The telecommunications industry continues to grow rapidly in South Africa, creating exciting opportunities for young people who want to build careers in networking, tower operations, fibre installations, and communication technologies. One of the latest opportunities now available is the Ericsson Telecommunication Network Operations Learnership Programme.
This 12-month learnership programme gives unemployed youth and technically-minded students the opportunity to gain practical industry experience while receiving structured training in telecommunications network operations. For many young South Africans, this could become the first major step toward a long-term career in the ICT and telecommunications sector.
If you have been searching for an opportunity that combines technical skills, real workplace exposure, and monthly financial support through a stipend, then this programme may be worth serious consideration.
Quick Overview
Programme: Ericsson Telecommunication Network Operations Learnership Programme 2026
Company: Ericsson
Duration: 12 Months
SAQA ID: 59057
NQF Level: 4
Start Date: 1 June 2026
End Date: 31 May 2027
Primary Location: East London, Eastern Cape
Head Office Location: Woodmead, South Africa
Reference Number: Req ID: 784797
Monthly Stipend: Yes
Travel Required: Yes, within Eastern Cape after 4–6 months
Minimum Qualification: Matric or ICT/Networking-related qualification
Application Documents Required:
- Certified ID copy
- Updated CV
- Certified qualification certificates
Understanding the Telecommunication Network Operations Learnership
Many South African youth are looking for opportunities that provide both qualifications and workplace exposure. This programme addresses both needs.
The Ericsson Telecommunication Network Operations Learnership Programme is a structured learning programme that combines:
- Practical workplace training
- Technical telecommunications exposure
- Industry operations experience
- Network maintenance skills
- Safety training
- Tower climbing and installation exposure
Learners will spend time learning how telecommunication infrastructure is built, maintained, repaired, and upgraded.
This is not just an office-based programme. It involves practical outdoor technical work, including work at heights and travel to telecommunications sites across the Eastern Cape.
For candidates interested in networking, tower operations, telecommunications engineering support, or fibre infrastructure, this programme offers strong foundational exposure.
What Learners Will Be Doing
One of the most important parts of any learnership is understanding the actual duties involved.
Successful candidates will be trained to assist with telecommunication network operations and infrastructure activities under supervision.
Main Duties Include
- Climbing ladders and communication towers safely
- Installing telecommunications equipment
- Assisting with antenna installations
- Working with microwave dishes and communication hardware
- Installing structural steel and tower components
- Supporting fibre optic and cable installations
- Repairing and maintaining telecommunications equipment
- Assisting with network upgrades
- Conducting audits and technical testing
- Responding to emergency repair situations
- Following work instructions and operational plans
- Applying workplace health and safety procedures
- Supporting team leaders with operational duties
- Working with ropes, winches, and pulleys
- Completing Ericsson tower training successfully
This means learners will gain hands-on technical exposure instead of only theoretical knowledge.
Important Reality About This Opportunity
This opportunity is ideal for candidates who:
- Enjoy technical work
- Like working outdoors
- Are physically fit
- Are comfortable with heights
- Want practical field experience
- Are interested in telecommunications infrastructure
It is important to understand that tower climbing and outdoor work form a major part of the programme.
The work environment may include:
- High structures
- Outdoor weather conditions
- Physical activity
- Travel requirements
- Emergency maintenance situations
- Shift work and weekend duties
Candidates who are serious about building technical careers in telecommunications often benefit greatly from this type of exposure.
Minimum Requirements
To apply successfully, applicants should meet the following requirements.
Minimum Academic Requirements
Applicants should have:
- Matric (National Senior Certificate), preferably technical subjects
OR
- TVET qualification in:
- IT
- ICT
- Telecommunications
- Digital Electronics
- Low Voltage Systems
OR
- University of Technology qualification related to:
- ICT
- Networking
- Telecommunications
Additional Skills and Requirements
Applicants should also demonstrate:
- Good English communication skills
- Willingness to learn
- Teamwork abilities
- Good organizational skills
- Ability to work under pressure
- Flexibility in challenging situations
- Basic networking knowledge
- Understanding of Ethernet standards
- Knowledge of power systems
- Cable testing awareness
- Ability to work outdoors
- Strong work ethic
Location Requirements
This learnership is primarily based in East London, Eastern Cape.
