Looking for a chance to start your career right now? eThekwini Municipality is opening its doors to unemployed graduates, TVET students and young job‑seekers with two free programmes that begin later this year.
What the programmes are
The municipality is offering:
- Internship Programme 2026/2027 – a structured workplace learning experience inside the city’s various departments.
- Smart Solar System Training Development Programme 2026 – a three‑month technical course on installing home energy‑management systems.
Both programmes aim to boost your employability and give you real‑world skills.
Who can apply
Internship Programme
- Unemployed graduates (any field) or TVET students who have finished N6.
- No previous work experience required.
- Placements: 18 months for TVET graduates, up to 24 months for university graduates.
Smart Solar Training Programme
- South African citizens, aged 18‑35.
- Technical Matric or N3 Technical Matric with Electrical and/or Plumbing subjects.
- Code 8 or Code 10 driver’s licence.
- Unemployed and living within the eThekwini Municipality (proof of residence needed).
- Physically fit for manual work at heights, rooftops and confined spaces.
- Basic English reading and writing skills.
- Ability to use a smartphone for reporting.
- Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
What you will gain
Internship Programme
- Paid, hands‑on experience in fields such as finance, administration, engineering, health, law, arts and many more.
- Professional development that matches academic requirements.
- References and skills that help you find a full‑time job after the internship.
Smart Solar Training Programme
- Practical knowledge of solar energy systems and home‑energy management.
- Classroom theory plus on‑site installation practice.
- Potential to work in the growing renewable‑energy sector.
How to apply – step by step
- Visit the eThekwini Careers website.
- Click Jobs and enter your email address.
- Accept the terms and click Subscribe.
- Choose the job category (Internship or Smart Solar) and set the location to eThekwini.
- Complete your personal details, residential address and contact information.
- Add your education history and any work experience.
- Upload an up‑to‑date CV (and a cover letter if the form asks for one).
- Save your profile by clicking Subscribe and verify the code sent to your email.
- Once your profile is active, locate the relevant vacancy and click the official “apply” button.
Documents you will need
- Current CV.
- Certified copy of your South African ID.
- Certified copies of all qualifications (matric, N3, N6, degree, etc.).
- Academic records where requested.
- Proof of residence (for the Smart Solar Programme).
- Valid driver’s licence (Code 8 or 10, if applying for the Solar programme).
- Any additional files requested on the portal.
Tips to improve your chances
- Double‑check that every document is clear, legible and correctly named.
- Tailor your CV to highlight the study fields listed in the vacancy (e.g., finance, engineering, health, etc.).
- Write a concise cover letter that shows why you are interested in gaining practical experience or renewable‑energy skills.
- Make sure your profile is 100 % complete before the deadline – incomplete applications are usually rejected.
- Apply early; technical glitches are common close to the closing date.
- If you have a disability, include any reasonable‑accommodation needs in your application.
Final thoughts
Both the eThekwini Municipality Internship Programme 2026/2027 and the Smart Solar System Training Development Programme 2026 are designed to give unemployed graduates, TVET students and young adults a solid start in the workplace. If you meet the eligibility criteria, gather the required documents and submit your application before 17 July 2026. Taking this step now could be the launchpad for your career in the public sector or the fast‑growing renewable‑energy field.
