SGS invites suitably qualified applicants to apply for their Civil Engineering Learner vacancies. The closing date for applications is 31 December 2025.
A Big Chance for South African Young Engineers
If you’re a recent Civil Engineering graduate in Mpumalanga, especially in Nelspruit, this is a golden opportunity you can’t miss. SGS, the world’s leading inspection, testing and certification company, is launching a Civil Engineering Learner role under its Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme. It’s a full‑time internship that gives you real‑world experience on site and in the lab, and it’s perfect for people who want to jump start their engineering career without any previous job experience.
Quick Snapshot
| What | Details |
|---|---|
| Role | SGS YES Programme – Civil Engineering Learner |
| Location | Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, South Africa |
| Type | Youth Employment Service internship |
| Employer | SGS South Africa |
| Minimum Qualification | NQF 4 / Diploma in Civil Engineering |
| Age | 18 – 30 years |
| Citizenship | South African only |
| Unemployment | Must currently be unemployed |
| Relocation | Willing to move to Nelspruit |
| Key Tasks | Fieldwork, lab testing, sampling, calculations, quality control, safety compliance |
| Experience | Sampling or preparation skills help, but not required |
About SGS – A Global Leader in Quality
SGS stands for Société Générale de Surveillance. It is the top company in the world for inspecting, testing and certifying products and services. Think about mining, construction, food safety, or pharmaceuticals – SGS’s name is known in all of them.
- 2,600+ offices and labs worldwide
- 97,000+ staff around the globe
- A badge of quality and integrity that every recruiter recognises
For a young civil engineer, having SGS on your CV shows that you know how to work to the highest standards.
What You’ll Do
This internship is not a desk job. You’ll get hands‑on experience in the following areas:
- Fieldwork – Help collect samples and perform tests on construction sites.
- Measure soil density and layer thickness
- Sample stockpiles and concrete cubes
- Run DCP and sand patch tests
- Check road surfaces with ring and ball tests
- Do on‑site viscosity checks
- Lab Testing – Prepare and analyse samples, run calculations, and maintain quality control.
- Cleanup & Safety – Clear work areas after each task and keep the site safe.
- Reporting – Log any irregularities and follow SGS safety and quality rules.
- General Support – Assist supervisors with other reasonable tasks, learning flexibility and teamwork.
Who Should Apply?
To qualify, you need to meet these basics:
- South African citizen
- 18 to 30 years old
- Unemployed
- No criminal record
- Must move to Nelspruit if chosen
- Civil Engineering qualification (NQF 4 or Diploma)
Technical skills that strengthen your application:
- Sampling experience (bonus)
- Ability to do engineering calculations
- Basic quality control knowledge
- Computer skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
- Data analysis and research
Personal strengths that help:
- High attention to detail
- Physical fitness – you’ll lift and move samples
- Good organisation
- Ability to follow instructions
- Self‑motivated and proactive
If you’ve done field or lab work in TVET or university, you’ll be ready.
How to Apply
Click the link below to submit your application. Make sure you upload a clean, professional CV and a personalised cover letter that explains why you’re passionate about materials testing and fieldwork.
Apply for the SGS YES Learnership Programme 2026
Tips for a Strong Application
- Show Practical Work – Highlight any TVET or university fieldwork.
- Emphasise Fitness – SGS values people who can handle physical tasks.
- Detail‑Oriented – Stress how careful you are, especially in lab settings.
- Professional Look – Use a clear, simple CV layout.
- Cover Letter – Explain why this internship fits your career goals.
- Apply Early – YES places fill up fast; don’t wait until the deadline.
Why the SGS YES Programme Matters
- Government and business backed – Helps unemployed youth gain real job experience.
- Industry‑relevant skills – Hands‑on field and lab work you can’t get from a diploma alone.
- SGS brand – A strong name on your CV boosts credibility.
- Pathways to growth – Many past participants move into permanent roles or other jobs with easier access.
After the Internship – Career Paths
| Short‑Term | Medium‑Term | Long‑Term |
|---|---|---|
| Lab Technician Assistant | Junior Civil Engineering Technician | Civil Engineering Technologist |
| Civil Engineering Field Technician | Engineering Lab Supervisor | Construction Manager |
| Materials Testing Technician | Asphalt/Concrete Quality Controller | Senior Materials Engineer |
| Construction Site Assistant | Road Construction Technician | Quality Assurance Manager |
| Quality Control Technician | Site Materials Coordinator | Laboratory Manager |
Real experience is worth more than a certificate, and SGS gives you that edge.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need prior experience?
No, but any sampling or fieldwork background helps. - Do I have to live in Nelspruit now?
No, you just need to be ready to relocate. - Is this a permanent job?
No, it is a temporary internship aimed at giving work experience. - Will I receive a stipend?
YES programmes usually offer a stipend; SGS did not state an exact amount. - Is a driver’s licence required?
Not listed, so it is not mandatory. - Can I apply if I turn 31 in 2025?
No, you must be 18‑30 at the time of application. - What tasks will I perform?
Field sampling, lab testing, calculations, reporting, and general support.
Important Reminders
- This is not a recruitment agency.
- Never pay anyone for a job or application – SGS does not charge fees.
- Always use the official SGS website to apply.