Applicants should:
- Reside in East London
- Be willing to travel across the Eastern Cape
- Be prepared for site-based work
- Be available for field operations
After several months of training, learners may be required to travel to telecommunications sites within the province.
Documents Needed for Application
Ericsson specifically requests the following documents:
- Updated CV
- Certified ID copy
- Certified certificates
Ensure all documents are clear, professional, and certified properly before submission.
Benefits of Joining the Programme
Ericsson highlights several benefits associated with the programme.
Learners Will Receive
- Monthly stipend
- Industry exposure
- Technical skills development
- Workplace experience
- Professional mentorship
- Telecommunications operations training
- Health and safety training
- Networking systems exposure
For unemployed youth, this combination of learning and practical experience can significantly improve employability.
Challenges Applicants Should Prepare For
Although this is an excellent opportunity, applicants should prepare themselves mentally and physically.
The Work Can Include
- Tower climbing
- Outdoor weather conditions
- Physical labour
- Working at heights
- Travel requirements
- Technical troubleshooting
- Emergency callouts
- Shift work
Candidates who prefer only office-based work may find this environment challenging.
However, those interested in technical operations often gain valuable career-building experience.
How to Improve Your Chances of Selection
Competition for ICT and telecommunications opportunities can be strong.
Here are practical ways to improve your application.
Build a Professional CV
Your CV should include:
- Educational background
- Technical subjects
- ICT exposure
- Networking knowledge
- Computer skills
- Any practical projects
- Team activities
- Volunteer experience
Highlight Technical Interest
Mention:
- Networking interest
- Telecommunications passion
- ICT studies
- Problem-solving abilities
- Willingness to learn
Prepare for Physical Requirements
Because tower climbing and outdoor work are involved, candidates should be physically prepared.
Demonstrate Reliability
Employers in technical industries value:
- Time management
- Discipline
- Safety awareness
- Responsibility
- Communication skills
How to Apply
APPLY FOR THE ERICSSON TELECOMMUNICATION NETWORK OPERATIONS LEARNERSHIP PROGRAMME 2026 HERE
Edupstairs Advice
At Edupstairs, we strongly encourage young people to apply for opportunities that build both technical experience and workplace discipline.
The telecommunications industry is evolving quickly, and companies increasingly need skilled individuals who understand network infrastructure and field operations.
If you are:
- Interested in technology
- Comfortable with practical work
- Open to learning technical systems
- Willing to work outdoors
- Interested in networking careers
then this learnership could become an important stepping stone.
Do not underestimate the value of practical exposure. Many successful technical professionals began through structured learnership programmes similar to this one.
Apply early, ensure your documents are professional, and prepare seriously for the selection process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Is this learnership paid?
Yes. Ericsson states that learners will receive a monthly stipend.
- How long is the programme?
The learnership runs for 12 months from 1 June 2026 until 31 May 2027.
- Where is the learnership based?
The training location is in East London, Eastern Cape.
- Will travel be required?
Yes. Travel to sites within Eastern Cape may be required after 4–6 months.
- Can TVET students apply?
Yes. TVET students with ICT or telecommunications-related qualifications are encouraged to apply.
- Is tower climbing part of the job?
Yes. Learners may be required to climb communication towers and ladders safely under supervision.
- Is this opportunity suitable for beginners?
Yes. The programme is designed for young people who want practical industry exposure and training.
- What documents are needed?
Applicants must submit:
- CV
- Certified ID copy
- Certified certificates
CLOSING DATE: 31 MAY 2026
You can also:
- View latest Internships
- View latest Learnerships
- View Latest Bursaries
- View latest Government jobs
- View latest Company Vacancies
- View latest Municipality vacancies
- Visit the Edupstairs blog for daily updates
Application Outcome Tracker (anonymous)
No names collected. This helps future applicants understand real-world timelines.
Have you applied for this opportunity?
Disclaimer
This article is for informational and educational purposes only. Edupstairs is not affiliated with Ericsson. Applicants should verify all application details through the official Ericsson careers platform before applying.
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. USE THE EDUPSTAIRS SCAM DETECTOR TOOL TO SPOT A SCAM BEFORE YOU APPLY