The Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority (EWSETA) invites applications for its 2025/2026 skills development programmes. These include learnerships, bursaries, internships, and skills courses aimed at unemployed youth and current workers in the energy and water sectors. Successful applicants can benefit from monthly stipends, bursary funding, and nationally recognized qualifications. Applications typically close early in 2026, with bursary deadlines around March.
About EWSETA
EWSETA plays a key role in developing skills within South Africa’s energy and water industries. Supported by the Department of Higher Education and Training, EWSETA aligns its training programmes with national goals for economic growth, job creation, and poverty reduction. It offers practical and theoretical learning in fields such as Renewable Energy, Water Treatment, Electrical Engineering, and Environmental Science, delivered through accredited training providers.
Available Programmes
Learnerships
Learnerships combine hands-on experience with classroom instruction over 12 to 18 months. Fields include Renewable Energy and Water Treatment. A monthly stipend between R2,500 and R4,500 is provided. Applicants must have Grade 12 with Mathematics and Science.
Bursaries
Bursaries support studies at undergraduate level in Electrical Engineering, Environmental Science, and related areas. They cover tuition, books, and accommodation up to R80,000. Programmes last from one to four years. Eligibility requires Grade 12 with Mathematics and Science and acceptance into a tertiary institution.
Internships
Internships last 12 to 24 months and provide practical experience in Water Management, Electrical Engineering, and similar disciplines. A stipend similar to learnerships is included. Applicants need a relevant diploma or degree.
Skills Programmes
Short courses from one to six months focus on specific skills like Solar Installation or Water Purification. These receive partial funding but do not offer stipends. Grade 12 with Mathematics and Science is required.
Programme Structure and Outcomes
Each programme integrates theoretical learning, workplace experience, and assessments. On successful completion, participants earn nationally recognized qualifications or certificates that enhance their employment prospects in the energy and water sectors.
All training is delivered through EWSETA-accredited institutions to ensure quality and relevance.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must:
- Be South African citizens with valid identification.
- Be between 18 and 35 years old for learnerships and bursaries (no age limit for internships).
- Have Grade 12 with Mathematics and Science for learnerships and skills courses; Grade 12 with Mathematics and Science plus tertiary acceptance for bursaries; diploma or degree for internships.
- Be unemployed or employed in the energy or water sectors, depending on the programme.
- Not have participated previously in the same EWSETA programme.
- Pass criminal record and background checks.
Preference is given to candidates from employment equity groups such as Black South Africans, Coloureds, Indians, women, and persons with disabilities. Residents of Gauteng, Western Cape, or KwaZulu-Natal are encouraged to apply.
Skills and Attributes Required
Candidates should demonstrate:
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- An interest in energy and water industries and willingness to learn.
- Technical aptitude and problem-solving abilities for learnerships and internships.
- Basic computer literacy and numeracy.
- Attention to safety and detail in technical environments.
Benefits of Joining EWSETA Programmes
Participants enjoy:
- Monthly stipends between R2,500 and R4,500 for learnerships and internships.
- Bursary funding covering tuition, books, and accommodation up to R80,000.
- Nationally recognized qualifications ranging from NQF Level 2 to Level 7.
- Improved employment prospects in critical energy and water sectors.
- Access to mentorship and accredited training providers.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted by early 2026, usually March for bursaries. To apply:
- Email your application to info@ewseta.org.za,
- Hand-deliver to 22 Wellington Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, or
- Mail to PO Box 5983, Johannesburg, 2000.
Required documents:
- CV
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Certified academic certificates or proof of tertiary acceptance (for bursaries)
- Certified proof of residence, no older than six months
- Clearly state the programme you are applying for (e.g., Learnership: Renewable Energy, Bursary: Electrical Engineering)
Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. There are no application fees.
Shortlisted applicants will be contacted within 60 to 90 days after the closing date. Background checks will be conducted. If you do not hear back within 90 days, consider your application unsuccessful.
Contact Details
For more information, contact EWSETA at:
- Email: info@ewseta.org.za
- Phone: +27 11 274 4700
- Address: 22 Wellington Road, Parktown, Johannesburg
- Postal: PO Box 5983, Johannesburg, 2000
Visit the official website at ewseta.org.za.
These programmes provide an excellent opportunity to gain valuable skills and qualifications in South Africa’s growing energy and water sectors. Be sure to apply early for the 2025/2026 intake.