WORK INTEGRATED LEARNING (WIL) PROGRAMME 2026
Electrical Engineering N6 (18-Month Programme)
Reference: SAWSELECTRICWIL 2026
Number of Positions: 3
Location: SAWS Head Office, Centurion, Gauteng
Closing Date: 10 January 2026
1. Introduction
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) is a nationally mandated public entity responsible for providing weather and climate services that support safety, economic development, environmental sustainability, and disaster risk reduction across South Africa. As part of its commitment to skills development, youth empowerment, and capacity building within the technical and engineering fields, SAWS is pleased to invite applications for its Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Programme 2026.
This structured programme is designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and workplace exposure by providing hands-on, supervised practical experience to qualifying TVET College learners. The programme runs for a period of eighteen (18) months and focuses on developing technical competence, workplace readiness, and professional discipline within a real operational environment.
For the 2026 intake, SAWS is specifically seeking motivated, disciplined, and technically inclined learners who have completed Electrical Engineering N6 and require practical workplace exposure in order to fulfil the requirements of the National Diploma.
2. Purpose of the Work Integrated Learning Programme
The Work Integrated Learning Programme is an integral part of SAWS’s broader human capital development strategy. The programme aims to:
- Provide structured, meaningful, and supervised practical training aligned to the Electrical Engineering N6 curriculum.
- Enable learners to apply theoretical knowledge in a real-world engineering and technical environment.
- Support learners in meeting the practical experience requirements necessary for the completion of a National Diploma.
- Enhance employability by equipping learners with workplace competencies, professional skills, and industry exposure.
- Contribute to national skills development priorities,, particularly in scarce and critical technical skills.
Participation in the programme does not guarantee permanent employment. However, learners who successfully complete the programme will exit with valuable experience and exposure within a reputable scientific and technical organisation.
3. Field of Study and Available Opportunities
SAWS invites applications from TVET College learners in the following field:
Electrical Engineering N6
- Number of Opportunities: Three (3)
- Programme Duration: 18 months
- Reference Code: SAWSELECTRICWIL 2026
Learners will be placed within relevant technical units where they will gain exposure to electrical systems, equipment maintenance, operational support, and compliance with safety and quality standards as applied within the South African Weather Service environment.
4. Minimum Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the Work Integrated Learning Programme, applicants must meet all of the following minimum requirements:
- The applicant must have successfully completed Electrical Engineering N6 at a registered TVET College.
- The applicant must not have completed more than one (1) year of relevant practical workplace experience after obtaining the N6 qualification.
- The applicant must require eighteen (18) months of practical training in order to complete the National Diploma.
- The applicant must be able to commit to the full duration of the programme.
- Applicants must be South African citizens.
Failure to meet any of the above requirements will result in disqualification.
5. Required Documentation
Applicants are required to upload the following documents on the SAWS recruitment portal:
- A comprehensive and updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) clearly reflecting personal details such as ID number, physical address, and contact information.
- Certified copies of N3 to N6 certificates of achievement.
- An official letter from the TVET College confirming that the learner requires 18 months of practical workplace experience in order to complete the National Diploma.
- A certified copy of the South African Identity Document.
- For applicants living with disabilities, a medical confirmation letter from a registered medical practitioner confirming the nature of the disability.
All documents must be clear, legible, and properly certified. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
6. Preference and Employment Equity
In line with SAWS’s commitment to employment equity, transformation, and inclusive participation, People Living with Disabilities (PLWDs) are strongly encouraged to apply and will be given preference, provided they meet the minimum requirements of the programme.
SAWS is an equal opportunity employer and strives to create a diverse and inclusive workplace that reflects the demographics of South Africa.
7. Programme Structure and Learning Exposure
Learners appointed to the Work Integrated Learning Programme will receive structured workplace exposure that may include, but is not limited to:
- Assisting with electrical installations and maintenance activities.
- Exposure to fault-finding, testing, and commissioning of electrical systems.
- Supporting preventative and corrective maintenance processes.
- Adhering to occupational health and safety regulations and procedures.
- Working with technical teams under the supervision of qualified professionals.
- Completing logbooks, reports, and assessments as required by SAWS and the TVET College.
Learners will be expected to demonstrate professionalism, accountability, punctuality, and a willingness to learn throughout the duration of the programme.
8. Stipend and Financial Support
Successful candidates will receive a monthly stipend of R5 500.00 (Five Thousand Five Hundred Rand) for the duration of the programme.
Please note:
- The stipend is intended to assist with basic living expenses.
- SAWS will not provide accommodation, transport, or relocation assistance.
- Learners will be fully responsible for arranging their own accommodation and daily transport to and from the SAWS offices in Centurion.
9. Location of Placement
All successful learners will be placed at the South African Weather Service offices in Centurion, Gauteng. Applicants must therefore ensure that they are able to report to the Centurion offices for the full duration of the programme.
10. Conditions of the Programme
- The Work Integrated Learning Programme is offered on a fixed-term basis for 18 months only.
- SAWS is under no obligation to offer permanent or temporary employment upon completion of the programme.
- Continuation in the programme is subject to satisfactory performance, discipline, and adherence to SAWS policies and procedures.
11. Application Process
Interested and eligible applicants must apply online only by registering as a user on the SAWS website.
Application Steps:
- Visit the SAWS vacancies webpage.
- Register as a user on the recruitment portal.
- Complete the online application form.
- Upload all required supporting documents.
- Use the correct reference number (SAWSELECTRICWIL 2026) to indicate the field of study.
Late applications will not be accepted.
12. Enquiries
For enquiries related to the Work Integrated Learning Programme, please contact:
Mr Gorden Motshoane
Tel: (012) 367 6764
Alternatively, general enquiries may be sent via email to:
13. Selection and Communication
Due to the anticipated high volume of applications, SAWS will only communicate with short-listed candidates.
If you do not receive any communication from SAWS within four (4) weeks after the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.
14. Closing Statement
This Work Integrated Learning Programme presents an excellent opportunity for aspiring Electrical Engineering professionals to gain valuable workplace exposure within a nationally recognised scientific organisation. SAWS encourages committed, eager-to-learn, and technically capable TVET College graduates to apply and take the next step toward completing their National Diploma and building a foundation for a successful engineering career.
Closing Date for Applications: 10 January 2026
SAWS reserves the right not to make an appointment.
