Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) Built Environment Apprenticeships, Internships and WIL Programmes 2026: X38 Opportunities
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) is inviting suitably qualified young unemployed South Africans to apply for 38 apprenticeship, internship and Work Integrated Learning (WIL) opportunities through the DHET-SMU Apprenticeship Recruitment Programme in the university’s Built Environment Department. The programme covers construction, architecture, engineering, artisan trades, occupational health and safety, horticulture and environmental fields.
Successful applicants will be appointed on 24-month contracts and gain experiential workplace exposure. The programme is based at SMU in Ga-Rankuwa, Gauteng, and applications for these Built Environment opportunities close on 18 September 2026 at 16:00.
Opportunity Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) |
| Department | Built Environment Department |
| Programme | DHET-SMU Apprenticeship Recruitment Programme |
| Opportunity type | Apprenticeships, internships and Work Integrated Learning |
| Number of opportunities | 38 posts |
| Location | Ga-Rankuwa, Gauteng |
| Qualification level | Varies by position; N6, National Diploma, Diploma, BEng and other relevant qualifications apply |
| Duration | 24 months |
| Citizenship | South African citizens |
| Closing date | 18 September 2026 |
| Closing time | 16:00 |
| Application method | |
| Official application destination | hr.recruitment1@smu.ac.za |
SMU’s official website identifies its student, academic and institutional services and provides its main university information online.
About the Opportunity
The DHET-SMU Apprenticeship Recruitment Programme is intended to provide unemployed South Africans with practical workplace experience that can improve their employability.
Successful candidates will gain experiential learning within the Built Environment environment while supporting projects and activities at SMU. The official recruitment information describes the positions as 24-month contracts.
Although the recruitment initiative carries an apprenticeship programme title, the actual intake includes apprenticeship, internship and Work Integrated Learning positions.
The 38 posts are distributed across the following 14 occupational areas:
| Opportunity | Posts | Reference Number |
|---|---|---|
| Construction Management | 3 | 60/2026/KM/Intern |
| Architect | 3 | 61/2026/KM/Intern |
| Quantity Surveyor | 2 | 62/2026/KM/Intern |
| Civil Engineer | 3 | 63/2026/KM/Intern |
| Electrical Engineer | 5 | 64/2026/KM/Intern |
| Mechanical Engineer/HVAC | 4 | 65/2026/KM/Intern |
| Plumbing | 4 | 66/2026/KM/Intern |
| Welding/Boilermaking | 3 | 67/2026/KM/Intern |
| Carpentry | 3 | 68/2026/KM/Intern |
| HVAC Artisan/Refrigeration Tradesperson | 3 | 69/2026/KM/Intern |
| Health and Safety | 2 | 70/2026/KM/Intern |
| Horticulturist | 2 | 71/2026/KM/Intern |
| Environmental Officer | 2 | 72/2026/KM/Intern |
| Irrigation Specialist/Agricultural Engineer | 1 | 73/2026/KM/Intern |
These positions total 38 opportunities.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must be South African citizens and must meet the qualification requirements attached to the particular position for which they apply.
The official recruitment information further specifies that candidates must:
- Be new entrants into the workplace programme.
- Not previously have worked or held an internship position.
- Be able to work independently.
- Be capable of working as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Hold the relevant qualification required for the selected field.
Qualification requirements differ substantially between positions.
Construction Management applicants may have qualifications in Construction Science, Construction Management or Building Sciences at Diploma, BEng or higher level.
Architect applicants require Architectural Studies qualifications, while Quantity Surveyor applicants may qualify through Construction Economics, Quantity Surveying or Building Sciences.
Engineering opportunities cover Civil, Electrical and Mechanical Engineering. Artisan-related opportunities include Plumbing, Welding/Boilermaking, Carpentry and HVAC/Refrigeration.
The intake also includes Health and Safety, Horticulture, Environmental Management and Agricultural Engineering-related opportunities.
Applicants should use the qualification requirements for their chosen position rather than assuming one qualification standard applies to the entire programme.
Training and Workplace Experience
Successful applicants will receive practical Built Environment exposure over the 24-month programme.
According to the recruitment information, responsibilities include:
- Providing support for Built Environment projects.
- Participating in departmental meetings.
- Attending workshops and training activities.
- Assisting with project coordination.
- Supporting administrative activities.
- Supporting the implementation of Built Environment initiatives.
- Contributing to SMU’s overall development.
