Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) Built Environment Apprenticeships, Internships and WIL Programmes 2026: X38 Opportunities

Who can apply

• In addition to possessing the relevant qualification for the position, applicants must meet several general conditions.
• be new entrants into the workplace programme;
• not previously have worked or held an internship position;
• be able to work independently;
• be able to work as part of a multidisciplinary team; and
• be South African citizens.
• Applicants should not ignore the previous-internship condition.
• If you have already participated in an internship programme, carefully consider whether you meet the requirement before applying.
• Applicants who obtained qualifications outside South Africa are responsible for having those qualifications evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
• SMU warns that failure to submit the requested information or documentation may result in the application not being considered.
• Applicants researching South African qualification records can also use the Edupstairs Career & Qualification Explorer, which includes thousands of SAQA qualification records and career-to-qualification connections.
• Yes. Applicants are responsible for having foreign qualifications evaluated by SAQA.
• What if SMU does not contact me?

How to apply

Applications are submitted directly to Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences - we do not collect applications. Read the eligibility criteria, prepare your supporting documents, then complete your application on the official page.

Full details

Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) is inviting suitably qualified South African applicants to apply for 38 apprenticeships, internships and Work Integrated Learning opportunities within its Built Environment Department.

The DHET-SMU Apprenticeship Recruitment Programme 2026 offers a substantial range of workplace-learning opportunities across construction, engineering, architecture, quantity surveying, plumbing, welding, carpentry, refrigeration, occupational health and safety, horticulture, environmental management and agricultural engineering.

Successful candidates will be appointed on 24-month contracts and will gain experiential workplace exposure within the Built Environment environment at SMU.

The programme is particularly important for young South Africans who have completed qualifications ranging from N6 certificates to National Diplomas and Engineering Degrees and who are looking for an opportunity to gain practical workplace experience.

Applications close on 18 September 2026, and applications must be submitted by 16:00.

Before applying, candidates can use the Edupstairs Career & Qualification Explorer to research the careers connected to their qualifications. Applicants who studied at a public TVET College can also explore their institution and technical programmes through the TVET Colleges Explorer, while prospective or current university students can investigate higher-education pathways through the University Explorer.

Quick Overview: SMU Built Environment Programme 2026

What Is the DHET-SMU Apprenticeship Recruitment Programme?

Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University explains that it wants to provide deserving unemployed young South Africans with opportunities to gain practical experience and improve their employability.

The programme focuses on experiential learning within the Built Environment, allowing successful candidates to develop practical workplace competencies while supporting projects and activities within the university.

Although the recruitment notice is headed the DHET-SMU Apprenticeship Recruitment Programme, the opportunities themselves cover a broader mix of apprenticeship, internship and Work Integrated Learning positions.

This is therefore particularly relevant to:

• TVET College N6 graduates;
• National Diploma graduates;
• university and university-of-technology graduates;
• engineering graduates;
• built-environment graduates;
• aspiring artisans;
• applicants requiring workplace exposure; and
• unemployed graduates seeking their first internship opportunity.

Applicants interested in understanding how apprenticeships, WIL and other workplace-development pathways fit into South Africa’s skills-development system can also use the Edupstairs SETA Platform, which brings together all 21 SETAs and more than 1,000 programme and pathway records.

X38 SMU Apprenticeship, Internship and WIL Opportunities Available

The programme covers 13 occupational areas and 38 positions.

1. Construction Management - X3 Posts

Number of posts: 3

Reference: 60/2026/KM/Intern

Applicants should possess a qualification in:

• Construction Science;
• Construction Management; or
• Building Sciences.

A Diploma, BEng or higher qualification is accepted according to the advert.

Applicants interested in this field can research related careers and qualifications through the Career & Qualification Explorer.

Construction-related applicants should also become familiar with CETA - the Construction Education and Training Authority. CETA covers construction and the built environment, including civil engineering, roads, infrastructure, plumbing, construction trades and professional built-environment occupations.

1. Architect - X3 Posts

Number of posts: 3

Reference: 61/2026/KM/Intern

Required qualification:

• Architectural Studies - Diploma, BEng or higher.

Applicants can use the University Explorer to investigate university pathways connected with architecture and other built-environment disciplines.

1. Quantity Surveyor - X2 Posts

Number of posts: 2

Reference: 62/2026/KM/Intern

Relevant qualifications include:

• Construction Economics;
• Quantity Surveying; or
• Building Sciences.

Applicants need a Diploma, BEng or higher qualification.

