South Africa’s water crisis is creating urgent demand for engineers, technicians, and municipal workers – and government is stepping in with funded skills programmes to fill the gap.
Speaking at the 5-year celebration of the Young Engineers Changemakers Programme (YECP), Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, Sello Seitlholo, said the water sector isn’t just about pipes and dams – it’s about creating jobs and training youth for critical careers.
This is your chance to be part of the solution while building a strong career, said Sello Seitlholo
What Is the YECP Programme?
The Young Engineers Changemakers Programme is led by the Water Research Commission (WRC) in partnership with the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology. It’s designed to develop the next generation of water engineers working at municipal level.
- 50 young engineers from 21 municipalities have already been trained
- They work on real infrastructure problems – water loss, broken pipes, and sanitation gaps
Why This Matters
South Africa’s water supply is in crisis:
- 64 out of 144 Water Services Authorities were rated “critical” in recent reports
- Many towns don’t have the skills to fix leaks, plan infrastructure, or manage sanitation
This creates thousands of potential jobs, and not just for engineers.
In-Demand Careers in the Water Sector
If you’re looking to work in public infrastructure, these roles are becoming more available:
- Civil and water engineering
- Infrastructure and urban planning
- Environmental science and monitoring
- Sanitation and water treatment
- Project coordination and municipal services
- Interns, graduates, and field agents (entry-level roles)
Many of these careers are accessible with diplomas, TVET training, or short courses.
How You Can Get Involved
Want to build a career in water and sanitation? Here’s where to start:
1. Study in High-Demand Fields
- Civil Engineering
- Water Engineering
- Environmental Science
- Urban Planning
- Project Management or Public Works
Even engineering learnerships and TVET college diplomas qualify for some roles.
2. Track the Right Opportunities
- Visit SAYouth.mobi
- Check the Water Research Commission site
- Follow municipal job boards
- Watch for Public Works or YES internships
3. Apply for Learnerships and Internships
Many programs don’t require a degree:
- YES Programme
- EPWP (Expanded Public Works Programme)
- National Youth Service (NYS)
These are government-supported, and often include monthly stipends and skills training.
Why It’s Urgent
The Deputy Minister made it clear:
“If we don’t fix the skills crisis in municipalities, we’ll face a crippling water shortage.”
By investing in skills development now, the country is not only solving a service crisis – it’s building a generation of skilled professionals with long-term job prospects.
Experienced career development professional with a background in student administration and guidance across several South African universities. Over the years, I have supported students in shaping their academic and professional journeys, providing career counselling, employability training, and placement support. I now focus on helping young graduates successfully transition from university or college into the workplace, bridging the gap between education and employment through practical guidance and career-readiness initiatives.
