The South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI) is inviting applications from suitably qualified unemployed South African graduates for its Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) Skills Development Programme (SDP), offering 80 graduate internship opportunities across selected provinces.
This 18-month programme is designed to equip graduates with technical knowledge and practical workplace experience in building energy performance, energy efficiency, regulatory compliance and the issuance of Energy Performance Certificates.
Successful candidates will participate in structured learning and Workplace Integrated Learning (WIL) through placements at host institutions.
The programme is suitable for graduates with qualifications in Engineering, Energy Studies, Energy Management, Built Environment, Natural Sciences and Economic Sciences.
Applicants must be South African citizens aged 18 to 35 years, currently unemployed and in possession of a completed NQF Level 7 qualification or higher in one of the specified fields.
The programme is expected to commence in mid-February 2027, and successful participants will receive monthly stipends.
Applications close on 2 November 2026.
SANEDI EPC Skills Development Programme 2027: Overview
| Programme Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI) |
| Programme | EPC Skills Development Programme |
| Programme Category | Graduate Internship / Skills Development |
| Number of Opportunities | 80 |
| Employment Type | Fixed-Term Contract |
| Contract Duration | 18 Months |
| Industry | Energy / Engineering / Built Environment |
| Minimum Qualification | Completed NQF Level 7 or higher |
| Age Requirement | 18–35 Years |
| Citizenship | South African |
| Employment Status | Unemployed |
| Training Location | Participating TVET Colleges in selected provinces |
| Workplace Experience | Host institutions |
| Expected Start Date | Mid-February 2027 |
| Monthly Stipend | Provided; amount not specified |
| Closing Date | 2 November 2026 |
About SANEDI
The South African National Energy Development Institute is a South African public-sector institution involved in energy research, development, innovation and related energy initiatives.
Its work supports the development of energy knowledge and capabilities relevant to South Africa’s energy sector.
The EPC Skills Development Programme focuses on strengthening technical capacity associated with building energy performance and Energy Performance Certificates.
Through the programme, unemployed graduates will receive training and workplace exposure that can help them develop skills relevant to energy efficiency and building performance assessment.
What Is the EPC Skills Development Programme?
The Energy Performance Certificate Skills Development Programme is an 18-month graduate training initiative intended to develop a pool of trained unemployed graduates who can support building owners and accounting officers.
Its primary objective is to prepare graduates to assist with:
- Collecting building information.
- Analysing energy performance data.
- Registering buildings on the EPC platform.
- Supporting Energy Performance Certificate issuance.
- Identifying potential energy audit requirements.
- Supporting energy efficiency improvements.
- Contributing to regulatory compliance.
The programme combines technical learning with practical workplace experience.
Successful candidates will be placed at host institutions to apply their knowledge in real working environments.
What Is an Energy Performance Certificate?
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) provides information about the energy performance of a building.
In South Africa, EPC requirements form part of the regulatory framework intended to improve understanding and management of energy consumption in applicable buildings.
An EPC helps provide information that can support the assessment of a building’s energy performance.
The SANEDI programme is designed to develop graduates who can assist with the data collection, registration and assessment processes associated with EPCs.
Main Objectives of the SANEDI EPC Internship Programme
1. Support Building Registration
Graduates will develop skills relevant to registering buildings on the EPC platform.
This includes working with the information required for the registration process.
2. Support Energy Performance Certificate Issuance
The programme will train graduates to assist with processes associated with the issuance of EPCs.
3. Collect and Analyse Building Data
Participants will learn to work with information required to assess building energy performance.
4. Identify Potential Energy Audit Requirements
Graduates will gain exposure to identifying possible energy audits needed to assess significant energy users.
These assessments may inform energy efficiency work undertaken by Energy Service Companies (ESCOs).
5. Support Energy Efficiency Improvements
The programme aims to build skills relevant to implementing energy efficiency improvements in buildings.
6. Contribute to Regulatory Compliance
Participants will develop an understanding of how building energy performance activities relate to applicable regulatory requirements.
Available SANEDI Graduate Internship Opportunities
The programme offers 80 opportunities for unemployed graduates from several academic disciplines.