- Contributing towards improving institutional culture.
- Performing additional duties assigned by the Supervisor or Line Manager.
SMU also identifies competencies including time management, client focus, results focus, stress tolerance, report-writing ability, attention to detail, communication and interpersonal skills, and a willingness to learn and adapt.
The precise technical experience will depend on the discipline in which the successful applicant is placed.
Stipend and Benefits
A stipend or salary amount is not specified in the official recruitment information verified for this article.
Applicants should therefore not rely on unofficial estimates of what SMU may pay successful candidates.
The verified benefit of the programme is 24 months of experiential workplace learning in the Built Environment field.
Any remuneration, allowance or additional employment conditions communicated during the recruitment process should be confirmed directly with SMU.
Documents Required
Applicants are required to submit typed application documents quoting the appropriate reference number.
The application must contain:
- A comprehensive curriculum vitae.
- Certified copies of all qualifications.
- Contact details for three referees.
- The correct reference number for the position being applied for.
Applicants with foreign qualifications are responsible for having those qualifications evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
SMU warns that failure to provide the requested documents or information may result in an application not being considered.
How to Apply
- Identify the SMU Built Environment position matching your qualification.
- Confirm the exact reference number from the list above.
- Prepare a comprehensive CV.
- Attach certified copies of all qualifications.
- Provide contact details for three referees.
- Clearly quote the reference number of your chosen position in your application.
- Address the application for the attention of Mr K Mothabela.
- Email the completed application to the official SMU recruitment email address.
- Submit it before 16:00 on 18 September 2026.
Official application email:
Official SMU website:
Apply on the Official Website:
SMU Official Website
Applications from employment agencies will not be considered. Candidates should apply directly according to SMU’s instructions.
Closing Date
Applications for the SMU Built Environment Apprenticeships, Internships and WIL Programmes close on:
18 September 2026 at 16:00.
Applicants should submit well before the deadline to reduce the risk of last-minute email or document problems.
SMU states that correspondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates. Applicants who have not been contacted within 30 days after the closing date should consider their applications unsuccessful. The university also reserves the right not to make an appointment.
Application Tips
First, quote the correct reference number. There are 14 different occupational areas with separate reference numbers. An Electrical Engineering applicant, for example, should use 64/2026/KM/Intern, while a Construction Management applicant should use 60/2026/KM/Intern.
Second, check your qualification against the exact field before applying. A Diploma or degree in one Built Environment discipline does not automatically meet the requirements of another position.
Third, prepare certified qualification copies early. These are explicitly required as part of the application.
Finally, applicants with foreign qualifications should deal with the SAQA evaluation requirement before submission. This is particularly important because SMU states that failure to provide required documentation or information can result in an application not being considered.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many SMU Built Environment opportunities are available?
There are 38 positions distributed across 14 occupational areas, including engineering, construction, architecture, artisan trades, health and safety, horticulture and environmental fields.
How long does the programme last?
The advertised appointments are 24-month contracts.
Can N6 applicants apply?
Yes, relevant N6 qualifications are accepted for certain trade-related opportunities. Applicants must check the qualification requirement for the specific position they want to pursue.
Is a stipend amount stated?
No verified stipend amount was specified in the recruitment information reviewed for this article.
How do applicants submit their applications?
Applications must be emailed to hr.recruitment1@smu.ac.za for the attention of Mr K Mothabela, with the relevant reference number quoted and the required supporting documents attached.
When do applications close?
Applications close on 18 September 2026 at 16:00.
Official Source
Official advert title: Various Apprenticeship, Internship, and Work Integrated Learning Program Positions – Built Environment Department, DHET-SMU Apprenticeship Recruitment Programme
Official SMU website:
The SMU website confirms the university’s official web presence and provides its institutional, student and academic resources.
The specific recruitment information was cross-checked against published copies of the SMU Built Environment advert, including the stated 24-month contract, 38 opportunities, qualification requirements, references, application procedure and 18 September 2026 closing date.
Source checked: 13 September 2026
Conclusion
Young unemployed South Africans with relevant qualifications in construction, architecture, engineering, artisan trades, occupational health and safety, horticulture, environmental management or agricultural engineering should consider the SMU Built Environment Apprenticeships, Internships and WIL Programmes 2026. Applicants should identify the correct opportunity and reference number, prepare all required documents and email their application to SMU before 16:00 on 18 September 2026.
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