If you are unsure how Quantity Surveying differs from Construction Management, Civil Engineering or Architecture, use the Career & Qualification Explorer to compare careers and SAQA qualification pathways.

1. Civil Engineer - X3 Posts

Number of posts: 3

Reference: 63/2026/KM/Intern

Applicants should possess:

• Civil Engineering N6;
• Civil Engineering Diploma;
• BEng; or
• a higher relevant qualification.

This is one of the opportunities where both certain TVET N6 pathways and higher-education qualifications are specifically recognised.

TVET students and graduates can explore Civil Engineering and related programmes through the TVET Colleges Explorer.

Civil Engineering also falls strongly within the built-environment sector covered by CETA. Edupstairs’ SETA Platform identifies CETA as covering areas such as civil engineering, roads, infrastructure and construction-related occupations.

1. Electrical Engineer - X5 Posts

Number of posts: 5

Reference: 64/2026/KM/Intern

Required qualification:

• Electrical Engineering N6;
• Diploma;
• BEng; or
• higher relevant qualification.

Electrical Engineering applicants can investigate additional workplace and occupational pathways through the SETA Platform.

Depending on the specific industry and occupational pathway, Electrical Engineering skills may connect with SETAs including merSETA, EWSETA, CETA and others.

The Edupstairs SETA Platform allows candidates to explore apprenticeships, engineering programmes, qualifications and WIL opportunities by sector.

1. Mechanical Engineer / HVAC - X4 Posts

Number of posts: 4

Reference: 65/2026/KM/Intern

Required qualification:

• Mechanical Engineering N6;
• Diploma;
• BEng; or
• higher relevant qualification.

HVAC refers broadly to heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems.

Applicants interested in mechanical engineering and related occupations should explore the Career & Qualification Explorer and search for careers such as Mechanical Engineer, Mechanical Engineering Technician, Mechanical Fitter and related occupations.

1. Plumbing - X4 Posts

Number of posts: 4

Reference: 66/2026/KM/Intern

Required:

• N6;
• National Diploma; or
• higher relevant qualification.

A trade certificate will be considered an added advantage.

Plumbing is strongly connected to the construction and built-environment skills sector. Applicants interested in apprenticeship and artisan pathways should therefore also explore CETA through the Edupstairs SETA Platform.

The platform identifies CETA as covering plumbing, construction trades, civil engineering and infrastructure-related occupations.

1. Welding / Boilermaking - X3 Posts

Number of posts: 3

Reference: 67/2026/KM/Intern

Applicants should possess:

• N6;
• National Diploma; or
• higher relevant qualification.

A trade certificate is an added advantage.

Aspiring welders and boilermakers can use the Career & Qualification Explorer to investigate recognised trade occupations and associated qualification pathways.

They should also explore artisan-development opportunities through the SETA Platform.

1. Carpentry - X3 Posts

Number of posts: 3

Reference: 68/2026/KM/Intern

Applicants need:

• N6;
• National Diploma; or
• higher relevant qualification.

A trade certificate is considered an added advantage.

Candidates interested in carpentry, building and construction trades should investigate CETA pathways and other relevant occupational programmes available through the Edupstairs SETA Platform.

1. HVAC Artisan / Refrigeration Tradesperson - X3 Posts

Number of posts: 3

Reference: 69/2026/KM/Intern

Applicants need:

• N6;
• National Diploma; or
• higher relevant qualification.

A relevant trade certificate will be considered an added advantage.

This pathway may particularly appeal to applicants interested in refrigeration, air-conditioning, mechanical systems, facilities maintenance and technical services.

Use the Career & Qualification Explorer to investigate related technical careers.

1. Health and Safety - X2 Posts

Number of posts: 2

Reference: 70/2026/KM/Intern

Required qualification:

• Occupational Health and Safety;
• NEBOSH Level 6; or
• another relevant qualification.

Occupational health and safety is increasingly important across construction, engineering, manufacturing, mining, facilities management and other safety-critical industries.

Applicants can explore occupational health and safety qualifications through the Career & Qualification Explorer.

1. Horticulturist - X2 Posts

Number of posts: 2

Reference: 71/2026/KM/Intern

Applicants should hold a:

• Diploma in Horticulture;
• Landscape Management; or
• Technology-related qualification.

Horticulture and landscape-management applicants may also want to investigate AgriSETA, which covers agricultural and horticultural development pathways.

The Edupstairs SETA Platform identifies AgriSETA as covering primary and secondary agriculture, including horticulture and plant production.

