The South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI) invites unemployed South African graduates to apply for 80 Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) Skills Development Programme internships. The programme offers an 18-month fixed-term contract, structured training, workplace experience and a monthly stipend.
Graduates seeking practical experience in energy efficiency and the built environment can apply for placements in the Eastern Cape, North West, KwaZulu-Natal, Northern Cape and Free State. Applications close on 2 November 2026, with the programme expected to begin in mid-February 2027.
Key Details
| Detail | Information |
| Organisation | South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI) |
| Position | EPC SDP Interns |
| Number of Positions | 80 |
| Programme | Programme 3 – Energy Efficiency and Demand-Side Management (EEDSM) |
| Division | EPC Skills Development Programme (SDP) |
| Opportunity Type | Graduate internship with structured training and workplace learning |
| Contract Duration | 18 months |
| Provinces | Eastern Cape, North West, KwaZulu-Natal, Northern Cape and Free State |
| Training Venues | Participating TVET colleges in selected provinces |
| Minimum Qualification | Completed NQF Level 7 qualification or higher in an eligible field |
| Age Requirement | 18–35 years |
| Employment Status | Unemployed graduates |
| Stipend | Monthly stipend provided |
| Expected Start Date | Mid-February 2027 |
| Closing Date | 2 November 2026 |
| Application Method | Online through the official SANEDI application page |
Who Should Apply?
This programme is suitable for unemployed graduates interested in building careers in energy efficiency, building performance, engineering and related fields.
Applicants should have a completed qualification at NQF Level 7 or higher in one of the eligible disciplines and be willing to participate in training, workplace learning and practical assessments.
Matric, N6 or an NQF Level 6 qualification alone does not meet the minimum qualification requirement.
Salary / Stipend
Successful candidates will receive a monthly stipend during the internship.
Applicants are encouraged to apply within their province of residence and should consider the placement and travel requirements.
About SANEDI and the Programme
SANEDI implements the EPC Skills Development Programme through a Programme Management Unit. The programme is coordinated by the Department of Electricity and Energy (DEE) and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, in partnership with the Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority (EWSETA) and the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI).
The programme supports the implementation of building Energy Performance Certificate requirements. Its purpose is to develop graduates who can help collect and analyse building information, support EPC processes and contribute to improvements in building energy performance.
It also aims to develop participants into EPC Practitioners, with a pathway towards registration as EPC Professionals. Participation does not automatically confer professional registration.
How the Internship Works
The advert describes an overall internship period of 18 months, combining structured learning with Work Integrated Learning at host institutions.
The programme includes:
- Six weeks of training: The QCTO Occupational Skills Programme for EPC Practitioners at NQF Level 5, including practical learning and integrated continuous assessment.
- 17 months of workplace-based learning: Practical experience, assignments to complete work modules and a Final Integrated Supervised Assessment (FISA).
These components are presented as advertised. Applicants should note that the NQF Level 5 training programme does not change the entry requirement of a completed NQF Level 7 qualification or higher.
Minimum Requirements and Qualifications
Applicants must:
- Be South African citizens.
- Be aged 18–35 years.
- Be unemployed graduates.
- Hold a completed NQF Level 7 qualification or higher in an eligible field.
- Provide an academic record.
- Be able to work independently and as part of a team.
- Be willing to accept placement and travel to designated programme locations.
Eligible Fields of Study
Qualifications in:
- Engineering
- Energy Studies
- Energy Management
- Built Environment, including:
- Architecture
- Property Management / Real Estate
- Construction Management
- Property Studies
- Quantity Surveying
- Natural Sciences
- Economic Sciences
Training and Placement Locations
The programme will operate in:
- Eastern Cape
- North West
- KwaZulu-Natal
- Northern Cape
- Free State
Training will take place at participating TVET colleges, while workplace learning will be provided through host institutions.
Applicants are encouraged to apply within their province of residence. However, SANEDI reserves the right to place or transfer successful candidates to any programme location according to operational requirements.
