The SGS Civil Engineering Learnership 2026 offers a valuable opportunity for young South Africans who are passionate about construction, materials testing, and engineering support services. SGS is one of the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing, and certification companies, and its civil engineering division plays a major role in infrastructure development across the country. This learnership is designed to provide hands-on training in a professional environment, pairing theoretical learning with practical field experience. It is ideal for individuals who want to build a strong foundation within the civil engineering and construction testing industry.
The programme typically runs for twelve months, giving learners the opportunity to work with experienced technicians, engineers, laboratory analysts, and field teams. Through this exposure, participants gain technical competence, professional confidence, and meaningful workplace readiness for long-term career growth.
What the Learnership Offers
The SGS Civil Engineering Learnership focuses on developing skills in materials testing, construction quality assurance, laboratory procedures, and site-based inspection. Learners receive structured mentorship, continuous assessments, and the opportunity to engage with real engineering projects. The programme includes training in civil laboratory operations, such as soil testing, concrete testing, aggregate analysis, and geotechnical procedures.
Participants will also gain experience working with industry-standard equipment, applying safety protocols, and interpreting results according to engineering standards. This combination of theory and practice ensures that learners are fully prepared to enter the civil engineering support field upon completion.
Fields of Training
Learners will be exposed to several key areas within the civil engineering environment, including:
- Soil and gravel testing
- Concrete sampling and compressive strength testing
- Asphalt and bitumen testing
- Aggregate classification and grading
- Laboratory data capturing and report preparation
- Field testing and site sample collection
- Quality control monitoring on construction sites
- Adherence to civil engineering standards and testing methods
These fields help learners understand the full scope of civil materials testing and quality assurance. The experience gained is directly aligned with employment opportunities in construction laboratories, engineering firms, roadworks operations, and infrastructure development projects.
Minimum Requirements
To qualify for the SGS Civil Engineering Learnership 2026, applicants usually must meet the following criteria:
- Grade 12 certificate with Mathematics and Physical Science
- A relevant NQF Level 2 or Level 3 qualification in engineering studies is advantageous
- South African citizenship
- Strong interest in civil engineering, construction testing, or laboratory sciences
- Ability to work in both laboratory and outdoor environments
- Willingness to travel or work at project sites when required
- Good communication and teamwork skills
- Attention to detail and ability to follow technical procedures
- Applicants must be willing to undergo assessments and medical fitness checks if required
These requirements help ensure that learners can manage both the physical and technical demands of the programme.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
During the learnership, participants may be expected to carry out tasks such as:
- Collecting samples of soil, sand, concrete, asphalt, and aggregates from construction sites
- Assisting technicians with preparing, drying, sieving, and testing materials
- Recording laboratory results accurately and maintaining documentation
- Helping with equipment setup, cleaning, and calibration
- Supporting quality control checks on civil engineering projects
- Following safety procedures during fieldwork and laboratory operations
- Ensuring testing standards are met according to industry regulations
- Communicating findings to supervisors and team leaders
These responsibilities give learners a real-world understanding of how civil engineering testing contributes to safe and reliable infrastructure.
Why This Learnership Is Valuable
The SGS Civil Engineering Learnership is highly beneficial for youth who want to enter the technical side of the engineering industry. It provides structured training, nationally recognised experience, mentorship, and exposure to engineering projects across different sectors. Many participants secure contracts, internships, or full-time employment after completing the programme.
With the demand for skilled civil technicians steadily increasing, completing this learnership strengthens a candidate’s employability and opens doors to careers in testing laboratories, construction companies, municipal engineering departments, and private infrastructure firms.
How to Apply
Candidates are normally required to submit the following documents during the application process:
- A detailed CV
- Certified copy of ID
- Certified copies of qualifications
- Matric certificate
- Any additional engineering-related certificates
- Proof of residence
- Contactable references
Applications are usually submitted through the company’s recruitment channels or emailed directly to the hiring department depending on the vacancy notice.