Civil Engineering graduates can apply for the GIBB YES Programme 2026 in Johannesburg, with placement inside the company’s Dams and Hydro delivery unit.
The 9 to 12-month opportunity is aimed at unemployed South African youth who want practical workplace experience in a professional engineering environment.
Applicants need a BTech or BSc in Civil Engineering, and applications close on 30 September 2026.
Where will you gain experience?
You will be placed within GIBB’s Dams and Hydro delivery unit in Johannesburg.
This gives the programme a strong infrastructure and water-engineering context.
The placement is connected to a professional engineering environment that works around civil infrastructure, dams and hydro-related projects, although the specific day-to-day duties for the YES participant have not been detailed.
What can you gain from the programme?
The YES placement is designed to help you build practical workplace experience after completing your studies.
You can expect the programme to help you develop:
- Professional workplace skills
- Civil Engineering exposure
- Technical confidence
- Communication skills
- Computer-based working skills
- Understanding of engineering consulting environments
The main value is the chance to move from academic training into a real professional setting.
Who can apply?
You need to be:
- A South African citizen
- Born in South Africa
- Between 18 and 35 years old
- Unemployed
- Available for a fixed-term contract
- A first-time YES Programme participant
You must also be willing to learn new skills related to Civil Engineering.
What qualifications do you need?
You need:
- Grade 12 or equivalent with Mathematics, Science and English
- BTech in Civil Engineering, or
- BSc in Civil Engineering
The programme is therefore aimed specifically at graduates with a formal Civil Engineering qualification.
Why is the Dams and Hydro placement significant?
Dams and hydro projects sit at the intersection of civil engineering, water infrastructure and large-scale technical design.
Working in this type of environment can help you understand how engineering teams contribute to major infrastructure projects and how different technical disciplines work together.
For a young Civil Engineering graduate, that can provide useful exposure to a specialised part of the industry.
Do you need previous work experience?
The opportunity is aimed at unemployed youth looking for meaningful workplace exposure.
Previous professional experience is not listed as a requirement.
The focus is on your qualification, eligibility for YES and willingness to learn.
What personal qualities will help you?
GIBB is looking for applicants who are:
- Responsible
- Honest
- Computer literate
- Willing to learn
You should also be comfortable working in a professional environment and learning from experienced engineering teams.
What is the YES Programme?
The Youth Employment Service Programme gives young South Africans practical workplace experience.
For graduates, that can help bridge the gap between completing a qualification and building a professional work record.
The placement can also help you develop workplace habits, confidence and practical skills that are difficult to gain through academic study alone.
How long does the programme run?
The programme runs for approximately 9 to 12 months.
Applicants should be available for a 12-month fixed-term contract.
The remuneration is listed as market related.
What documents do you need?
You must submit:
- Updated CV
- Copies of your qualifications
- Academic record
- South African ID
Make sure all supporting documents are included, because incomplete applications may not be considered.
What can this experience lead to?
Experience inside a civil engineering consultancy can support future applications in areas such as:
- Civil Engineering
- Water Engineering
- Dam Engineering
- Infrastructure Consulting
- Project Engineering
- Infrastructure Design
- Technical Project Support
The programme does not guarantee permanent employment, but it can give you practical experience to strengthen future applications.
Where is the programme based?
The position is based at GIBB’s Johannesburg offices in Gauteng.
The work level is listed as Student / Graduate and the appointment is on a contract basis.
How do you apply?
Applications must be submitted online through GIBB’s recruitment portal.
Apply for the GIBB Civil Engineering YES Programme 2026
Reference: GIB-468
Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng
Duration: 9 to 12 months
Work level: Student / Graduate
Closing date: 30 September 2026