1. Environmental Officer - X2 Posts

Number of posts: 2

Reference: 72/2026/KM/Intern

Accepted qualifications include:

• Diploma;
• BTech; or
• BSc in Environmental Sciences;
• Environmental Management; or
• Environmental Engineering.

Environmental careers increasingly intersect with construction, infrastructure, energy, water, municipal development and sustainability.

Applicants can investigate these career pathways through the Career & Qualification Explorer.

1. Irrigation Specialist / Agricultural Engineer - X1 Post

Number of posts: 1

Reference: 73/2026/KM/Intern

Applicants should possess a:

• Diploma or Degree in Agricultural Engineering;
• NQF Level 6 qualification; or
• National Certificate in Landscape Irrigation / Irrigation Installation and Management.

Candidates interested in agricultural engineering, irrigation and horticultural infrastructure should also explore AgriSETA through the SETA Platform.

Total Number of Opportunities

The advertised positions add up to: 38 Built Environment apprenticeship, internship and WIL opportunities.

That makes this a substantial recruitment programme for applicants across both professional and artisan-oriented disciplines.

General Requirements

In addition to possessing the relevant qualification for the position, applicants must meet several general conditions.

According to the SMU advertisement, applicants must:

Applicants should not ignore the previous-internship condition.

If you have already participated in an internship programme, carefully consider whether you meet the requirement before applying.

Competencies SMU Is Looking For

Successful candidates should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Time management;
• Client focus;
• Results focus;
• Stress tolerance;
• Report-writing skills;
• Attention to detail;
• Communication and interpersonal skills; and
• Willingness to learn and adapt.

These skills matter because the programme is not simply academic training.

Successful candidates will be expected to function within an operational university environment, participate in projects and work alongside employees from different professional disciplines.

Duties and Responsibilities

Successful candidates will be expected to:

• provide support for Built Environment projects;
• participate in departmental meetings;
• attend workshops and training activities;
• assist with project coordination;
• support administrative activities;
• assist with the implementation of Built Environment initiatives;
• contribute to the overall development of SMU;
• actively contribute towards improving institutional culture; and
• perform any additional duties assigned by the Supervisor or Line Manager.

The precise technical duties are likely to vary according to the placement area.

For example, the workplace experience of a Civil Engineering intern will naturally differ from that of a Horticulture, Plumbing or Occupational Health and Safety participant.

Why This Opportunity Matters for TVET N6 Students

Several positions explicitly accept N6 qualifications, including:

• Civil Engineering;
• Electrical Engineering;
• Mechanical Engineering / HVAC;
• Plumbing;
• Welding / Boilermaking;
• Carpentry; and
• HVAC / Refrigeration.

That makes the programme especially relevant to students who have completed engineering-related NATED studies at public TVET Colleges.

Students can use the TVET Colleges Explorer to investigate South Africa’s public TVET institutions, programmes, campuses and study information.

For students who have completed their theoretical studies but still require workplace experience, the SETA Platform’s workplace-learning pathways are also useful because the platform includes WIL, TVET workplace experience and student-internship pathways.

Built Environment Applicants Should Know About CETA

Because so many of these positions relate directly to construction and the built environment, applicants should understand the role of the Construction Education and Training Authority (CETA).

CETA covers sectors and occupations involving:

• construction;
• civil engineering;
• roads;
• infrastructure;
• construction plant;
• plumbing;
• professional built-environment careers;
• construction trades; and
• contractor development.

Applicants can explore CETA and the other 20 SETAs through the Edupstairs SETA Platform.

This is particularly useful if you are unsuccessful in the SMU programme because SETA-supported pathways can include apprenticeships, internships, artisan development, WIL, bursaries and skills programmes.

Planning to Study Further? Use the University Explorer

Applicants who want to progress from a Diploma or N6 pathway towards a Degree or postgraduate qualification can investigate available programmes through the Edupstairs University Explorer.

Edupstairs’ University Explorer is designed to help prospective students research university programmes, admission requirements, applications and related student resources.

This may be particularly useful for applicants considering careers in:

• Architecture;
• Civil Engineering;
• Mechanical Engineering;
• Electrical Engineering;
• Construction Management;
• Quantity Surveying;
• Environmental Sciences;
• Environmental Engineering; and
• Agricultural Engineering.

How to Apply for the SMU Built Environment Programme 2026

Applications are submitted by email.

Applicants must prepare typed application documents and clearly quote the reference number of the position they are applying for.

