SGS Opens Civil Engineering YES Learnership Programme 2026 — Unemployed Youth Encouraged to Apply

SGS has opened its Civil Engineering YES Learnership Programme 2026 in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga. This opportunity is open to unemployed South African youth with Civil Engineering qualifications who want practical field and laboratory experience.

Unemployed South African youth in Mpumalanga, particularly those with a Civil Engineering qualification, now have access to a powerful opportunity that can change the direction of their careers. SGS, the world-renowned leader in inspection, testing, and certification, has announced a Civil Engineering learner opportunity under the YES Programme based in Nelspruit.

For graduates who have struggled to enter the engineering field due to a lack of experience, this learnership offers a genuine entry point. It provides real field and laboratory exposure while working alongside one of the most respected engineering and quality organisations globally.

You can also explore the following preparation tools:
Are you Ready for these Learnerships? Take the Learnership Readiness Quiz here
Track Your Daily Career Score here
Create and Download your CV for these Learnerships here
Create a Motivational Letter for these Learnerships here
Practice Interview Questions and Answers for these Learnerships here
View more 2026 Learnerships here

This opportunity is especially suited to motivated young people who want hands-on exposure instead of theory alone and who are serious about building a long-term engineering career.

Programme Overview

Opportunity: SGS YES Programme – Civil Engineering Learner
Programme Type: YES (Youth Employment Service) Internship
Employer: SGS South Africa
Location: Nelspruit, Mpumalanga
Minimum Qualification: NQF Level 4 or Diploma in Civil Engineering
Age Requirement: 18 to 30 years
Citizenship: South African citizens only
Employment Status: Must be unemployed
Relocation: Must be willing to relocate to Nelspruit
Key Focus Areas: Fieldwork, laboratory testing, sampling, calculations, quality control, safety compliance
Experience Needed: Sampling and preparation experience is advantageous but not mandatory

About SGS and Why It Matters

SGS, formally known as Société Générale de Surveillance, is recognised worldwide as the leading authority in inspection, verification, testing, and certification. The organisation operates across a vast range of industries including construction, mining, agriculture, environmental services, food safety, and pharmaceuticals.

SGS operates from thousands of offices and laboratories across the world and employs tens of thousands of professionals globally. The company’s name is synonymous with quality, integrity, and strict international standards.

For a young Civil Engineering graduate, gaining experience at SGS adds immediate credibility to your CV. Employers recognise the discipline, accuracy, and professional exposure that comes with SGS training, making this an exceptional stepping stone into the engineering industry.

What the Civil Engineering Learner Will Do

This learnership is highly practical and closely aligned with the real demands of the civil engineering sector. Learners will not be limited to office duties but will instead gain hands-on exposure both on site and in laboratory environments.

Fieldwork Exposure

Learners will assist engineering teams with activities such as density testing, layer sampling, stockpile sampling, and concrete cube manufacturing. Additional field tasks include Dynamic Cone Penetrometer testing, sand patch testing, ring and ball tests for road surfaces, on-site viscosity testing, and the sampling of asphalt, seals, concrete, and aggregates.

This type of field experience is exactly what civil engineering employers look for when hiring entry-level professionals.

Laboratory Testing Responsibilities

Learners will support laboratory teams by preparing samples, applying testing methods accurately, performing calculations, and assisting with quality control processes. Ensuring results meet SGS management and quality standards is a core part of the role.

Site and Workshop Clean-Up

Maintaining safe and compliant workspaces is an important responsibility. Learners will assist with removing consumables, clearing materials, and ensuring that work areas meet safety and operational standards after tasks are completed.

Reporting and Quality Compliance

Learners will be expected to report deviations, irregularities, or non-conformances and strictly follow SGS quality systems and safety requirements. While working under supervision, learners are expected to demonstrate discipline and accountability.

General Engineering Support

Additional reasonable tasks may be assigned by the site supervisor, laboratory manager, or regional manager. This exposure helps learners develop flexibility and adaptability, which are critical skills in engineering environments.

Who Should Apply

This opportunity is designed specifically for unemployed youth who meet the YES Programme requirements.

Applicants must be South African citizens between the ages of 18 and 30, currently unemployed, and free of any criminal record. Candidates must be willing to relocate to Nelspruit and must hold a Civil Engineering qualification at NQF Level 4 or a Diploma level.

Technical Skills That Strengthen Your Application

Although not compulsory, the following skills will improve your suitability for the role: sampling exposure, the ability to perform engineering calculations, a basic understanding of quality control, computer literacy in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, data analysis ability, and research skills.

Additional Personal Attributes

Successful candidates should have strong attention to detail, good organisational skills, and the ability to follow instructions accurately. Physical fitness is important, as the work involves moving samples and working in field conditions. A self-motivated attitude and willingness to take initiative are essential.

If you have completed any fieldwork or laboratory-based modules at a TVET college or university, this learnership allows you to put that training into real practice.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted through the official SGS application process:

APPLY FOR THE SGS YES LEARNERSHIP PROGRAMME 2026 HERE

Conclusion

The SGS Civil Engineering YES Learnership Programme 2026 offers unemployed youth a rare opportunity to gain real-world experience with a globally trusted engineering and quality assurance organisation. By combining fieldwork, laboratory exposure, and strict professional standards, this programme equips learners with the skills and credibility needed to break into the civil engineering industry. For young people ready to work hard, learn fast, and build a strong foundation for their careers, this opportunity can be a powerful turning point.