York Timbers, in partnership with the Fibre Processing and Manufacturing SETA (FP&M SETA), has officially opened applications for its Civil Engineering Programme (NQF Level 4 – Workplace-Integrated Learning) for 2026. This opportunity is aimed at unemployed young South Africans who want practical, on-site experience in civil engineering, construction, and infrastructure development.
This is not classroom-only training. It is a 12-month workplace-based learning programme designed to help participants move from theory into real working environments where hands-on experience matters.
About the Civil Engineering NQF Level 4 WIL Programme
The York Timbers Civil Engineering Programme is structured to support TVET graduates and young people with an interest in construction and civil engineering who need workplace exposure to become employable. The programme focuses on practical learning within real construction and infrastructure settings, allowing participants to apply what they have learned while developing professional workplace skills.
Workplace-Integrated Learning is a critical requirement in the civil engineering field, and this programme directly addresses the experience gap many young people face after completing their studies.
Programme Overview
This programme runs for a full 12 months and is fully funded, meaning there are no application or participation fees. It is open to unemployed South African youth between the ages of 18 and 35 who are willing to commit to the full duration of the programme.
What the Programme Covers
Throughout the programme, participants will gain exposure to both technical and workplace skills, including:
- Basic civil engineering principles
- Construction site operations and procedures
- Infrastructure development processes
- Workplace safety standards and compliance
- Teamwork and professional conduct
- Practical problem-solving in real construction environments
This combination of technical exposure and workplace experience significantly improves participants’ chances of securing employment after completion.
Who Should Apply
This programme is suitable for young people who are serious about building a career in civil engineering or construction and who meet all the eligibility requirements.
You should apply if:
- You are between 18 and 35 years old
- You are a South African citizen
- You are currently unemployed
- You are able to commit to a 12-month workplace-based programme
- You have an interest or background in civil engineering or construction
This opportunity is particularly valuable for candidates who struggle to find work due to a lack of practical experience.
Academic and Qualification Requirements
This programme is TVET-friendly and does not require a university degree.
Minimum entry requirements include one of the following:
- Grade 10 with Mathematics and Science
- Grade 12 (Matric)
The following will be considered an advantage, but are not compulsory:
- NCV Level 4 in Civil Engineering and Building Construction from a TVET college
- Basic understanding of Mathematics
- Basic understanding of Physical Science
- Foundational knowledge of construction concepts
If you have studied civil engineering at a TVET college and need workplace exposure to complete your skills development, this programme is well suited to you.
Required Documents
Applicants must submit a complete application to be considered. Missing documents may result in disqualification.
You must include:
- A cover letter clearly explaining your motivation and commitment
- An updated CV
- A certified copy of your South African ID
- Certified copies of qualifications
- TVET certificates and statements of results where applicable
- A certified copy of your Matric certificate if applicable
All certifications should be recent and not older than three months.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted by email following the steps below.
Prepare all required documents and save them in PDF format.
Email your application to internships@york.co.za.
Use a clear subject line such as:
Application: Civil Engineering NQF Level 4 WIL Programme
The closing date for applications is 26 January 2026.
Why This Programme Matters
The York Timbers Civil Engineering NQF Level 4 WIL Programme offers young people a rare chance to gain meaningful workplace experience in a field where hands-on exposure is essential. By combining structured learning with real-world practice, this programme helps participants build confidence, technical competence, and employability in the construction and civil engineering sector.
Conclusion
If you are an unemployed young South African looking to enter the civil engineering or construction industry and need practical experience to move forward, this programme provides a solid foundation. With no application costs, structured workplace exposure, and industry-relevant training, the York Timbers Civil Engineering WIL Programme is a valuable step toward building a sustainable career.
