Schneider Work Readiness Programme 2026: 3‑Month STEM Internship (Johannesburg)

This is a focused, three‑month work readiness programme for recent STEM graduates living with disabilities. It offers hands‑on exposure to the electricity and energy sector, mentorship from industry professionals and a monthly stipend. The programme is listed by Transcend and runs on‑site in the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality, Gauteng.

Who will benefit

This opportunity is designed for South African STEM graduates or final‑year students living with a disability who have little or no work experience and want a practical bridge into the energy and electricity industry. If you hold a degree, diploma or postgraduate qualification in a relevant STEM field and are committed to a three‑month on‑site programme, this could be a strong next step.

Quick overview

Programme	Schneider Work Readiness Program For People Living With Disabilities
Hiring organisation	Transcend
Location	City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality, Gauteng (On‑site)
Employment type	Intern (Work Readiness Programme)
Duration	3 months
Stipend	R3,800 per month
Who may apply	South African citizens living with a disability; recent graduates or final‑year students in STEM with minimal or no work experience
Qualification level	Postgraduate, Degree or Diploma (NQF Level 8–5) in a STEM‑related field
STEM fields of relevance	Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, Chemical Engineering; Energy Studies; Renewable Energy; Physics; Chemistry; Mathematics; Statistics; Computer Science; Information Technology; Environmental Science or related
Apply via	Transcend application page
Work arrangement	On‑site

About the organisation

This programme is being offered by Transcend. The listing identifies Transcend as the hiring organisation for the Schneider Work Readiness Program For People Living With Disabilities in Johannesburg.

What the role involves

The programme is a structured, hands‑on learning experience meant to bridge academic study and professional work. Over three months you will gain practical exposure to challenges in the energy and electricity sector, receive mentorship from experienced professionals, and develop workplace skills that make you more competitive for future roles. The programme targets candidates with STEM qualifications and minimal workplace experience.

Duties and responsibilities

Although the programme is primarily developmental, participants can expect to:

Participate in practical learning activities related to the electricity and energy sector.
Work on real‑world tasks or short projects that demonstrate sector challenges and workflows.
Attend mentorship sessions and professional development workshops with industry staff.
Collaborate with supervisors and peers on assigned activities, reporting progress as required.
Apply theoretical knowledge from your STEM qualification to practical problems under guidance.
Commit to the full three‑month programme schedule and on‑site attendance.

Requirements explained clearly

To be eligible you must meet the following criteria:

South African citizen living with a disability: The programme is specifically for applicants who identify as living with a disability and are South African citizens.
Qualification level: You must hold a postgraduate qualification, degree or diploma (NQF Level 8–5) in a STEM‑related field such as electrical, mechanical, civil or chemical engineering; energy studies or renewable energy; physics, chemistry, mathematics or statistics; computer science or IT; environmental science; or a closely related discipline.
Experience: Recently graduated or final‑year students with minimal or no formal work experience are the intended candidates. The programme is designed as an entry pathway rather than a role for experienced professionals.
Availability and commitment: You must be available for on‑site participation in Johannesburg for the full three months and able to commit to the programme schedule.

Who should consider applying

Apply if you:

Have a STEM qualification at NQF Level 5–8 and are a recent graduate or final‑year student.
Identify as living with a disability and are a South African citizen.
Are eager to gain practical sector experience, learn from mentors and strengthen your employability in the energy/electricity industry.
Prefer an on‑site, hands‑on development environment and can commit to three months in Johannesburg.

Application checklist

Before you apply, prepare these items based on the stated requirements and standard application practice:

Updated CV that emphasises relevant STEM coursework, projects, research, and any practical labs or technical skills.
Certified or scanned copies of your highest qualification(s) and academic transcript (or a statement of results if you are a final‑year student).
Proof of South African citizenship (ID document/passport).
Documentation or evidence related to living with a disability (where applicable) — prepare in case the employer requests verification.
Short cover letter or motivation statement that explains your interest in the electricity/energy sector, your career goals, and why this programme will help you achieve them.
Contactable references (lecturers, project supervisors or internship facilitators) if available.
Ensure your application materials are in accessible formats if you require any accommodations when applying or during the programme.

How to apply

Submit your application through the Transcend online application page: Apply at Transcend.

Follow the application page instructions to upload your CV, qualifications and supporting documents. Make sure your contact details are clear so the programme team can reach you for any follow‑up or assessment steps.

Create a Job Specific ATS CV and a Cover Letter Here

Edupstairs advice — make your application stand out

Because this is a short, skills‑building programme for early‑career candidates, selection will favour clarity, potential and alignment more than long experience. Use these targeted tips:

Lead with relevant technical projects: Place a short projects section at the top of your CV listing academic projects, final year projects, code repositories, lab work or simulations that relate to energy, power systems, renewables, data analysis or applied engineering. Describe your role, tools used and measurable outcomes.
Show transferable skills: Highlight problem solving, basic data analysis, teamwork, communication and any exposure to industry tools (e.g. MATLAB, CAD, Python, GIS). These matter in the early career stage.
Write a concise motivation letter: In one page explain why energy/electricity interests you, what you want to learn, and how the programme fits your next steps. Be specific about your learning goals (for example, gaining exposure to grid challenges, renewable integration, or site‑based operations).
Prepare accessible documents: If you use assistive technology, ensure your CV and documents are compatible (plain text or accessible PDF) and flag any accommodations you may need during assessment or on‑site activities.
Quantify where possible: Even small metrics help: number of project team members, size of dataset analysed, percentage improvement achieved in simulations, hours devoted to lab work, etc.
References and endorsements: If you lack workplace referees, include academic supervisors or project leads who can speak to your technical aptitude and reliability.
Be honest about experience: The programme is for people with minimal or no work experience — present your learning trajectory and eagerness to be mentored rather than overstating seniority.

Tools you may find useful:

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Need Help?

Frequently asked questions

Who can apply?South African citizens living with a disability who have a post‑school STEM qualification (NQF Level 5–8) or who are final‑year STEM students with minimal or no work experience.
How long is the programme and is it on‑site?The programme runs for three months and is on‑site in the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality, Gauteng.
Is there any payment?Participants receive a monthly stipend of R3,800 for the three‑month duration.
What fields of study are relevant?Relevant fields include electrical, mechanical, civil, chemical engineering; energy studies and renewable energy; physics, chemistry, mathematics, statistics; computer science and IT; environmental science and related STEM fields.
Will top performers be offered further opportunities?Top performers may be considered for internship placement after completing the programme.
Do I need prior work experience?No. The programme is aimed at recent graduates or final‑year students with minimal or no work experience.

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Disclaimer

Please confirm final programme details, eligibility criteria, application requirements and deadlines on the official Transcend application page before applying.

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