Your application should contain:

• a comprehensive CV;
• certified copies of all qualifications; and
• contact details for three referees.

Applications must be addressed for the attention of: Mr K Mothabela

Applications should be emailed to: [email protected]

Closing Date: 18 September 2026

Closing Time: 16:00

Do not send the same generic application without identifying the position.

For example, if you are applying for Electrical Engineering, your application should clearly quote: 64/2026/KM/Intern

If applying for Plumbing, quote: 66/2026/KM/Intern

The correct reference number helps recruitment staff identify the position for which your application should be considered.

Applications Through Employment Agencies Will Not Be Considered

The advertisement specifically states that:

Applications from employment agencies will not be considered.

Applicants should therefore apply directly through the method provided by SMU.

Do not pay an individual or recruitment agency claiming that they can submit your application or secure a placement for you.

Foreign Qualifications Must Be Evaluated by SAQA

Applicants who obtained qualifications outside South Africa are responsible for having those qualifications evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).

SMU warns that failure to submit the requested information or documentation may result in the application not being considered.

Applicants researching South African qualification records can also use the Edupstairs Career & Qualification Explorer, which includes thousands of SAQA qualification records and career-to-qualification connections.

Enquiries

Telephonic enquiries regarding conditions of service can be directed to: (012) 521-4433

Applicants should use the enquiry line for legitimate queries rather than attempting to bypass the formal application process.

What Happens After Applications Close?

SMU states that correspondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates.

If you are not contacted within 30 days after the closing date, you should consider your application unsuccessful.

The university also reserves the right to make or not make an appointment.

SMU describes itself as an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer.

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Do not depend on one application.

Several significant internship and graduate-development opportunities have been published on Edupstairs during the past four days.

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This is particularly relevant to graduates interested in government and built-environment-related workplace opportunities and was published on Edupstairs today.

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SALGA Graduate Development Programme 2026/2027 - X58 Opportunities

SALGA’s 12-month programme covers a broad range of fields, including engineering, environmental management, town planning, finance, HR, IT, public administration and communications.

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This programme provides another recent graduate workplace-experience route, particularly for technology and related graduates.

GIBB YES Programme 2026: Engineering, IT and Business Graduate Opportunities

GIBB’s current opportunities are especially relevant to readers of this SMU advert because they include Civil, Electrical and Mechanical Engineering pathways as well as other graduate disciplines.

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MISA’s programme includes graduate workplace experience and approximately 12 - 24 months of WIL, depending on the participant’s study requirements.

Latest Apprenticeship and Artisan Opportunities on Edupstairs

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MISA is recruiting apprenticeship candidates across:

• Electrical;
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• Motor Mechanic; and
• Diesel Mechanic.

The programme provides a particularly useful alternative for TVET students and technically qualified unemployed youth.

IVANPLATS Artisan Learnership Programme 2026

IVANPLATS is recruiting for artisan pathways including:

• Boilermaking;
• Diesel Mechanics;
• Fitting and Turning;
• Instrumentation;
• Mechanical Fitting; and
• Millwrighting.

The opportunity is particularly relevant to applicants with engineering studies and artisan-assistant experience.

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BTT recently advertised two Mechanical Fitter Apprenticeship positions in Durban involving structured theoretical and practical training. The advertised closing date was 11 September 2026, so readers should note that this particular intake has now reached its stated deadline.

Build Your Career Pathway With Edupstairs

The SMU programme should not simply be viewed as a once-off internship application.

Use it to think about the full pathway:

Qualification → Career → Workplace Experience → Professional or Artisan Development → Employment

The following Edupstairs tools can help:

Career & Qualification Explorer - research OFO careers, SAQA qualifications, NQF levels and career-to-qualification connections.

University Explorer - investigate university programmes, applications and admission requirements.

TVET Colleges Explorer - research South Africa’s public TVET Colleges, programmes, campuses and vocational study routes.

SETA Platform - explore all 21 SETAs and more than 1,000 pathways involving apprenticeships, WIL, internships, qualifications, bursaries, skills programmes and learnerships.

For this particular SMU intake, CETA should be especially important to applicants, while engineering and technical candidates may also find relevant pathways through merSETA, EWSETA and other sector authorities depending on their occupation.

Tools you may find useful:

View Other Employment Opportunities here

Need Help?

Edupstairs Advice

This is a particularly strong opportunity for young people who already possess technical or built-environment qualifications but need meaningful workplace exposure.