Duties and Training Activities
Participants will receive training and practical exposure to activities such as:
- Collecting and analysing information required for building registration and assessment.
- Supporting the registration of buildings on the EPC platform.
- Supporting processes associated with issuing Energy Performance Certificates.
- Identifying possible energy audit needs relating to significant energy users.
- Supporting energy-efficiency improvements in buildings.
- Completing workplace learning modules and assignments.
- Participating in practical assessments and the final supervised assessment.
The programme provides supervised learning and experience; it should not be interpreted as authorisation for interns to independently issue EPCs.
Skills Gained
Successful participants can develop knowledge and practical skills in:
- Building energy performance.
- EPC processes and building registration.
- Energy data collection and analysis.
- Identifying opportunities for energy-efficiency improvements.
- Applying technical knowledge in workplace settings.
- Working independently and within teams.
- Completing technical assignments and assessments.
- Understanding public-sector and industry practices.
Benefits and Career Development
The programme offers:
- Practical experience on real projects in energy efficiency and the built environment.
- Exposure to public-sector and industry practices.
- Mentorship from experienced professionals.
- Skills development linked to energy and sustainability priorities.
- A monthly stipend.
The advert identifies potential career settings including energy consulting firms, facilities management companies, energy service companies (ESCOs) and EPC-related organisations.
These are possible career pathways, rather than guaranteed employment placements after the internship.
Equity and Inclusion
SANEDI encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, people from rural areas and LGBTQIA+ applicants.
Priority will be given to applicants from historically disadvantaged backgrounds in line with the programme’s Employment Equity goals. Applications are welcomed from South Africans of all races who meet the requirements.
Required Documents
Applicants must submit the following through the application link:
- An updated CV.
- A certified copy of their completed qualification.
- A certified copy of their identity document.
An academic record is also required, as stated under the minimum qualification requirements.
Ensure that all documents are clear, readable and consistent with the information entered in the application form.
Useful Career27 Links
Explore more opportunities:
- Latest Internship Opportunities
- Work Integrated Learning and In-Service Training Opportunities
- Latest Learnership Opportunities
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through SANEDI’s official application page.
Apply for SANEDI EPC SDP Internships — 80 Positions
To apply:
- Open the official SANEDI application page.
- Complete the required application information.
- Upload your CV, certified qualification, certified ID copy and academic record as requested.
- Review your details and attachments.
- Submit your application before the closing date.
Closing Date
2 November 2026
If you have not heard from SANEDI within 30 days after the closing date, consider your application unsuccessful.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many SANEDI internship positions are available?
There are 80 EPC Skills Development Programme internship positions.
2. What qualification do I need?
You need a completed NQF Level 7 qualification or higher in one of the advertised fields, together with an academic record.
3. Can I apply with Matric or N6 only?
No. Matric or N6 alone does not meet the minimum requirement of a completed NQF Level 7 qualification or higher.
4. What is the age requirement?
Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old.
5. Is the internship paid?
Yes. A monthly stipend is provided, but the advert does not disclose the amount.
6. How long does the programme last?
The fixed-term contract runs for 18 months.
7. When is the programme expected to start?
The expected start date is mid-February 2027.
8. Which provinces are included?
Eastern Cape, North West, KwaZulu-Natal, Northern Cape and Free State.
9. Will I be placed near my home?
Placement close to home is not guaranteed. SANEDI may place or transfer participants according to operational requirements.
10. Does completing the programme guarantee employment or professional registration?
The advert does not promise permanent employment. It describes a pathway towards registration as an EPC Professional, which is separate from completing the internship.
Sources and References
- Official source: SANEDI EPC SDP Interns (x80) internship advert supplied for this article.
- Official application page: SANEDI EPC SDP Interns (x80)
Disclaimer
Career27 is an independent career information platform and does not recruit or select applicants for SANEDI. Applications must be submitted through the official application page. Never pay anyone who promises to secure an internship placement.
