The South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI) invites applications from suitably qualified, unemployed South African graduates for 80 Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) Skills Development Programme Intern positions under Programme 3 – Energy Efficiency and Demand-Side Management (EEDSM).
The EPC Skills Development Programme offers an excellent opportunity for young graduates to gain practical workplace experience, develop specialised skills in energy efficiency, and obtain an occupational qualification in the energy performance of buildings. The programme combines structured training with workplace-based learning to prepare successful candidates for future employment in the energy, engineering, built environment, and sustainability sectors.
The internship programme will run for 18 months and will be implemented in selected provinces across South Africa. Eligible applicants with qualifications in engineering, energy studies, energy management, the built environment, natural sciences, or economic sciences are encouraged to apply.
Successful candidates will receive occupational training, practical experience, mentorship, and a monthly stipend during the programme.
Closing Date: 02 November 2026
Internship Overview
- Position: EPC Skills Development Programme Interns
- Number of Positions: 80
- Programme: Programme 3 – Energy Efficiency and Demand-Side Management (EEDSM)
- Programme Name: Energy Performance Certificate Skills Development Programme (EPC SDP)
- Contract Duration: 18 months
- Training Location: Participating TVET colleges in selected provinces
- Provinces: Eastern Cape, North West, KwaZulu-Natal, Northern Cape, and Free State
- Expected Start Date: Mid-February 2027
- Monthly Stipend: A monthly stipend will be provided
- Target Group: Unemployed South African graduates aged 18–35
- Minimum Qualification: Completed NQF Level 7 qualification or higher in a relevant field
- Application Method: Online application
- Closing Date: 02 November 2026
About the EPC Skills Development Programme
The Energy Performance Certificate Skills Development Programme forms part of a national initiative aimed at supporting the implementation of regulations governing the mandatory display and submission of Energy Performance Certificates for buildings.
The programme supports efforts to improve energy efficiency in buildings and strengthen compliance with applicable energy performance requirements in South Africa. Energy Performance Certificates provide information about the energy performance of buildings and contribute to identifying opportunities for improved energy use and reduced energy consumption.
The programme aims to develop a pool of trained, unemployed graduates who can assist building owners, accounting officers, and relevant stakeholders with the collection and analysis of building data, the registration and assessment of buildings, and the processes associated with issuing Energy Performance Certificates.
The programme is coordinated by the Department of Electricity and Energy (DEE) and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH. Implementation is undertaken by SANEDI through a Programme Management Unit, in partnership with the Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority (EWSETA) and the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI).
Through this initiative, graduates will gain specialised knowledge and practical experience that can support their development into EPC Practitioners, with a potential pathway towards registration as EPC Professionals.
Purpose of the Internship
The primary purpose of the 18-month internship is to equip 80 unemployed graduates with the technical knowledge, occupational training, and practical workplace experience required to support energy efficiency initiatives in buildings.
Successful candidates will participate in structured training and workplace-based learning activities designed to develop their understanding of energy performance assessment, building registration, energy efficiency improvements, and Energy Performance Certificate processes.
The programme will also expose participants to real-world projects and professional working environments, helping them develop skills that can improve their employability in the energy and built environment sectors.
The internship combines theoretical instruction, practical exercises, continuous assessment, and supervised workplace experience.
Key Responsibilities
Successful candidates may be required to assist with the following activities during the programme:
- Collecting building information and technical data required for the registration and assessment of buildings.
- Supporting the registration of buildings on the Energy Performance Certificate platform.
- Assisting with the processes involved in issuing Energy Performance Certificates.
- Analysing building information to support energy performance assessments.
- Identifying buildings or significant energy users that may require further energy audits.
- Supporting the identification of opportunities to improve energy efficiency in buildings.
- Assisting with activities related to the implementation of energy efficiency improvements.
- Supporting energy consultants, facilities management professionals, and other relevant stakeholders.
- Participating in practical training, workplace assignments, and integrated assessments.
- Applying knowledge gained during occupational training to real-world workplace situations.
- Working with host institutions and relevant professionals to support the objectives of the EPC Skills Development Programme.
The specific duties assigned to each intern may depend on the host institution, placement location, and operational requirements of the programme.
Training Structure and Duration
The EPC Skills Development Programme will run for 18 months and will combine formal occupational training with workplace-based learning.
The programme consists of the following components:
1. Occupational Skills Training – 6 Weeks
- Successful candidates will undertake the QCTO Occupational Skills Programme for EPC Practitioners at NQF Level 5.
- The training will include technical instruction, practical activities, and integrated continuous assessment. This component is designed to introduce participants to the knowledge and skills required to support energy performance assessments and EPC-related work.
2. Workplace-Based Learning – 17 Months
- Following the initial training component, participants will undertake workplace-based learning and gain practical experience through placement at participating host institutions.
- During this period, interns will be expected to complete assigned work modules, gain exposure to relevant professional activities, and develop the practical competencies required for EPC-related work.
- The workplace learning component will culminate in a Final Integrated Supervised Assessment (FISA).
- Training will take place at participating TVET colleges in the selected provinces, with workplace placements arranged according to programme requirements.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements to be considered for the EPC Skills Development Programme internship.
- Must be a South African citizen.
- Must be between 18 and 35 years old.
- Must be an unemployed graduate.
- Must hold a completed NQF Level 7 qualification or higher in a relevant field.
- Must provide an academic record.
