This includes compliance with Management of Work procedures and risk assessment requirements.
Safety Awareness and Reporting
Any hazards, unsafe conditions, or incidents must be reported immediately to supervisors or engineers. This reinforces a strong safety culture within the workplace.
Equipment and Work Area Maintenance
The apprentice will help maintain equipment and work areas to support production efficiency and quality targets.
Operational Flexibility
Candidates must be willing to work overtime, weekends, or standby shifts when operationally required.
Learning Outcomes and Skills Development
This apprenticeship provides exposure to several technical competencies, including:
- Instrumentation maintenance fundamentals
- Industrial plant operations
- Preventive and corrective maintenance
- Safety and risk management practices
- Equipment calibration and monitoring
- Technical documentation and reporting
- Team collaboration in engineering environments
- Problem-solving and troubleshooting
These skills are valuable for individuals seeking long-term careers in engineering maintenance, instrumentation, or industrial operations.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must meet the following educational criteria:
- Matric (Grade 12) with Mathematics and Physical Science
- N3, N4, N5, or N6 qualification in Mechanical or Electrical/Electronic Engineering from a South African college (advantageous)
These requirements ensure candidates have the foundational knowledge necessary for technical training.
Physical and Workplace Requirements
Due to the nature of industrial plant operations, candidates must also:
- Be physically fit
- Be willing to work at heights (e.g., on tanks and platforms)
- Be willing to work in confined spaces (e.g., inside vessels and tanks)
These conditions reflect the practical demands of instrumentation and maintenance roles in manufacturing environments.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit the following documents:
- Updated CV
- Certified copy of ID
- Proof of residence
- Academic records including Grade 12 results
Providing complete documentation improves the chances of being considered for the apprenticeship.
Work Environment and Career Growth
The apprenticeship offers valuable exposure to a real manufacturing plant environment. Learners will gain insight into industrial maintenance systems, safety compliance, and operational efficiency. This experience can open pathways to careers such as:
- Instrument Mechanician
- Maintenance Technician
- Engineering Assistant
- Plant Technician
- Industrial Maintenance Specialist
Although permanent employment is not guaranteed, successful completion significantly enhances employability within the engineering and manufacturing sectors.
Why This Apprenticeship Stands Out
- Structured workplace training in engineering
- Exposure to industrial instrumentation systems
- Combination of theoretical and practical learning
- Mentorship from experienced maintenance professionals
- Opportunity to work in a large manufacturing plant
- Development of safety and compliance knowledge
- Strong foundation for technical careers
A Pathway Into Engineering Maintenance
The Instrument Mechanician Apprenticeship with TotalEnergies provides a practical entry point into technical engineering careers. With structured learning, hands-on exposure, and a safety-focused environment, participants can build valuable skills that support long-term professional growth.
For individuals with a passion for engineering and maintenance, this opportunity in Durban offers the chance to gain industry-relevant experience while developing competencies needed in modern industrial operations.




