Launch your career with SA Litho’s Apprenticeships – Printing & Packaging in January 2026. Train in Cape Town with CTP Printing & Packaging and gain real-world skills
Apprenticeships – Printing & Packaging (January 2026) – SA Litho, CTP Printing & Packaging Cape Town
Launch Your Career in Printing & Packaging
Are you a young South African with a passion for design, technology, and craftsmanship? The Apprenticeships – Printing & Packaging program at SA Litho, part of CTP Printing & Packaging Cape Town, offers an excellent opportunity to start a rewarding career in one of the country’s most innovative industries. Starting in January 2026, this apprenticeship opens the door to a hands-on learning experience in Parow East, Cape Town, where tradition meets modern printing technology.
This program is more than a training opportunity — it’s a stepping stone into the thriving world of printing and packaging, where skilled artisans and technicians shape how products reach consumers every day.
About SA Litho and CTP Printing & Packaging
SA Litho Label Printers, a division of CTP Printing & Packaging, has been a leader in South Africa’s printing sector for over a century. Founded in 1903, the company has continuously evolved, combining craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology. Based in Parow East, Cape Town, SA Litho is known for producing premium-quality printed packaging, including wet-gum sheetfed labels, self-adhesive labels, shrink sleeves, and packaging sleeves for the food, beverage, and consumer goods industries.
The company’s commitment to skills development, innovation, and quality makes it a respected name in the industry — and a perfect place for apprentices to learn, grow, and build lasting careers.
About the Apprenticeship Programme
The Apprenticeships – Printing & Packaging intake for January 2026 offers young South Africans a structured, practical pathway into the technical side of printing. Apprentices will train within SA Litho’s production environment, gaining real-world experience under the guidance of qualified professionals.
Location: Parow East, Cape Town
Start Date: January 2026
Industry: Printing & Packaging
Qualification: Trade-based apprenticeship (leading to certified trade status upon completion)
Core Training Areas
The apprenticeship covers several core disciplines essential to modern print production:
- Sheetfed Lithography – learning how to operate high-speed printing presses and manage colour consistency.
- Flexography – mastering roll-label production for packaging and labeling industries.
- Electronic Origination (Pre-Press) – understanding the digital preparation of designs before printing.
Through these areas, apprentices will gain a strong technical foundation while developing problem-solving, teamwork, and attention-to-detail skills that are vital in any manufacturing environment.
Entry Requirements
To qualify for the Apprenticeships – Printing & Packaging program, candidates must meet the following requirements:
- South African citizen
- Matric (Grade 12) certificate completed within the past five years
- Minimum of 50% in Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy
- Full colour vision (essential in colour-critical printing environments)
- Genuine interest in mechanical or technical work
- Willingness to learn in a fast-paced, hands-on environment
These requirements ensure that apprentices are ready to succeed in a demanding but rewarding technical field.
What You’ll Gain
Joining the Apprenticeships – Printing & Packaging programme means more than just earning while you learn — it’s about building a future in a field that values precision and creativity. Apprentices will receive:
- Hands-on training with advanced printing and packaging equipment
- Mentorship from experienced printers and production specialists
- Exposure to modern technologies such as digital colour management, automated print inspection, and high-speed finishing systems
- A recognised trade qualification, improving employability and long-term career prospects
- Opportunities for advancement into senior operator or supervisory positions within the CTP group
The company’s strong investment in employee development ensures apprentices are not just trainees but future leaders in the print and packaging industry.
Why Choose an Apprenticeship in Printing & Packaging?
The printing and packaging industry remains a cornerstone of modern manufacturing. From product labels and cartons to marketing materials, packaging connects businesses with consumers every day. With constant innovation in design, sustainability, and technology, skilled professionals are in high demand.
Here are a few reasons why this path is worth pursuing:
- Industry Stability: Packaging is essential for almost every product category — from food to pharmaceuticals — ensuring consistent career opportunities.
- Technical Skill Development: You’ll gain practical experience in colour theory, materials science, and production technologies.
- Innovation and Creativity: The field combines artistic design with engineering precision, ideal for those who enjoy problem-solving.
- Career Growth: Completing an apprenticeship can lead to higher-level qualifications or technical leadership roles.
- Sustainability Focus: Modern packaging companies are increasingly adopting eco-friendly processes, offering apprentices insight into green technologies.
By starting your career through Apprenticeships – Printing & Packaging, you’ll enter an industry that values craftsmanship, innovation, and sustainability.
Preparing for the Application
The January 2026 intake will open for applications later this year. If you plan to apply, here are a few steps to help you prepare:
- Update your CV – Highlight your academic results, especially in Mathematics or Technical subjects.
- Gather documents – Ensure your Matric certificate and ID are ready for submission.
- Show technical interest – Mention any hobbies or experience related to design, printing, or mechanics.
- Be ready for assessments – Applicants may undergo aptitude or colour-vision tests to ensure suitability for the trade.
- Commit to the journey – Apprenticeships typically run for two to three years, combining classroom learning and on-site experience.
The Learning Environment at SA Litho
What sets SA Litho apart is its dedication to training, quality, and people. The company operates under international colour and quality standards, using certified systems to ensure precision in every print run. Apprentices will be part of a professional environment where teamwork, attention to detail, and excellence are at the core of every project.
In addition, the organisation encourages personal growth. Apprentices are mentored by industry professionals, gaining real-world insights that go far beyond classroom theory. The skills you develop here are recognised across the industry, giving you a competitive edge long after your training ends.
The Road Ahead
The Apprenticeships – Printing & Packaging programme at SA Litho is a gateway into one of South Africa’s most established and future-focused industries. It offers young people the chance to learn from experts, work with advanced technologies, and contribute to products that consumers use every single day.
For those ready to start a career in a creative, technical, and stable field, this January 2026 intake is your opportunity to begin. With the right commitment and curiosity, you can turn this apprenticeship into a lifelong career in printing and packaging — an industry that combines precision, innovation, and purpose.
In summary:
The Apprenticeships – Printing & Packaging (January 2026) at SA Litho, CTP Printing & Packaging Cape Town, is an ideal entry point for motivated individuals who want to learn a valuable trade, gain real-world experience, and build a lasting future in South Africa’s dynamic packaging industry.
