The SGS South Africa Civil Engineering YES Learner Programme for 2026 is an exciting opportunity for young South Africans interested in developing their skills in civil and field engineering. This learnership is part of the Youth Employment Service (YES) initiative and is designed to provide hands-on work experience, technical training, and professional development for learners entering the engineering industry. It is aimed at unemployed youth who wish to gain practical exposure to civil engineering projects while receiving structured mentorship and a monthly stipend.
SGS is a global inspection, verification, testing, and certification company, and its South African operations offer learners exposure to high standards of quality, compliance, and technical expertise. This learnership equips participants with practical knowledge that aligns with industry standards and prepares them for future career opportunities in civil engineering, construction, and related technical fields.
Purpose of the Learnership
The primary objective of the SGS Civil Engineering YES Learner Programme is to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and workplace requirements. Participants gain practical experience in civil and field engineering activities, which may include site inspections, quality control, sampling, safety monitoring, and reporting. The programme also focuses on workplace readiness, professional conduct, and practical problem-solving skills that are highly sought after by engineering employers.
By participating in this learnership, learners gain exposure to professional engineering practices and develop competencies that increase their employability and potential for further professional growth. While it is not a permanent employment programme, successful completion significantly enhances a learner’s prospects in the engineering and construction sectors.
Fields Offered
The SGS Civil Engineering YES Learner Programme provides training across multiple areas relevant to civil and field engineering. These fields may include:
- Site Engineering and Field Work – Practical exposure to construction sites and civil engineering projects, including site inspections, measurements, and adherence to project specifications.
- Quality Control and Assurance – Learning methods to monitor material quality, compliance with technical standards, and accurate reporting.
- Occupational Health and Safety – Understanding and implementing safety procedures on-site to ensure a safe working environment.
- Technical Documentation and Reporting – Developing skills to produce professional reports, document field observations, and communicate effectively with supervisors and project managers.
- Project Support and Collaboration – Working closely with experienced engineers and technicians to assist in day-to-day project operations and gain insights into professional civil engineering practices.
These fields are carefully structured to provide a balance between theoretical knowledge and practical, on-the-job experience, ensuring that learners are fully prepared for future opportunities in the engineering sector.
Requirements
Applicants for the SGS Civil Engineering YES Learner Programme must meet certain criteria to ensure they are able to succeed in the structured learning environment and workplace exposure provided. The requirements include:
- South African Citizenship – Applicants must be South African citizens.
- Unemployed Status – The programme is designed for young people who are not currently employed.
- Age Limit – Typically between 18 and 30 years old, in line with the Youth Employment Service initiative.
- Educational Qualifications – Applicants should have completed at least Grade 12 with Mathematics and Physical Science. Diploma holders in Civil Engineering or related technical fields are preferred.
- Basic Computer Skills – Familiarity with standard office software and basic technical reporting tools.
- Interest in Civil/Field Engineering – Candidates must demonstrate a strong interest in learning about civil engineering, construction, and related technical operations.
- Commitment – Willingness to participate fully in both classroom-based learning and practical workplace assignments throughout the duration of the programme.
Meeting these requirements ensures that learners can successfully engage in the technical and practical aspects of the programme and derive maximum benefit from the training provided.
Stipend and Benefits
Participants in the SGS Civil Engineering YES Learner Programme receive a monthly stipend, which serves as financial support while they complete their learnership. The stipend is designed to cover basic living and transport costs and is linked to attendance and active participation in both training and practical assignments.
Additional benefits of the programme include:
- Structured training and mentorship from experienced civil engineers and technicians
- Hands-on experience on professional engineering projects
- Exposure to workplace safety protocols and technical standards
- Development of problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills
- Enhanced employability through recognised training aligned with industry standards
Closing Date
Applications for the SGS South Africa Civil Engineering YES Learner Programme for 2026 close by February 2026. Early applications are strongly encouraged as the programme typically has limited intake and spaces are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Conclusion
The SGS Civil Engineering YES Learner Programme 2026 offers an excellent opportunity for young South Africans to gain practical engineering experience, technical knowledge, and workplace readiness skills. By participating in this programme, learners will develop competencies essential for a successful career in civil engineering, construction, and related industries. With a structured learning approach, hands-on fieldwork, and mentorship from experienced professionals, this learnership serves as a strong foundation for future growth and career advancement in the engineering sector.
General SGS Careers Email (for application support and enquiries):
recruitment@sgs.com