Schneider Work Readiness – 3‑month internship for disabled STEM grads
Right now, South Africa needs more skilled people in the energy sector, and a three‑month Schneider Work Readiness Programme is offering exactly that – a place for recent STEM graduates who live with a disability to gain hands‑on experience and a monthly stipend.
What the opportunity is
The Schneider Work Readiness Programme for People Living With Disabilities is a work‑readiness internship. It runs on‑site in the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality, Gauteng, and is managed by Transcend. The placement lasts three months and pays R3 800 per month.
Who can apply (requirements)
- South African citizen who lives with a disability.
- Recent graduate or final‑year student in a STEM field (NQF Level 5–8). Relevant subjects include electrical, mechanical, civil or chemical engineering; energy studies; renewable energy; physics; chemistry; mathematics; statistics; computer science; IT; environmental science, or a related discipline.
- Minimal or no formal work experience – the programme is designed as an entry pathway.
- Available to work on‑site in Johannesburg for the full three‑month period.
What you will gain
- Practical exposure to real‑world challenges in the electricity and energy sector.
- Mentorship from experienced industry professionals.
- Opportunity to apply academic knowledge to short projects and tasks.
- Professional‑development workshops that boost employability.
- A stipend that helps cover living costs during the programme.
- Potential consideration for further internships if you perform well.
How to apply (step‑by‑step)
- Gather an up‑to‑date CV that highlights your STEM coursework, projects, labs and any technical skills.
- Prepare certified copies of your highest qualification(s) and academic transcript (or a statement of results if you are still a final‑year student).
- Have proof of South African citizenship (ID or passport) ready.
- Collect documentation that confirms you live with a disability – the employer may request this later.
- Write a short cover letter (max one page) explaining why you want to work in the energy sector and what you hope to learn.
- Save all documents in an accessible format (e.g., plain text PDF) if you need accommodations.
- Go to the official application page: Apply at Transcend and upload your CV, cover letter, qualifications and supporting documents.
- Double‑check that your contact details are correct before submitting.
Tips to improve your chances
- Show relevant projects first: List any academic or personal projects that involve energy, power systems, renewables, data analysis or engineering software (MATLAB, Python, CAD, GIS). Mention your role and any results.
- Highlight transferable skills: Problem‑solving, teamwork, communication and basic data analysis are valued.
- Be concise in your motivation letter: State clearly why the electricity sector interests you, what you want to learn, and how the three‑month programme fits your career plan.
- Use accessible documents: If you use assistive technology, ensure your files are compatible and note any accommodations you may need.
- Quantify achievements: Even small numbers help – e.g., “analysed a 2 GB dataset” or “led a team of 4 on a renewable‑energy prototype”.
- Provide solid references: Academic supervisors or project mentors can speak to your technical ability and reliability.
- Honesty matters: The programme expects little prior work experience. Emphasise your eagerness to learn rather than overstating experience.
Next steps
If you meet the criteria, start gathering your documents today. The deadline is approaching, and early applications give you more time to polish your CV and cover letter. This programme could be the first solid step into the South African energy industry – take the plunge and apply now.
