The uMngeni-uThukela Water Learnership 2025-2026
DEADLINE: 25 July 2025
A Gateway to a Brighter Future
For unemployed youth in specific rural areas of KwaZulu-Natal, a significant opportunity has opened up—one that offers not just a qualification, but a direct path to a stable and meaningful career. uMngeni-uThukela Water (UUW), the largest provider of bulk water in the province, has launched its Water & Waste Water Treatment Learnership Programme for 2025-2026, a vital initiative designed to build skills, create employment, and help solve South Africa’s critical water challenges.
This one-year programme is a gateway for 20 ambitious matriculants to enter the essential water sector. It provides a unique “earn while you learn” experience, combining classroom-based theory with hands-on practical training at operational water treatment plants. Successful candidates will receive a monthly stipend while working towards a nationally recognised National Certificate in Water and Waste Water Treatment (NQF Level 2). This learnership is perfectly suited for young people who have an interest in the technical and scientific aspects of water management but may not have the matriculation points for direct university entry.
Who is Eligible to Apply?
This opportunity is highly targeted to make the biggest impact where it’s needed most. To be considered, you must meet all the following requirements :
- You must be a South African citizen.
- You must be currently unemployed.
- You must be a youth, aged up to 35 years.
- You must have a National Senior Certificate (Matric/Grade 12) with passes in both Mathematics and Science.
- Crucially, you must live in the deep rural areas of either the uMkhanyakude District Municipality or the Ugu District Municipality (specifically the uMzinto area).
- You must not have already completed a qualification at NQF Level 5 or higher.
uMngeni-uThukela Water is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from individuals with disabilities.
How to Secure Your Spot
Applying is a straightforward process, but attention to detail is key. Your application must be submitted via email by the closing date of Friday, 25 July 2025.
Step 1: Gather Your Documents You will need to prepare certified copies of the following :
- A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Your Grade 12 (Matric) certificate.
- Your valid South African ID document.
- Proof of your physical residence. If you live in a village, this must be a letter from your Traditional Authority Office.
- A short motivation letter explaining why you are a good candidate for this learnership.
- An affidavit confirming that you are unemployed.
Download the uMngeni-uThukela Water Learnership PDF (VACANCY DETAILS)
Step 2: Submit Your Application Email your complete application pack to: graduaterecruitment@uuw.co.za. Use a clear subject line, such as “Application: UUW Learnership Programme 2025-2026”.
Why This Learnership is More Than Just a Qualification
This programme is a strategic response to some of South Africa’s most pressing issues. The country faces a severe shortage of skilled professionals in the water sector, which contributes to challenges like water loss and failing infrastructure. This learnership directly addresses this gap by training Process Controllers—the essential frontline workers who operate and maintain the water and wastewater treatment plants that protect public health and the environment.
Furthermore, the programme is a powerful tool for local economic development. Youth unemployment in the targeted districts of uMkhanyakude and Ugu is exceptionally high, reaching over 74% in the Ugu district for those aged 15-34. By recruiting directly from these communities, UUW provides a rare opportunity for a skilled career path, injecting income and hope into areas where it is desperately needed.
Completing this learnership is the first step on a long and rewarding career ladder. The NQF Level 2 certificate is a formal qualification that makes you immediately employable. From there, a dedicated individual can advance to roles like Senior Operator, Plant Supervisor, or even Plant Manager through further experience and training. uMngeni-uThukela Water has a strong culture of developing its employees, offering pathways for further education and leadership training.
For eligible youth, this is a call to action. It is a chance to build a personal future while contributing to the health and prosperity of your community and nation. Do not miss the 25 July 2025 deadline.
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