SANEDI is launching an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) Skills Development Programme that could give you the experience employers are demanding – and the deadline is only weeks away.
What the opportunity is
SANEDI (South African National Energy Development Institute) has advertised 80 internship positions for unemployed South African graduates. The role is an 18‑month fixed‑term contract that combines structured occupational training with real‑world workplace learning on energy‑efficiency projects. Successful interns will receive a monthly stipend and be placed in one of five provinces: Eastern Cape, North West, KwaZulu‑Natal, Northern Cape or Free State. The programme starts in mid‑February 2027.
Quick overview
| Organisation | South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI) |
| Position | EPC Skills Development Programme Intern |
| Number of spots | 80 |
| Contract length | 18 months |
| Training level | EPC Practitioner Occupational Skills Programme – NQF Level 5 |
| Work‑place learning | ≈ 17 months |
| Stipend | Monthly (amount not disclosed) |
| Age | 18 – 35 years |
| Eligibility | Unemployed graduates with a completed NQF Level 7 (or higher) qualification in an eligible field |
| Provinces | Eastern Cape, North West, KwaZulu‑Natal, Northern Cape, Free State |
| Training venues | Participating TVET Colleges |
| Start date | Mid‑February 2027 |
| Application method | Online |
| Closing date | 2 November 2026 |
Who can apply – eligibility criteria
- South African citizen
- Age between 18 and 35
- Currently unemployed
- Holder of a completed NQF Level 7 or higher qualification in one of the following fields:
- Engineering (any specialisation relevant to energy systems)
- Energy Studies or Energy Management
- Built Environment – Architecture, Property Management, Construction Management, Property Studies, Quantity Surveying
- Natural Sciences or Economic Sciences (provided the qualification aligns with the advertised categories)
- Ability to travel and be placed in any of the listed provinces
- Academic transcript and certified copies of qualification and ID required
What you will gain
The internship is designed to give you practical, industry‑relevant experience. You will:
- Collect and analyse building energy‑performance data
- Support the registration, assessment and issuance of Energy Performance Certificates
- Identify possible energy‑efficiency improvements for commercial and public buildings
- Learn the regulatory framework (SANS 1544) and compliance requirements
- Work on real projects under the mentorship of experienced EPC practitioners
- Complete an occupational Skills Programme that can form a pathway toward professional EPC registration (registration is not automatic)
How to apply – step‑by‑step
- Check your eligibility. Confirm age, citizenship, unemployment status and qualification level.
- Gather required documents. Prepare:
- Updated CV
- Certified copy of your NQF Level 7 (or higher) qualification
- Certified copy of your South African ID
- Academic transcript (if requested)
- Visit the official application page. Apply online for the SANEDI EPC SDP Internships (X80).
- Complete the online form. Fill in personal details accurately and upload the supporting documents as instructed.
- Review before submitting. Double‑check all entries, ensure files are legible, and confirm that you have attached everything.
- Submit by the deadline. Applications close on 2 November 2026. There is no specified closing time, so aim to submit early.
If you do not hear back within 30 days after the closing date, you may consider the application unsuccessful.
Tips to improve your chances
- Make an ATS‑friendly CV. Highlight coursework, projects or research that relate to energy management, building systems, data analysis or sustainability.
- Show concrete examples. For an engineering graduate, describe a project where you measured or modelled energy consumption, including methods and outcomes.
- Proofread all documents. Typos or missing signatures can cause automatic disqualification.
- Prepare early. Gather certified copies and transcripts well before the deadline to avoid last‑minute gaps.
- Be clear about location. While SANEDI tries to place interns near their home province, placement can be elsewhere. Consider travel or relocation costs before applying.
Next steps and longer‑term outlook
Even if this internship does not lead directly to a permanent job, the experience will strengthen your CV and open doors to careers in energy consulting, facilities management, renewable‑energy firms and public‑sector projects. Use the skills you acquire to explore related graduate programmes, sector‑specific SETA SA pathways, or further study options.
Start preparing your documents today, submit before 2 November 2026, and take the first step toward a career in South Africa’s growing energy‑efficiency sector.
Frequently asked questions
- How many positions are available? 80 internship slots.
- Can recent matriculants apply? No. Applicants must have a completed NQF Level 7 qualification or higher.
- Do NQF Level 6 (N6) qualifications count? No. The minimum is Level 7.
- What is the age limit? 18 – 35 years.
- Will I receive a stipend? Yes, a monthly stipend is provided, though the exact amount is not disclosed.
- How long does the internship last? 18 months total (≈ 6 weeks training + ≈ 17 months workplace learning).
- When does the programme start? Mid‑February 2027.
- Which provinces are covered? Eastern Cape, North West, KwaZulu‑Natal, Northern Cape, Free State.
- Will I be placed close to home? Placement is based on programme needs; you may be assigned to any of the five provinces.
- Does the internship guarantee a job? No. It provides training and experience, but no permanent employment is promised.
- Will I become a registered EPC professional automatically? No. Completion gives you a pathway; you must meet any additional registration requirements.
- What is the final deadline? 2 November 2026.
Disclaimer
SETAS A is an independent platform that provides information on education and employment opportunities in South Africa. It is not involved in SANEDI’s recruitment, selection, appointment or placement decisions. All applicants must verify the latest requirements, application portal availability, supporting documents, stipend arrangements and placement conditions directly with SANEDI.
Never pay anyone who promises to secure a placement for you. Use official channels only.