1. Engineering Graduates
Applicants with completed NQF Level 7 or higher qualifications in an Engineering field may apply.
This opportunity is relevant to graduates interested in technical energy systems, engineering applications and building performance.
2. Energy Studies Graduates
Graduates with qualifications in Energy Studies are eligible.
The programme provides an opportunity to gain practical exposure to building energy performance and energy efficiency activities.
3. Energy Management Graduates
Applicants who studied Energy Management may apply.
The programme is relevant to graduates interested in energy use, performance assessment and energy efficiency.
4. Built Environment Graduates
The advertisement identifies several Built Environment qualifications.
Eligible fields include:
- Architecture.
- Property Management.
- Real Estate.
- Construction Management.
- Property Studies.
- Quantity Surveying.
Graduates from these disciplines may gain valuable exposure to building energy performance and compliance-related activities.
5. Natural Sciences Graduates
Applicants with completed NQF Level 7 or higher qualifications in Natural Sciences are eligible.
This provides an opportunity for qualifying science graduates to gain experience in the energy sector.
6. Economic Sciences Graduates
Graduates with qualifications in Economic Sciences may also apply.
The programme provides an opportunity to gain exposure to energy-related projects and workplace activities.
Minimum Requirements for SANEDI Internships 2027
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Be between 18 and 35 years old.
- Be currently unemployed.
- Have completed an NQF Level 7 qualification or higher.
- Hold a qualification in one of the specified academic fields.
- Provide an academic record as required.
The programme is intended for graduates who have already completed their qualifications.
Can You Apply With a National Diploma?
The advertisement requires a completed NQF Level 7 qualification or higher.
A qualification below NQF Level 7 does not meet the stated minimum requirement.
Applicants should verify the registered NQF level of their qualification before applying.
Can You Apply With an Honours or Master’s Degree?
Yes, provided the qualification is completed and falls within one of the eligible academic fields.
An Honours degree or Master’s degree generally exceeds the stated NQF Level 7 minimum.
Applicants must still satisfy the citizenship, age and unemployment requirements.
Can Natural Sciences Graduates Apply?
Yes.
The advertisement specifically includes Natural Sciences among the eligible qualification categories.
Graduates should ensure that their completed qualification meets the minimum NQF Level 7 requirement.
The supplied advertisement does not provide a narrower list of eligible Natural Sciences specialisations.
What Will SANEDI EPC Interns Do?
The programme focuses on developing technical and practical competencies relevant to building energy performance.
Building Data Collection
Participants will gain experience with collecting information required for building registration and assessment.
Data Analysis
Graduates will develop skills in analysing information relevant to building energy performance.
EPC Platform Registration
The programme includes training associated with registering buildings on the EPC platform.
EPC Issuance Support
Learners will gain exposure to processes supporting Energy Performance Certificate issuance.
Energy Audit Identification
Participants will develop an understanding of identifying possible energy audits required to assess significant energy users.
Energy Efficiency Improvement Support
The programme will provide exposure to activities associated with improving building energy efficiency.
Workplace Integrated Learning
Interns will apply their learning through placements at host institutions.
The specific daily duties will depend on programme arrangements and placement responsibilities.
Structured Training and Workplace Integrated Learning
The 18-month programme integrates two important learning components.
Structured Learning
Participants will receive technical training relevant to the EPC programme.
This training is intended to build the knowledge required to support energy performance assessment and related activities.
Workplace Integrated Learning
Graduates will be placed at host institutions where they can apply their knowledge in practical working environments.
Workplace Integrated Learning provides an opportunity to develop professional experience and understand workplace expectations.
SANEDI EPC Programme Training Locations
The advertisement states that training will take place at participating TVET Colleges in selected provinces.
Practical workplace experience will take place through placements at host institutions.
The specific colleges, provinces and host institutions are not identified in the supplied advertisement.
SANEDI reserves the right to place or transfer successful candidates to any programme location based on operational requirements.
Applicants should therefore consider their availability and willingness to accept placement arrangements.
SANEDI EPC Internship Stipend and Benefits
Successful candidates will receive monthly stipends during the programme.