- Must be willing to participate in the full 18-month programme.
- Must be willing to undertake workplace-based learning and practical assessments.
- Must be willing to travel and accept placement at designated programme locations.
- Must be able to work independently and as part of a team.
Applicants are encouraged to apply for placements within their province of residence, where possible, because the programme provides a stipend rather than guaranteeing accommodation or relocation assistance.
SANEDI reserves the right to place or transfer successful candidates to any location within the programme, depending on operational requirements.
Fields of Study Accepted
Applicants must possess a completed NQF Level 7 qualification or higher in one of the following fields.
1. Engineering
Graduates with relevant engineering qualifications are encouraged to apply. Engineering knowledge may be useful in understanding building systems, energy consumption, technical assessments, and opportunities to improve energy performance.
2. Energy Studies and Energy Management
Graduates specialising in energy studies or energy management may be suited to the programme because of its focus on energy efficiency, building performance, and the identification of opportunities to reduce energy consumption.
3. Built Environment
Relevant qualifications within the built environment include:
- Architecture
- Property Management or Real Estate
- Construction Management
- Property Studies
- Quantity Surveying
These fields are relevant to understanding building design, construction, property operations, and the technical and operational factors that influence building energy performance.
4. Natural Sciences
Graduates with relevant natural sciences qualifications may apply, provided their completed qualification meets the minimum NQF Level 7 requirement and falls within the specified eligible field.
5. Economic Sciences
Graduates with relevant economic sciences qualifications are also eligible to apply, subject to meeting the stated academic and other minimum requirements.
Applicants should ensure that their qualifications are completed and that the required academic records and supporting documents are available before submitting an application.
Benefits of the Internship
The EPC Skills Development Programme offers several benefits to successful candidates.
Practical Workplace Experience
Participants will gain exposure to real-world projects involving energy efficiency, building assessments, and the built environment. This experience can help graduates apply their academic knowledge in professional settings.
Occupational Skills Development
The programme includes the QCTO Occupational Skills Programme for EPC Practitioners at NQF Level 5, providing structured training in an area connected to energy performance and regulatory compliance.
Monthly Stipend
Successful interns will receive a monthly stipend during the programme. The advertised information does not specify the stipend amount.
Professional Mentorship
Participants will have opportunities to learn from experienced professionals and gain insight into industry practices and workplace expectations.
Exposure to the Energy Sector
The programme provides opportunities to gain experience relevant to energy consulting, facilities management, energy service companies, and organisations involved in Energy Performance Certificates.
Career Development Opportunities
The knowledge and experience gained through the programme may help participants pursue future opportunities in energy efficiency, sustainability, building performance, energy management, and related technical fields.
Potential Career Opportunities After the Programme
The EPC Skills Development Practitioner qualification and practical experience gained during the internship may support career development in several sectors.
Potential employment areas include:
- Energy consulting firms
- Facilities management companies
- Energy service companies (ESCOs)
- EPC-related organisations
- Building energy performance assessment
- Energy management and efficiency projects
- Built environment and property-related services
- Organisations involved in building energy compliance
The programme provides a potential pathway towards further professional development and registration as an EPC Professional, subject to the applicable registration requirements.
Completion of the internship does not guarantee permanent employment or professional registration.
Equity and Inclusion
SANEDI is committed to promoting inclusive participation in the energy sector and supporting the objectives of a sustainable and just energy transition.
Applications are encouraged from women, young people, persons with disabilities, LGBTQIA+ persons, and graduates from rural areas.
The programme aims to create opportunities for graduates from historically disadvantaged backgrounds while welcoming eligible South African applicants from all racial backgrounds.
Selection decisions are intended to be fair and consistent with applicable South African employment equity legislation.
Required Documents
Applicants must submit the required supporting documents through the official application link.
The following documents are required:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): A current CV containing relevant qualifications, skills, academic achievements, and any applicable work experience.
- Certified Copy of Qualification: A certified copy of the completed qualification that meets the minimum NQF Level 7 requirement.
- Certified Copy of Identity Document: A certified copy of a valid South African identity document.
- Academic Record: The programme specifically requires an academic record, so applicants should ensure that it is available and submitted as required by the application form.
Applicants should check the online application form carefully to confirm that all required fields have been completed and the relevant documents have been uploaded successfully.
Ensure that the information provided in the application is accurate and consistent with the supporting documents.
The closing date for applications is 02 November 2026.
Interested applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline to avoid missing the opportunity.
According to the advertisement, applicants who do not receive communication from SANEDI within 30 days after the closing date should consider their applications unsuccessful.
Important Notice
The EPC Skills Development Programme is an 18-month fixed-term internship intended for eligible unemployed South African graduates. The expected start date is mid-February 2027.
The programme provides structured training, workplace-based learning, practical experience, and a monthly stipend. Placement locations may vary according to operational requirements, and applicants should be prepared to travel where necessary.
Applicants must carefully review the eligibility criteria and submit all required documents through the official application link.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified applicants must submit their applications online through the official SANEDI vacancies page.
Applicants should open the link, review the internship advertisement and application instructions, complete the required information, and upload the requested supporting documents.
Before submitting an application, applicants should confirm that they meet the citizenship, age, unemployment, and qualification requirements.
Applicants should also consider the programme’s placement arrangements and be prepared to travel or accept placement in a designated location within the participating provinces.
Only applications submitted through the prescribed application process should be considered.