Water and Wastewater Reticulation Services Learnership 2026 at Rand Water. Open to unemployed South African youth with Matric.
Water and Wastewater Reticulation Services Learnership 2026 at Rand Water
If you are a young South African looking for a practical skills opportunity that leads to real employment in a critical sector, the Water and Wastewater Reticulation Services Learnership 2026 at Rand Water could be the breakthrough you’ve been waiting for.
This learnership is not just another internship. It is a structured skills development programme designed to prepare unemployed youth for long-term careers in water services, infrastructure maintenance, and municipal utilities. With water security becoming one of South Africa’s most urgent priorities, this opportunity places you at the centre of a sector that will always matter.
Applications must be submitted online, and the closing date is 27 February 2026.
Why This Learnership Matters in 2026
South Africa’s water infrastructure faces growing pressure due to population growth, ageing systems, and climate challenges. To respond to this, Rand Water continues to invest heavily in scarce and critical skills aligned with the National Skills Development Strategy III (NSDS III).
This learnership focuses on Water and Wastewater Reticulation Services, a field that deals directly with how water reaches communities and how wastewater is safely removed and treated. These skills are in demand across municipalities, water boards, construction companies, and engineering support services.
By completing this programme, learners gain:
- Hands-on technical experience
- Formal workplace exposure
- Industry-relevant knowledge
- Improved employability in the water sector
About Rand Water
Founded in 1903, Rand Water is one of the largest bulk water utilities in the world, supplying high-quality potable water to over 12 million people in South Africa’s economic heartland. Johannesburg and surrounding areas are not located near a sustainable natural water source, which has forced Rand Water to pioneer innovative engineering and distribution solutions over decades.
Beyond water supply, Rand Water plays a key role in:
- Employment creation
- Youth skills development
- Building future technical capacity in the water sector
This learnership reflects that long-term commitment.
Learnership Overview
Job Title: Water and Wastewater Reticulation Services Learnership
Reference Number: RAN260216-7
Job Type: Internship / Learnership
Location: Rietvlei, Glenvista – Gauteng, South Africa
Closing Date: 27 February 2026
Application Method: Online submission

Minimum Requirements (Read Carefully)
This programme is aimed strictly at unemployed youth who have not studied beyond matric. Applicants must meet all requirements below:
- Must be unemployed
- Must not be registered at any institution or in another learnership
- Must not have a completed post-matric qualification
(Failure to disclose post-matric qualifications will result in disqualification) - Must have Grade 12 (Matric) with:
- Mathematics (minimum Level 3)
- Physical Science (minimum Level 3)
- Must be a South African citizen with a valid SA ID
- Must be between 18 and 35 years old
- Must submit a SAQA / NLRD Verification Report
Documents Required for Application
Ensure all documents are clear, certified where required, and ready before applying online:
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Proof of residence
- Certified copy of Matric certificate
- SAQA / NLRD verification report
- Updated CV
Incomplete applications are likely to be rejected, so preparation is key.
What You Will Do During the Learnership
This is a hands-on, physically active programme that combines classroom learning with real workplace experience.
Practical Responsibilities
Learners will assist with:
- Operation and maintenance of water and wastewater reticulation systems
- Installation, repair, and maintenance of pipelines and sewer networks
- Detecting and reporting leaks, blockages, and pipe bursts
- Meter reading and basic meter maintenance
- Monitoring water pressure and flow
- Excavation, pipe laying, and site reinstatement
- Inspection of valves, hydrants, and manholes
- Strict adherence to occupational health and safety standards
Learning and Assessment
You will also:
- Attend formal classes as part of the learnership
- Participate in discussions and practical activities
- Complete assignments and projects
- Write assessments
- Maintain a practical logbook to track your development
Knowledge, Skills, and Attitude Required
Knowledge
- Understanding of Rand Water’s mandate and its role in South Africa’s water sector
Skills
- Basic communication skills (verbal and written)
- Ability to follow instructions and work in a team
Attitude
- Self-motivated
- Results-driven
- Willing to learn and work in challenging environments
Career Opportunities After Completion
Completing the Water and Wastewater Reticulation Services Learnership can open doors to roles such as:
- Water reticulation assistant
- Municipal water services worker
- Infrastructure maintenance assistant
- Water operations support staff
Many learners go on to gain further technical experience, artisan training, or permanent employment within the sector.
How to Apply (Online Applications Only)
Applications for the Water and Wastewater Reticulation Services Learnership must be submitted online using the official application platform.
👉 Tip: Apply early. High-demand learnerships often receive thousands of applications before the closing date.
Make sure:
- All documents are uploaded correctly
- Information provided is honest and accurate
- Your SAQA / NLRD report is valid and up to date
Related Opportunities listed by careersfocus:
- Rand Water Horticulture Learnership Programme 2026
- Fuel Online Service Station Operations Learnership
Final Thoughts
If you are passionate about infrastructure, community service, and building a future-proof career, this learnership offers more than short-term experience. It offers skills that South Africa urgently needs.
For unemployed youth with Matric and no post-school qualifications, this is a rare opportunity to enter a respected public utility and gain real, transferable skills.
📌 Closing Date: 27 February 2026
📌 Location: Glenvista (Rietvlei), Gauteng
📌 Apply: Online only
Stay connected to careersfocus.co.za for verified learnerships, internships, and career opportunities designed to help South African youth move from unemployment to skilled work.

Karabo Ntswaki – Author of CareersFocus.co.za
Karabo Ntswaki is passionate about empowering South Africans with reliable, verified, and easily accessible information about careers and education. Through CareersFocus.co.za, Karabo’s mission is to support students, job seekers, and young professionals by providing accurate guidance on learnerships, internships, bursaries.
Her vision is to make CareersFocus.co.za the most trusted online source in South Africa for career and educational information, helping individuals overcome barriers, make informed decisions about professional goals. you can contact me at info@careersfocus.co.za or our website https://careersfocus.co.za/
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