The stipend amount is not specified in the supplied advertisement.
| Stipend and Programme Benefits | Details |
|---|---|
| Monthly Stipend | Provided; amount not specified |
| Programme Duration | 18 Months |
| Structured Learning | Included |
| Workplace Integrated Learning | Included |
| Technical Skills Development | Included |
| Practical Workplace Experience | Included |
| Host Institution Placement | Included |
| Accommodation | Not specified |
| Transport Allowance | Not specified |
| Medical Aid | Not specified |
| Pension Fund | Not specified |
| Permanent Employment | Not guaranteed |
Applicants should confirm financial arrangements and any additional benefits through official SANEDI recruitment information.
Skills Graduates May Develop
The programme may help participants develop skills in the following areas:
| Skill Area | Development Focus |
|---|---|
| Building Energy Performance | Understanding energy performance assessment |
| Data Collection | Gathering building information |
| Data Analysis | Interpreting energy-related information |
| EPC Registration | Supporting building registration processes |
| Regulatory Awareness | Understanding applicable compliance requirements |
| Energy Efficiency | Identifying improvement opportunities |
| Energy Auditing | Understanding potential audit requirements |
| Workplace Communication | Working with host institutions |
| Technical Reporting | Supporting documentation and analysis |
| Professional Development | Applying academic knowledge in the workplace |
Why Consider the SANEDI EPC Skills Development Programme?
1. Eighty Graduate Opportunities
The programme offers 80 internship positions.
2. Eighteen Months of Training
Successful candidates will participate in an 18-month fixed-term programme.
3. Multiple Academic Disciplines Accepted
The programme accepts qualifications in Engineering, Energy Studies, Energy Management, Built Environment, Natural Sciences and Economic Sciences.
4. Monthly Financial Support
Interns will receive monthly stipends.
5. Practical Workplace Exposure
The programme includes Workplace Integrated Learning through host institutions.
6. Technical Energy Sector Experience
Participants will gain exposure to energy performance assessment and energy efficiency activities.
7. Training Through TVET Colleges
Structured learning will take place through participating TVET Colleges in selected provinces.
Career Opportunities After the SANEDI EPC Internship
The experience gained during the programme may support future applications for positions in energy, engineering, building performance and related fields.
Potential career pathways include:
- Energy Efficiency Assistant.
- Building Energy Performance Assistant.
- Energy Data Analyst.
- Energy Project Assistant.
- Energy Management Assistant.
- Sustainability Assistant.
- Building Compliance Support Officer.
- Energy Audit Support Technician.
- Environmental or Energy Project Coordinator.
These are potential career pathways rather than guaranteed jobs following completion of the programme.
Some positions may require additional qualifications, experience, professional registration or certification.
How to Prepare Your CV for SANEDI Internships
Applicants should prepare a professional CV that clearly highlights their completed qualification and relevant skills.
Include:
- Full name and contact details.
- Residential area.
- Completed qualification.
- NQF level.
- University or institution attended.
- Year of qualification completion.
- Relevant academic modules.
- Research projects, where applicable.
- Computer and data analysis skills.
- Technical skills relevant to the programme.
- Communication and teamwork skills.
- References, where appropriate.
Applicants should ensure that their CV reflects their actual qualifications and experience.
Required Academic Record
The advertisement specifically states that an academic record is required.
Applicants should ensure that they have access to their academic record and completed qualification information.
The supplied extract does not specify the complete list of compulsory supporting documents.
Candidates should follow the instructions on the official application form.
How to Prepare for a SANEDI Internship Interview
Applicants may benefit from preparing for questions about energy efficiency, building performance and their academic background.
Why Are You Interested in the EPC Skills Development Programme?
Candidates should explain their interest in energy performance, sustainability and gaining practical workplace experience.
What Do You Understand About Energy Efficiency?
A suitable response should demonstrate an understanding of reducing unnecessary energy use while maintaining the required building functions.
How Does Your Qualification Relate to the Programme?
Applicants should explain how their academic studies relate to data analysis, engineering, building management, natural sciences or other eligible areas.
Are You Willing to Relocate or Accept Placement?
