John Thompsons

About John Thompson

John Thompson is a division of ACTOM, a large South African engineering group. The brand describes a heritage in boiler technology that goes back to 1824. Today, it designs, makes, installs and maintains industrial boilers. It also offers environmental solutions such as air filtration and dust collection.

The company runs manufacturing facilities in Bellville, Cape Town, and in Isando, Gauteng. Its boilers serve power generation, mining, petrochemicals, sugar, steel, cement and food processing. Biomass and waste-to-energy systems are a growing focus, since many industries want cleaner fuel options.

How John Thompson supports learners

The clearest and best-documented opportunity is the apprenticeship. John Thompson has advertised intakes of about 20 apprentices in boilermaking and welding at its Bellville site. The 2026 call, for example, was reported to close on 15 May 2026. Training is also a stated part of the company's workforce development efforts.

Applicants for these recent calls needed to live in the Western Cape and be between 18 and 35. The entry requirement was a Grade 12 certificate with Maths and Science, an N2 in trade theory, or an NCV Level 4 in fabrication. No earlier experience was required. Candidates wrote a psychometric test first. Successful candidates could then start a three-month evaluation period, after which management offered apprenticeships to those who showed potential.

Trade skills matter in heavy industry. Welders and boilermakers work in power stations, refineries and factories, and the job demands careful training and safety awareness. John Thompson also lists training programmes for operators, welders and maintenance personnel, which shows that learning is built into the business. If you prefer hands-on work to lecture halls, an apprenticeship may suit you better than a degree.

What to know before applying

A formal John Thompson bursary for university study has not been confirmed in the sources reviewed. Students who want engineering funding should therefore also look at ACTOM's wider programmes. Mechanical, industrial and electrical engineering are natural fits for a boiler maker.

Because the trade route differs from a university bursary, the benefits differ too. An apprentice earns while learning on the job and works towards a trade qualification. A bursary, in contrast, usually pays fees for a degree or diploma. Both paths can lead to a stable technical career.

Always check the details yourself. Intake sizes, closing dates, age limits and the area of residence can change every year. Ignore any person who asks for money to secure a place, since legitimate employers do not charge applicants. The official John Thompson website is the safest place to confirm current vacancies and training programmes.