A Hands-On Future: Novus Print’s 2026 Apprenticeship Programme Opens Doors for Youth
A pathway to skills, industry mentorship, and a nationally recognized trade qualification in South Africa’s printing sector
A New Chapter Begins for South Africa’s Technical Talent
Every year, a quiet transformation takes place in the printing halls of Montague Gardens, Cape Town. Machines hum with precision, paper flows like clockwork, and skilled artisans breathe life into ink and imagination. This is the world of Novus Print—a cornerstone of South Africa’s print and manufacturing industry.
For 2026, Novus Print is once again reaching out to young South Africans with a dream: to learn, to grow, and to master a trade through its 2026 Apprenticeship Programme. With applications now open and a start date set for January 2026, this is more than a job offer—it’s a career catalyst.
Crafting Skills for the Future
The Novus Print Apprenticeship Programme isn’t just another training course. It’s a structured, 36-month journey that blends theory with practice, preparing learners to take on vital roles in the country’s print and packaging sectors.
What Makes This Programme Unique?
- Industry-aligned training: Every module is designed with real-world relevance.
- Hands-on experience: Apprentices work side-by-side with experienced mentors at Novus Print’s production hub.
- Certification: The programme prepares learners for a nationally recognised trade test, a stepping stone to long-term employment.
- Support structure: Through a tripartite agreement involving the learner, Novus Print, and the FP&M SETA, apprentices benefit from structured guidance and continuous progress tracking.
This is not just a skills programme—it’s a transformation journey into the world of technical excellence.
The Trades That Shape the Industry
When you walk through the Novus Print facility, you’ll see more than machines. You’ll see the beating heart of a sector that shapes everything from books to packaging, magazines to marketing materials. And behind every finished product is a trade professional.
Novus Print’s 2026 Apprenticeship Programme offers training in five key printing trades:
- Lithography Press
Master the process that brings high-volume prints to life with accuracy and efficiency. - Electronic Pre-Press
Dive into the digital preparation of design and layout before it hits the press floor. - Mechanised Bookbinding
Turn stacks of printed pages into final products with precision binding techniques. - Gravure Press
Specialise in long-run, high-quality printing, often used in packaging and publishing. - Sheetfed Press
Learn to operate advanced presses that produce everything from brochures to premium prints.
Each trade is a discipline of its own, and Novus Print ensures learners receive in-depth training tailored to their chosen path.
The Learning Experience: More Than Just Skills
When 19-year-old Sipho M. from Delft joined the programme in 2023, he was unsure of what to expect. Today, he walks confidently through the press room, able to troubleshoot complex machinery and produce consistent, high-quality results. “I didn’t just learn how to print,” Sipho says, “I learned how to think like a professional.”
This transformation is exactly what Novus Print strives for. The programme is built around real mentorship, not just supervision. Apprentices are guided by seasoned experts, people who have worked in the industry for decades.
Training includes:
- Classroom-based theoretical learning
- On-site technical exposure
- Real deadlines, real clients, and real-world challenges
- Mentorship by professionals invested in your growth
By the end of the 36-month period, learners aren’t just skilled—they’re career-ready.
Who Should Apply?
Novus Print is looking for individuals who are ready to commit, learn, and evolve. The application process is open to:
- Unemployed South African youth
- Individuals with a Matric certificate (Grade 12) or equivalent technical/vocational qualification
- Those passionate about technical work and printing trades
- Candidates willing to dedicate 3 years to structured learning
- People eager to work in a professional, fast-paced environment
This is not limited to those with technical college backgrounds; if you have a willingness to learn and the discipline to see it through, you could be the right fit.
Why Novus Print?
With over a century of combined industry experience and a strong track record in skills development, Novus Print is not just a leader in printing—it’s a leader in talent development. Their apprenticeship model has launched dozens of successful careers across South Africa.
Reasons to consider Novus Print:
- Consistently recognised for excellence in printing and publishing
- Committed to transformation and youth development
- Strong industry partnerships and FP&M SETA affiliation
- Real job pathways for successful apprentices
By investing in local talent, Novus Print strengthens the printing and manufacturing sectors while helping to address youth unemployment—one artisan at a time.
A Story of Possibility
Imagine this: Three years from now, you’re standing in a state-of-the-art press room, not as an observer, but as a specialist. You understand the language of machinery, the rhythm of production, and the responsibility of delivering excellence on every print run.
That story could begin with your application to the Novus Print Apprenticeship Programme.
Just like thousands of South Africans who have passed through similar programmes and gone on to become foremen, plant supervisors, and technical managers—this could be the moment that sets your future in motion.
Application Details
Applications Close: 30 July 2025
To apply, ensure you:
- Prepare a CV that includes your contact details and educational background
- SUBMIT APPLICATIONS
- Write a short motivational letter about why you want to pursue a career in printing
- Submit copies of your ID and qualifications
Applications can typically be submitted via Novus Print’s careers portal or through their recruitment partners (check official channels for full details).
Tips for a Successful Application
Want to stand out? Here are some tips:
- Show genuine interest in printing—mention what excites you about it.
- Be clear and professional in your communication.
- Highlight any technical or creative experience, even if it’s from school or informal learning.
- Double-check your documents before submission.
Remember: this is your first impression. Make it count.
Final Thoughts: A Career in Your Hands
South Africa needs skilled tradespeople—now more than ever. And the print industry, though often behind the scenes, remains a crucial part of how we communicate, educate, and connect.
The Novus Print Apprenticeship Programme is more than a job opportunity—it’s a bridge to a stable, skilled, and respected profession.
If you are a young person searching for a way forward, consider the value of learning a trade that will always be in demand. Join an industry with history, purpose, and innovation at its core.
Don’t wait for change—become it. Apply before 30 July 2025, and take the first step toward your future in print.
Discover More Opportunities Like This
Visit our dedicated [Apprenticeship & Skills Development Portal] to explore more career-building programmes tailored for South African youth.