The fact that SMU accepts qualifications ranging from N6 through Diplomas and Engineering Degrees across different positions makes the programme accessible to applicants coming from several post-school education pathways.

Before emailing your application, check four things carefully.

First, make sure your qualification genuinely matches the position.

Second, use the correct reference number.

Third, make sure your CV, certified qualifications and three referee contacts are included.

Fourth, do not wait until the afternoon of 18 September to send the application.

For N6 applicants, this recruitment drive is especially significant because Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Plumbing, Welding, Carpentry and Refrigeration-related pathways are represented.

If you qualify for more than one opportunity, do not automatically send one generic application to several fields. Tailor your CV and application to the specific occupation and clearly indicate the applicable reference.

Most importantly, continue applying elsewhere.

Use the SETA Platform to identify workplace-learning and apprenticeship pathways, the Career & Qualification Explorer to understand your long-term occupation, the TVET Colleges Explorer if you are following a vocational route, and the University Explorer if further higher education forms part of your career plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the SMU Built Environment Programme 2026?

It is a 24-month recruitment programme offering apprenticeship, internship and Work Integrated Learning opportunities within Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University’s Built Environment Department.

1. How many opportunities are available?

There are 38 advertised positions across 14 listed professional or occupational areas.

1. How long is the programme?

The advert states that the positions are offered on 24-month contracts.

1. Can TVET N6 graduates apply?

1. Can university graduates apply?

Yes. Several positions accept Diplomas, BEng degrees and higher qualifications.

1. Do I need previous work experience?

The advert instead emphasises that applicants must be new entrants and must not previously have worked or held an internship position.

1. Is this only an apprenticeship programme?

No. Although the recruitment notice uses the DHET-SMU Apprenticeship Recruitment Programme heading, the advert itself describes various apprenticeship, internship and Work Integrated Learning programme positions.

1. What is the closing date?

Applications close on 18 September 2026.

1. What time do applications close?

Applications must be submitted by 16:00.

1. How do I apply?

Prepare a comprehensive CV, certified copies of your qualifications and contact details for three referees. Quote the correct reference number and email the application for the attention of Mr K Mothabela to [email protected]

1. Can I apply through a recruitment agency?

No. The advert specifically states that applications from employment agencies will not be considered.

1. Do foreign qualifications need SAQA evaluation?

Yes. Applicants are responsible for having foreign qualifications evaluated by SAQA.

If you have not been contacted within 30 days after the closing date, SMU states that you should consider your application unsuccessful.

1. Where can I find more apprenticeships and WIL opportunities?

Use the Edupstairs SETA Platform to explore apprenticeships, internships, WIL, artisan development and other programmes across South Africa’s 21 SETAs.

You can also:

Disclaimer

This Edupstairs Opportunity Explainer is based primarily on the Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University Built Environment Department DHET-SMU Apprenticeship Recruitment Programme advertisement published in The Star on 2 September 2026, together with additional Edupstairs career, qualification, TVET, university and SETA research.

Applicants must verify that they meet the requirements of the particular position before applying.

Application requirements, recruitment arrangements and selection decisions remain the responsibility of Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University.

Edupstairs does not recruit candidates on behalf of SMU and cannot guarantee shortlisting, placement or employment.

Never pay anyone who claims that they can guarantee you a position in the programme.

Editorial Integrity

The number of posts, qualifications, reference numbers, duties, competencies, application email, closing date and recruitment conditions in this article are taken from the supplied SMU recruitment advertisement.

Information about career pathways, SETAs, TVET Colleges, university study options, related internships, WIL programmes and apprenticeship opportunities is additional Edupstairs guidance intended to help applicants make informed career and education decisions.

Where the official advert uses the broader heading DHET-SMU Apprenticeship Recruitment Programme while also describing the positions as apprenticeships, internships and WIL opportunities, this article preserves that distinction rather than treating every listed position as a conventional trade apprenticeship.

EDUPSTAIRS IS A REGISTERED NON-PROFIT ORGANISATION NPO No: 232 - 182, PUBLIC BENEFIT ORGANISATION (PBO): 930066984. EDUPSTAIRS DOES NOT, IN ANY WAY OR FORM, SOLICIT MONEY OR CV’S FROM PEOPLE FOR JOBS. PLEASE BE AWARE OF PHONY JOB POSTINGS AND RECRUITMENT FRAUD. USE THE EDUPSTAIRS SCAM DETECTOR TOOL TO SPOT A SCAM BEFORE YOU APPLY

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