Eskom Learnerships 2026 Online Application: Artisan, Technician & YES Programme

Key Takeaways: Power Your Future

• The Current Status: Applications for the massive NTCSA (National Transmission Company) intake for 2026 are active/just closed (depending on the specific post). However, individual power stations recruit throughout the year.
• The “Big 3” Programs:
  • Artisan Learnership: For Electricians, Fitters, and Welders (Requires N3 or Matric Maths/Science).
  • Plant Operator: For those running the power station systems.
  • YES Programme: For general youth (Admin, HR, Cleaner) – requires no experience.
• The Golden Rule: Eskom NEVER advertises on Gmail or charges a fee. If the email is eskom.jobs@gmail.com, it is a scam.
• The Portal: You must apply via eskom.secure.force.com or the official recruitment site.
• Stipend: Market-related (Approx. R5,000 – R8,000 depending on qualification).

Getting an Eskom learnership is like winning the lottery. It is widely considered the best technical training ground in South Africa. You get paid to learn, you get world-class mentorship, and you leave with a Red Seal trade certificate that guarantees you work anywhere in the world.

However, because Eskom is so big, the application process is confusing. In 2026, it is even more complex because Eskom has split into three companies (Generation, Transmission, and Distribution).

This guide breaks down exactly how to find the legitimate 2026 links, what marks you need, and how to avoid the “fax your CV” scams that steal your money.

1. The Three Types of Learnerships

Eskom does not just hire “Learners.” They hire for specific streams. You must apply for the one that matches your school results.

1. Artisan Learnerships (The “Red Seal” Route)

• Focus: Becoming a qualified tradesman.
• Trades: Electrician, Mechanical Fitter, Welder, Boilermaker, Control & Instrumentation.
• Duration: 3 Years.
• Outcome: You take a Trade Test at the end to become a qualified Artisan.

2. Plant Operator Learnerships

• Focus: Monitoring the turbines and boilers inside the power station.
• Duration: 12 – 18 Months.
• Outcome: NQF qualification in Power Plant Operations.

3. The YES Programme (Youth Employment Service)

• Focus: General work experience for youth with no technical skills.
• Roles: Admin, HR Assistant, Safety Assistant, General Worker.
• Duration: 12 Months.
• Requirement: Must be unemployed and have never had a permanent job before.

2. Admission Requirements 2026

Eskom is strict. If you do not meet the “50% Rule,” the computer system auto-rejects you.

For Artisan & Plant Operator:

You need ONE of the following:

1. Grade 12 (Matric):
   • Mathematics: 50% (Level 4). NOT Math Literacy.
   • Physical Science: 50% (Level 4).
   • English: 40% (Level 3).
2. N3 Certificate:
   • With Maths (50%) and Engineering Science (50%).
3. NCV Level 4:
   • With Maths (50%) and Science (50%).

Note: If you have Math Literacy, you generally cannot apply for the technical streams. You must wait for the YES Programme (Admin roles).

For Technician / Graduate Trainees:

• Requirement: You must have completed your S4 (for Technicians) or your BEng/BSc Degree (for Engineers).

3. How to Apply Online (The Official Way)

Eskom has moved most of its recruitment to a cloud-based portal.

Step 1: Go to the Official Site

• URL: https://secapps.eskom.co.za/sites/Recruitment OR http://www.eskom.co.za/careers.
• Tip: If you see a job ad on Facebook, do not click the link. Go to the Eskom site manually to verify if the job exists.

Step 2: Register a Profile

• You need a valid email address.
• Create a password.
• Upload your CV (PDF format) and Certified ID/Qualifications.

Step 3: Search for the Job

• In the search bar, type “Learner” or “Artisan”.
• Look for the Reference Number (e.g., Gx-2026-Learner).
• Location Matters: Eskom usually prioritizes locals. If you live in Mpumalanga (near the power stations), apply for the jobs in Mpumalanga. Do not apply for a job in Cape Town (Koeberg) if you live in Witbank; they will likely reject you due to relocation costs.

Step 4: Submit

• You will get an automated email confirming receipt.

4. The “NTCSA” Split (Important for 2026)

You might see job ads for “NTCSA”.

• What is it? The National Transmission Company South Africa. This is the new, separate company formed out of Eskom.
• Is it legit? YES.
• The Jobs: They are currently recruiting aggressively for Grid Technicians and Line Workers to build new power lines.
• Application: They often use specific email addresses for applications (e.g., recruitment@ntcsa.co.za) unlike the main Eskom portal. Always verify these addresses on the official Eskom website.

5. Scam Alert: How to Spot a Fake Eskom Ad

Eskom is the most scammed brand in SA recruitment. Here is how to stay safe.

The “Fax Number” Scam

• The Ad: “Eskom Learnership 2026. Fax your CV to 086…”
• The Truth: Eskom NEVER uses fax numbers. They use online portals.

The “Money Market” Scam

• The Ad: “Pay R250 for a uniform/medical checkup to secure your spot.”
• The Truth: Eskom applications are 100% FREE. You never pay for uniforms or medicals.

The “Gmail” Scam

• The Ad: “Email applications to eskom.hr.department@gmail.com.”
• The Truth: Official emails end in @eskom.co.za.

6. The Stipend & Benefits

While Eskom does not publish exact figures (as they change with union bargaining), here are the estimated 2026 ranges:

• YES Learner: ~R4,500 per month.
• Artisan Learner: ~R6,000 – R8,000 per month.
• Graduate in Training: ~R12,000+ per month.

Other Benefits:

• Accommodation: If you are placed at a remote power station (like Medupi or Kusile), Eskom sometimes provides subsidized accommodation in the “Eskom Village.”
• Transport: Daily transport to the site is often provided.

Summary: Check Your Maths

Before you apply, look at your Matric certificate.

• Maths > 50% + Physics > 50%? – Apply for Artisan / Plant Operator.
• Math Lit? – Apply for YES Programme (Admin/Cleaner) or look at Municipal Learnerships instead.

Action: Go to the Eskom Careers Portal today. Even if you don’t see a “Learnership” title, look for “Youth Employment Service” vacancies, which often open in January/February.

Disclaimer: Eskom recruitment is highly cyclical. Vacancies open and close within 14 days. This guide provides the strategy, but you must monitor the portal weekly.