Candidates should understand that SANEDI may place or transfer participants according to operational requirements.
Can You Work With Data?
Applicants should describe relevant academic or practical experience with collecting, organising and analysing information.
These are suggested interview preparation questions, not confirmed questions from SANEDI.
How to Apply for SANEDI EPC Skills Development Programme 2027
Interested candidates must complete the official EPC SDP internship application process.
The programme advertisement includes an internship specification document.
Download the official internship specification:
https://www.sanedi.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/ADVERT-FOR-EPC-PRACTITIONER-INTERNSHIP-X80.pdf
Applicants should:
- Confirm that they are South African citizens.
- Check that they are between 18 and 35 years old.
- Ensure that they are currently unemployed.
- Confirm that their completed qualification is NQF Level 7 or higher.
- Verify that their field of study is eligible.
- Prepare their academic record.
- Review the official internship specification.
- Access the EPC SDP Interns application form.
- Complete all required sections.
- Submit the application before 2 November 2026.
The supplied information refers to an application form but does not provide a direct URL for that form.
The internship specification link above is a PDF document, not necessarily the application submission page.
Important Dates for SANEDI EPC Internships
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Closing Date | 2 November 2026 |
| Expected Programme Start | Mid-February 2027 |
| Programme Duration | 18 Months |
| Programme Completion | Dependent on actual commencement date |
Applicants should submit their applications before the deadline and monitor official communication for further recruitment information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SANEDI offering internships for 2027?
Yes. The supplied advertisement outlines the EPC Skills Development Programme, expected to begin in mid-February 2027.
How many internship opportunities are available?
There are 80 graduate internship opportunities.
How long is the programme?
The programme runs for 18 months.
What is the minimum qualification?
A completed NQF Level 7 qualification or higher in an eligible field.
Can Engineering graduates apply?
Yes. Engineering is included among the eligible fields.
Can Natural Sciences graduates apply?
Yes. Natural Sciences is specifically listed.
Can Economic Sciences graduates apply?
Yes. Economic Sciences is included.
Can Built Environment graduates apply?
Yes. The advertisement lists Architecture, Property Management, Real Estate, Construction Management, Property Studies and Quantity Surveying.
Can applicants with an Honours degree apply?
Yes, provided they meet the other requirements and their qualification is in an eligible field.
Can applicants with a National Diploma apply?
Only if the completed qualification meets the stated NQF Level 7 or higher requirement.
Must applicants be unemployed?
Yes. The programme is for unemployed graduates.
What is the age requirement?
Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old.
Will interns receive a stipend?
Yes. Monthly stipends will be provided.
How much is the stipend?
The amount is not specified in the supplied advertisement.
Where will training take place?
At participating TVET Colleges in selected provinces, with workplace learning at host institutions.
Can SANEDI transfer interns to another location?
Yes. SANEDI reserves the right to place or transfer participants according to operational requirements.
When will the programme start?
The expected commencement date is mid-February 2027.
What is the closing date?
2 November 2026.
Apply for SANEDI EPC Graduate Internships Before 2 November 2026
The SANEDI EPC Skills Development Programme 2027 offers 80 unemployed South African graduates an opportunity to gain technical training and practical workplace experience in building energy performance and energy efficiency.
The programme will run for 18 months and is expected to commence in mid-February 2027.
Applicants must have a completed NQF Level 7 qualification or higher in Engineering, Energy Studies, Energy Management, Built Environment, Natural Sciences or Economic Sciences.
Successful candidates will participate in structured learning and Workplace Integrated Learning and receive monthly stipends.
Organisation: SANEDI
Programme: EPC Skills Development Programme
Number of Opportunities: 80
Contract Type: Fixed-Term Internship
Duration: 18 Months
Age Requirement: 18–35 Years
Qualification: Completed NQF Level 7 or higher
Employment Status: Unemployed
Training Location: Selected TVET Colleges and Host Institutions
Monthly Stipend: Provided; amount not specified
Expected Start Date: Mid-February 2027
Closing Date: 2 November 2026
Interested candidates should review the official internship specification and complete the EPC SDP application form before the closing date.