Rand Water is a South African state-owned water utility that provides bulk potable water to more than 16 million people in Gauteng and surrounding areas. It is the largest water utility in Africa and one of the largest in the world. Its customers include municipalities, mines, and industries. Rand Water draws its water from various sources, with the primary source being the Vaal Dam, which is partly fed by the Lesotho Highlands Water Project.

This Experiential Training Programme offers a valuable opportunity for students to gain the practical workplace experience required to complete their National Diploma qualification.

The programme runs for 15 months and provides exposure to laboratory operations in Chemistry (x3), Microbiology (x3), Hydrobiology (x1), and Quality (x1) — all within Rand Water’s Scientific Services Department in Vereeniging.

Participants will be trained under the guidance of experienced professionals in a world-class water utility committed to maintaining South Africa’s water quality standards.

Fields of Opportunity

Interns will be placed in the following disciplines:

• Chemistry (3 positions)
• Microbiology (3 positions)
• Hydrobiology (1 position)
• Quality (1 position)

Minimum Requirements

To qualify for this programme, applicants must meet the following:

• Completed Matric (Grade 12).
• Successfully completed two years of theoretical training toward a National Diploma in one of the following:
  • Biotechnology
  • Microbiology
  • Environmental Sciences
  • Analytical Chemistry
• Be a South African citizen with a valid SA ID document.
• Be under the age of 35 (in line with the National Skills Development Strategy – NSDS).
• Must not have participated in any previous experiential training programme.
• Must require practical training to fulfill National Diploma requirements.

Required Application Documents

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Ensure your submission includes:

• Application letter and comprehensive CV.
• Recommendation letter from your tertiary institution confirming that only workplace experience is outstanding.
• Certified copy of ID document.
• Certified copies of your training record and academic transcript.

Primary Duties

Successful candidates will gain experience in:

• Applying ISO 17025 principles in laboratory operations.
• Collecting and preparing samples for water quality monitoring.
• Preparing media, chemicals, reagents, and test samples.
• Performing analytical testing and documenting results in databases.
• Conducting quality control checks on analytical tests.
• Maintaining equipment, instrumentation, and biological cultures.
• Adhering to SHE (Safety, Health, and Environmental) standards and maintaining good housekeeping.

Knowledge, Skills & Attributes

Knowledge

• Strong theoretical background in Biotechnology, Microbiology, Environmental Science, or Analytical Chemistry.

Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Computer literacy (MS Word & Excel).
• Strong organisational and planning ability.

Attitude

• Self-motivated, quality-driven, and attentive to detail.
• Able to handle pressure and repetitive tasks.
• Willingness to work after hours, weekends, and public holidays.
• A collaborative team player who can also work independently.