The South African Wind Energy Association (SAWEA) has launched the 2027 intake for its Wind Industry Internship Programme (WIIP), designed to provide unemployed university and TVET graduates with practical work experience in South Africa’s renewable energy sector. This programme is funded by the Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority (EWSETA) and aims to bridge the gap between academic qualifications and industry requirements.
About the Programme
The WIIP offers a 12-month internship placement across various organisations involved in the wind energy value chain. The programme exposes interns to real-world professional environments, enhancing their technical, operational, and business skills in the renewable energy industry. The specific work experience depends on the host organisation’s focus and the intern’s field of study.
Eligibility and Who Can Apply
- Applicants must be South African citizens.
- They need to be unemployed at the time of application.
- Applicants should hold a diploma or degree from a recognised university or TVET college in fields relevant to the programme.
- Short-course certificates alone do not qualify.
Graduates from diverse disciplines such as engineering, science, information technology, business, finance, law, and social sciences are encouraged to apply. This includes fields like Electrical, Mechanical, Civil and Industrial Engineering, Environmental Science, Software Engineering, Accounting, Human Resource Management, Law, and Gender Studies, among others.
Fields of Study Accepted
The multidisciplinary nature of the programme allows graduates from various academic backgrounds to consider careers in renewable energy. Technical fields like engineering and ICT can apply to roles linked to infrastructure and digital systems, while business, finance, and legal graduates may engage in administration, compliance, procurement, and policy-related functions.
Application Details and Deadline
Applications for the WIIP 2027 are accepted online through SAWEA’s official portal. The closing date for application submissions is 30 October 2026.
How to Apply
- Access the official online application form via the SAWEA WIIP 2027 application page.
- Complete your personal details accurately, including contact information and residency.
- Provide educational qualifications with corresponding NQF levels and occupational information aligned to your field.
- Select a preferred placement sector that matches your qualification.
- Prepare a single PDF containing your South African ID document, a one-page CV, proof of qualification, academic records, and an optional letter of reference in the specified order.
- Upload the combined PDF and submit your application before the deadline.
Important Notes for Applicants
The programme has successfully placed previous interns, but acceptance does not guarantee permanent employment. Interns may be required to relocate depending on host organisation locations. Disabled applicants meeting eligibility criteria are welcome to apply. Candidates who do not receive communication by December 2026 should assume their applications were unsuccessful.
Applicants should be careful not to confuse this programme with other EWSETA graduate initiatives, as these have different application processes and deadlines.
For further information about the programme and the renewable energy sector, prospective applicants may also explore official resources provided by SAWEA at their official WIIP webpage.
