Employers in South Africa keep saying they need experience – but you can’t get experience without a chance to start. The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) is opening a 24‑month internship and learnership programme that could give you the first step you need.
What is the NERSA Internship and Learnership Programme?
NERSA is offering unemployed South African graduates a placement that lasts two years. The aim is to give you real‑world exposure, develop professional skills and improve your employability. The programme is not limited to Electrical Engineering – it covers 21 different departmental and functional areas, from IT and Finance to Law, Human Resources, Supply Chain, Economics and Engineering.
Who can apply?
To be eligible you must:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Be currently unemployed.
- Hold a Matric (National Senior Certificate).
- Have a relevant tertiary qualification – National Diploma, Diploma, Bachelor’s, BTech, Advanced Diploma, Honours or Master’s – at NQF level 6, 7, 8 or 9, depending on the stream.
- Meet the specific qualification and NQF level required for the department you choose.
The advertisement does not set an age limit and expressly encourages persons with disabilities to apply.
What will you gain?
Successful candidates receive a 24‑month contract and will work in one of the advertised streams. Possible learning outcomes include:
- Professional administration and workplace communication.
- Regulatory analysis, research and compliance.
- Financial reporting, budgeting and governance.
- Information technology systems and data management.
- Electricity, gas or petroleum pipeline regulation and infrastructure planning.
- Supply‑chain, project and facilities management.
- Stakeholder engagement and strategic planning.
These are examples of the skills you may develop; the exact training will depend on your department. Permanent employment after the programme is not guaranteed.
How to apply – step by step
Step 1 – Choose the right stream
Read the list of 21 streams below and pick the one that matches your qualification. Do not apply just because a title sounds interesting; ensure your qualification wording and NQF level align with the department’s requirements.
Step 2 – Gather the required documents
- Updated CV (tailored to the chosen stream).
- Certified copy of your South African ID.
- Certified copies of your qualification certificates.
- Full academic record (transcript).
All documents must be authentic, clear and legible.
Step 3 – Write a targeted, ATS‑friendly CV
Use a CV format that highlights the connection between your study and the specific stream. Include relevant modules, projects, technical skills and any volunteer or internship experience you have. Do not invent qualifications or work history.
Step 4 – Use the exact email subject line
The division name and reference number must appear in the subject line, otherwise the application will be rejected. Example formats:
- Application: Legal Advisory Services – LAS2026
- Application: Information Communication and Technology – ICT2026
- Application: Electricity Licensing – ELC2026
Step 5 – Submit your application
Email your CV and supporting documents to applications@nersa.org.za. You may also post them to:
National Energy Regulator of South Africa
Human Resources Division
PO Box 40343
Arcadia, Pretoria 0007
Attention: Ms Lena Rankhumise or Mr Nkanyiso Magwaza
If you wish to apply for more than one stream, send a separate email for each, using the correct reference number each time. Applications from recruitment agencies will not be accepted.
Step 6 – Meet the deadline
All applications must be received by 16 November 2026. Submitting early reduces the risk of technical problems or missing documents.
Tips to improve your chances
- Double‑check that your qualification exactly matches the required NQF level and wording.
- Include the full academic record – the certificate alone is not enough.
- Tailor your CV summary and keywords to the specific stream.
- Proofread the email subject line for spelling and correct reference number.
- Do not submit incomplete or uncertified documents; they will be rejected.
- Keep a copy of everything you send for your records.
