Rand Water, one of South Africa’s leading water utilities, is offering an incredible opportunity for young, motivated individuals to kickstart their careers through the Procurement Officer NQF Level 5 Learnership Programme. This programme invites ten candidates, including five positions specifically reserved for people with disabilities, to participate in an 18-month learnership aimed at developing skilled procurement officers ready to contribute meaningfully to the water sector.
What Is the Learnership About?
The Procurement Officer Learnership is designed to equip learners with the knowledge, practical skills, and workplace experience necessary to operate effectively as a procurement officer. The role of a procurement officer is critical in ensuring that goods and services are acquired efficiently and responsibly, supporting the smooth running of an organisation’s operations.
Participants will be trained to coordinate procurement and supply processes, manage contracts and negotiations with suppliers, and monitor procurement schedules to ensure timely delivery and quality compliance. This hands-on learnership balances classroom learning with real-world experience, preparing learners for future employment in procurement and supply chain management.
Who Should Apply?
This learnership is ideal for young South African citizens who meet the following requirements:
- Unemployed individuals: Applicants must not currently be employed.
- No current studies: Applicants should not be enrolled in any formal qualification or learnership programme.
- No post-matric qualifications: Those who already have a post-matric qualification are not eligible.
- Education: A minimum of a Grade 12 (Matric) certificate with Mathematics Literacy and English, each at level 4 or higher.
- Verification: Applicants must submit a verification report from SAQA (South African Qualifications Authority) or NLRD (National Learners’ Records Database).
- Age limit: Between 18 and 35 years old, aligning with the National Skills Development Strategy III.
- Citizenship: Must be a South African citizen with a valid ID document.
For people with disabilities, Rand Water encourages applications but notes that those who are deaf or hard of hearing must provide their own interpreters, as the learnership requires the ability to hear and communicate. Proof of disability in the form of a doctor’s certificate or a signed ITRDD13 form is mandatory.
What Documents Are Required?
To apply for the learnership, candidates must submit the following certified documents:
- A certified copy of their South African ID
- Proof of residence
- Certified Matric certificate
- SAQA/NLRD verification report
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Applications missing any of these documents will not be considered.
What Will Learners Do During the Programme?
Throughout the 18-month learnership, participants will engage in both theoretical and practical activities. Key responsibilities during the programme include:
- Attending classes to gain foundational knowledge about procurement practices and Rand Water’s role in the water sector.
- Participating actively in discussions and group activities to deepen understanding.
- Completing assignments and projects that simulate real-world procurement challenges.
- Writing assessments to test knowledge acquisition.
- Completing a practical logbook to document workplace-based learning and experiences.
Skills and Knowledge Gained
By the end of the programme, learners will have gained vital skills that are highly valued in the workplace:
- Operational procurement skills: Understanding how to develop and maintain procurement schedules, manage supplier contracts, and measure performance.
- Communication skills: Both verbal and written communication are emphasised to ensure learners can engage effectively with suppliers and internal teams.
- Workplace readiness: The learnership develops a strong work ethic, self-motivation, and results-driven attitudes crucial for career success.
Participants will also be introduced to Rand Water’s mandate and its critical role in South Africa’s water sector, providing context and purpose to their learnings.
Why Choose Rand Water’s Learnership?
Rand Water is known for its commitment to transformation, skills development, and empowering previously disadvantaged individuals. This learnership aligns with the organisation’s strategy to build a skilled and diverse workforce while contributing to national development goals.
For young South Africans looking for a structured pathway into the procurement field, this programme offers invaluable experience and the chance to learn from industry professionals in a supportive environment.
Important Dates and Application Details
The closing date for applications is 9 June 2025. Interested candidates are urged to prepare their applications carefully and ensure all required documents are attached. Rand Water values transparency and fairness in its selection process, with a clear focus on offering equal opportunities, especially to people with disabilities.
Apply Now!
The Procurement Officer NQF Level 5 Learnership at Rand Water is a unique opportunity for unemployed South African youth between 18 and 35 years old to gain critical skills in procurement and supply chain management over 18 months. With a strong focus on practical experience combined with formal training, successful learners will be well-positioned to enter the job market with confidence.
If you meet the criteria, this could be the stepping stone to a rewarding career in one of the country’s most important sectors.