For many South African matriculants, life after school can feel uncertain. University may be unaffordable, employment opportunities are scarce, and the competitive job market requires more than just a school-leaving certificate. Enter the Martin & East Matric Gap Year Programme for 2026 — a transformative initiative designed to bridge this gap and provide young people with a structured, empowering transition from school to the world of work.
What is the Martin & East Matric Gap Year Programme?
Martin & East, a respected construction and civil engineering company in South Africa, has earned a reputation for investing in youth development and skills empowerment. Their Matric Gap Year Programme is a full-year opportunity that equips recent matriculants with practical work experience, professional skills, and mentorship in a corporate setting.
Rather than leaving school leavers to navigate the post-matric wilderness alone, Martin & East steps in to provide real-world exposure that builds confidence, grows employability, and opens pathways into future studies or permanent employment.
The successful candidates will have the opportunity to participate in various disciplines such as:
- Road Construction and Rehab
- Trenchless Solutions
- Bulk Earthworks and Landfills
- Low Cost Housing and Services
- Pipelines and Underground Services
- Synthetic Playing Fields
- Bridges and Concrete Structures
- Erosion Protection and Gabions
- Road Surfacing and Maintenance
- Crushing and Screening
Successful candidates will earn a salary during the Gap Year and will be placed on a Construction Roadworks and Supervision Learnership during the year.
WHO SHOULD APPLY?
The programme is aimed at South African matriculants who:
- MUST be in GRADE 12 in 2025
- MUST be a South African Citizen.
- MUST intend to study Civil Engineering in 2027
- MUST have a minimum of 60% for Pure Mathematics /Mathematics Literacy / Technical Mathematics & Physical Science
Preference is often given to candidates from historically disadvantaged communities and those showing strong motivation and potential.
WHAT THE PROGRAMME OFFERS:
Participants in the Gap Year Programme receive:
- On-the-job Training: Exposure to various departments such as construction sites, office administration, procurement, and project coordination.
- Mentorship: Regular guidance from experienced professionals who help guide personal and career development.
- Stipend Support: A monthly allowance to help cover basic transport and living expenses during the programme.
- Soft Skills Development: Communication, teamwork, punctuality, and workplace etiquette are integral parts of the experience.
This hands-on approach prepares young people not just for potential careers in construction, but for the professional world at large.
WHY THIS PROGRAMME STANDS OUT:
In a country where youth unemployment is alarmingly high, Martin & East is taking active steps to empower the next generation. Unlike many “volunteer” gap year initiatives that cost money, this programme is free to the participant and offers tangible support and experience in return.
It’s more than just work experience — it’s a career springboard.
BURSARY OPPORTUNITIES:
Bursaries are awarded at the completion of the Gap Year Programme based on:
- Overall site performance during the Gap Year;
- Acceptance to one of the below tertiary institutions to study towards a Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) / Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Civil) / Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Civil) / Diploma in Civil Engineering.
- Final selections are made by an internal committee.
SPONSORED INSTITUTIONS:
- University of Cape Town
- Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- University of Stellenbosch
- University of Pretoria
- Nelson Mandela University
HOW TO APPLY:
Interested candidates should prepare the following:
- A certified copy of your June 2025 Grade 12 results
- A comprehensive CV with contact details
- A motivational letter explaining your career goals and why you wish to join the programme
- Certified copy of your ID
Forward your CV & your June 2025 Grade 12 results to the below email address;
Email subject: Scholar Recruitment 2026 Email Address: careers@megroup.co.za
DOWNLOAD THE MARTIN & EAST MATRIC GAP YEAR PROGRAMME FOR 2026 ADVERT HERE
The Martin & East Matric Gap Year Programme is a golden opportunity for school leavers to gain relevant skills and take a confident step forward in life. Whether you’re dreaming of a career in construction, business administration, or simply want to grow before further studies, this programme offers the structure, support, and experience to help you succeed.
CLOSING DATE: 31 OCTOBER 2025
EDUPSTAIRS IS A REGISTERED NON-PROFIT ORGANISATION NPO No: 232 – 182, PUBLIC BENEFIT ORGANISATION (PBO): 930066984. EDUPSTAIRS DOES NOT, IN ANY WAY OR FORM, SOLICIT MONEY OR CV’S FROM PEOPLE FOR JOBS. PLEASE BE AWARE OF PHONY JOB POSTINGS AND RECRUITMENT FRAUD. FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT OUR SCAM/FRAUD ALERT PAGE HERE
This program it’s interesting because am like the ICT