About Martin & East
Martin & East (Pty) Ltd is one of South Africa’s oldest and most respected civil engineering and construction companies. With over 70 years of experience, the company has been instrumental in building and maintaining essential infrastructure across the country.
Their expertise extends across multiple sectors, including:
- Large-scale earthworks and landfill development
- Roads, bridges, and concrete structures
- Pipelines and underground services
- Low-cost housing projects
- Road rehabilitation, surfacing, and maintenance
- Crushing and screening operations
- Synthetic playing fields and erosion control solutions
As a B-BBEE Level 1 supplier, Martin & East is strongly committed to transformation, youth development, and creating opportunities that prepare students for successful careers in civil engineering.
About the Martin & East Gap Year and Bursary Programme
Martin & East is inviting current Matric learners (Class of 2025) to apply for their Matric Gap Year Programme in 2026, which will be followed by a Civil Engineering bursary in 2027.
The Gap Year Programme (2026)
During the gap year, selected candidates will:
- Join a Construction Roadworks and Supervision Learnership
- Gain practical exposure in multiple construction disciplines, including bulk earthworks, road construction, trenchless solutions, and more
- Earn a salary while receiving valuable on-site training
The Bursary Programme (2027)
After successfully completing the gap year, students will qualify for bursary funding to study Civil Engineering at one of the following universities:
- University of Cape Town
- Stellenbosch University
- Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- University of Pretoria
- Nelson Mandela University
Final selection for the bursary will be based on:
- Overall performance during the gap year programme
- Acceptance into a Civil Engineering qualification at an approved institution
Eligibility Requirements
To apply, applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Must be a South African citizen
- Must be completing Matric in 2025
- Must be interested in pursuing Civil Engineering studies (BSc, BEng, BEng Tech, or Diploma) in 2027
- Must participate in the Matric Gap Year Programme in 2026
- Must achieve at least 60% in Mathematics/Maths Literacy/Technical Maths and Physical Science
- Must gain acceptance to study at one of the approved universities listed above
How to Apply for the Martin & East Gap Year and Bursary
Applications must be submitted via email to: careers@megroup.co.za
(Use the subject line: Scholar Recruitment 2026)
There is no application form to complete. Instead, applicants must submit the following documents:
- A certified copy of your South African ID
- Matric June results and latest available results
- A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Closing Date
The closing date for applications is 31 October 2025. Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered.
Contact Information
For any queries about the gap year or bursary, contact:
- Contact Persons: Megan Adonis or Zelia Cyster
- Email: careers@megroup.co.za
Conclusion
The Martin & East Gap Year and Bursary Programme 2026 – 2027 offers Matriculants a rare opportunity to step directly into the civil engineering industry, gain paid practical experience, and secure funding for their future studies. If you are passionate about infrastructure development and eager to build a career in engineering, this programme could be the stepping stone you need.