Quick overview of the 21 streams
| Department / Reference | Required qualification |
|---|---|
| Legal Advisory Services – LAS2026 | LLB or BA Law (NQF 7) or National Diploma in Law (NQF 6) |
| Information Communication and Technology – ICT2026 | Bachelor’s (NQF 7) or National Diploma (NQF 6) in IT or Information Management |
| Information Resource Management – IRM2026 | Bachelor’s (NQF 7) in Information Science or Management |
| Communication and Stakeholder Management – CSM2026 | Bachelor’s, BTech or Advanced Diploma (NQF 7) in Communication, PR, Marketing or Journalism |
| Human Resources Management – HRM2026 | National Diploma (NQF 6) or BTech/Bachelor’s/Advanced Diploma (NQF 7) in HRM |
| Internal Audit Unit – IAU2026 | National Diploma (NQF 6) or BTech/Bachelor’s/Advanced Diploma (NQF 7) in Auditing |
| Regulatory Analysis and Research – RAR2026 | National Diploma (NQF 6) or BTech/Bachelor’s/Advanced Diploma (NQF 7) in Economics, Finance or Statistics |
| Finance Management and Governance – FMG2026 | National Diploma (NQF 6) or BTech/Bachelor’s/Advanced Diploma (NQF 7) in Accounting |
| Supply Chain Management, Facilities/Project Management – SCM2026 | National Diploma (NQF 6) or BTech/Bachelor’s/Advanced Diploma (NQF 7) in Supply Chain, Purchasing or Logistics |
| Office of the CEO – CEO2026 | National Diploma (NQF 6) or BTech/Bachelor’s/Advanced Diploma (NQF 7) in Business Administration or Office Management |
| Security Management – SM2026 | National Diploma (NQF 6) or BTech/Bachelor’s/Advanced Diploma (NQF 7) in Security Management or Risk Management |
| International Relations – IR2026 | National Diploma (NQF 6) or BTech/Bachelor’s/Advanced Diploma (NQF 7) in Diplomacy, International Relations or Political Studies |
| Strategic Planning and Monitoring – SPM2026 | National Diploma (NQF 6) or BTech/Bachelor’s/Advanced Diploma (NQF 7) in Auditing or Risk Management |
| Electricity Pricing and Tariffs – EPT2026 | National Diploma (NQF 6) or BTech/Bachelor’s/Advanced Diploma (NQF 7) in Accounting, Finance or Economics |
| Electricity Licensing, Compliance and Dispute Resolution – ELC2026 | National Diploma (NQF 6) or BTech/Bachelor’s/Advanced Diploma (NQF 7) in Electrical Engineering |
| Electricity Infrastructure Planning – EIP2026 | National Diploma (NQF 6) or BTech/Bachelor’s/Advanced Diploma (NQF 7) in Electrical Engineering |
| Gas Licensing, Compliance and Dispute Resolution – GLC2026 | National Diploma (NQF 6) or BTech/Bachelor’s/Advanced Diploma (NQF 7) in Chemical Engineering |
| Gas Competition and Market Analysis – GCM2026 | BTech/Bachelor’s/Advanced Diploma (NQF 7) in Accounting, Finance or Economics |
| Gas Pricing and Tariffs – GPT2026 | BTech/Bachelor’s/Advanced Diploma (NQF 7) in Accounting, Finance or Economics |
| Petroleum Pipelines Tariffs – PPT2026 | BTech/Bachelor’s/Advanced Diploma (NQF 7) in Accounting, Economics or Finance |
| Petroleum Licensing, Compliance and Dispute Resolution – PLC2026 | National Diploma (NQF 6) or BTech/Bachelor’s/Advanced Diploma (NQF 7) in Mechanical, Chemical or Industrial Engineering |
Additional resources from SETA SA
If you need more guidance on qualifications, career pathways or further training, SETA SA offers several free tools:
- University Explorer – browse South Africa’s 26 public universities and their programmes.
- TVET College Explorer – find information on the 50 public TVET colleges and their courses.
- Career & Qualification Explorer – match your qualification to occupational classifications and NQF levels.
- Career Discovery Assessment – identify occupations that suit your interests.
- National Skills Intelligence Explorer – view research on skill demand and occupation trends.
- SETA Platform – explore learnerships, internships and apprenticeships from all 21 SETAs, including EWSETA, MICT SETA, FASSET, PSETA, CHIETA and SASSETA.
These tools help you understand where your qualification can take you, but they do not replace the official NERSA application requirements.
Frequently asked questions
- When is the deadline? 16 November 2026.
- Do the internships start in 2027? The notice was published in October 2026 and mentions a 24‑month period, but the exact start date has not been confirmed.
- How long is the programme? 24 months.
- Is there a stipend? The advertisement does not state a monthly amount. Ask NERSA directly if you are shortlisted.
- Can I apply with Matric only? No – you must also have a relevant tertiary qualification.
- Can N6 (TVET) graduates apply? An N6 certificate alone is not listed as sufficient. Look for TVET‑specific learnerships if you hold only an N6.
- Are National Diplomas accepted? Yes, for streams that require NQF level 6.
- Do I need work experience? No prior experience is required, but you must meet the academic criteria.
- Can I apply from any province? The advert does not limit applicants by province, but you should confirm placement location with NERSA.
- Is there an age limit? No specific age limit is mentioned.
- Can I apply for multiple streams? Yes, but you must send a separate email for each, with the correct reference number.
- Are persons with disabilities welcome? Yes, NERSA encourages applications from people with disabilities.
- How will I know if I’m shortlisted? NERSA will contact only shortlisted candidates. If you hear nothing after three months, consider your application unsuccessful.
- Where can I find other internships? Visit the SETA SA Internships Hub for additional opportunities.
Take the next step
This is a real chance to turn your qualification into workplace experience. Review the 21 streams, prepare a focused CV, follow the exact subject‑line rule and send your application before 16 November 2026. Good luck!
