Eskom is inviting applications for its Learner Plant Operator Programme 2026 at Kendal Power Station in Mpumalanga. A total of 7 Learner Plant Operator positions are available for eligible South African citizens interested in gaining practical training and workplace experience in the electricity and energy sector.
Successful applicants will receive institutionalised and on-the-job training and may be placed within Eskom Operations across its divisions following the recruitment process.
If you are looking for Eskom learnerships 2026, plant operator learnerships or opportunities in the energy and electricity sector, here is everything you need to know about the programme, including the requirements, location, remuneration and application deadline.
Quick Overview
| Opportunity | Details |
| Programme | Learner Plant Operator |
| Company | Eskom |
| Opportunity Type | Learning Programme |
| Positions Available | 7 |
| Location | Kendal Power Station, Mpumalanga |
| Industry | Electricity, Energy & Water Supply |
| Job Category | Engineering, Technical, Production and Manufacturing |
| Contract | Apprenticeship |
| Position Grade | L5 |
| Department | Operating |
| Business Unit | Kendal Power Station |
| Remuneration | Market Related |
| Citizenship | South African citizens |
| Reference | eskom_006432 |
| Closing Date | 1 September 2026 |
| Application Method | Online |
About the Eskom Plant Operator Learnership Programme 2026
The Eskom Learner Plant Operator Programme 2026 is designed to provide successful candidates with structured institutionalised training and on-the-job exposure.
The programme is based at Kendal Power Station in Mpumalanga and falls within Eskom’s Operations environment.
Learners will have the opportunity to develop workplace knowledge, technical understanding and professional skills while receiving training relevant to their role as Plant Operators.
Applicants should understand that the programme involves a formal recruitment process. Candidates who are successful in the recruitment process may be placed in Eskom Operations across the divisions.
What Will Learners Do?
The key responsibility stated for the position is that the successful incumbent will be afforded:
- Institutionalised training.
- On-the-job training.
- Practical exposure within Eskom Operations.
The programme is therefore intended to combine formal learning with workplace experience.
Eskom Plant Operator Learnership Requirements
Applicants must meet the minimum qualification requirements specified by Eskom.
One of the following educational pathways is required:
- Grade 12 with Mathematics at 50%, Physical Science at 50% and English at 40%; or
- N3 with Mathematics at 50%, Science at 50% and English at 40%; or
- NCV Level 4 with Mathematics at 50%, Science at 50% and English at 40%; or
- National N4/N5 Certificate with Trade Subjects; or
- National N6 Certificate with Trade Subjects.
Applicants must also:
- Be South African citizens.
- Successfully complete Eskom’s recruitment process.
- Meet any additional requirements or assessments applicable during the recruitment process.
Important Qualification Note
The official vacancy information lists several qualification pathways. Applicants should carefully review the Eskom vacancy before applying to determine which qualification category applies to them.
Skills and Competencies
Eskom lists a range of skills, behaviours and attributes for the Learner Plant Operator position.
These include:
- Leadership.
- Teamwork.
- Integrity.
- Professionalism.
- Customer focus.
- Knowledge of Eskom policies and procedures.
- Communication skills.
- Sound interpersonal skills.
- Negotiation skills.
- Liaising skills.
- Politeness.
- Promptness.
- Energy and enthusiasm.
- Being a self-starter.
- Assertiveness.
These competencies indicate the importance of communication, professionalism, teamwork and responsible workplace behaviour in the programme.
Explore Other Opportunities:
Who Can Apply?
The opportunity may be suitable for South African citizens who meet Eskom’s academic requirements and are interested in developing a career in plant operations, technical work, production or the energy sector.
Applicants with the specified Grade 12, N3, NCV Level 4 or National N4/N5/N6 qualifications should carefully compare their subjects and marks with the requirements in the official Eskom vacancy.
Stipend / Remuneration
The Eskom vacancy lists the remuneration as Market Related.
The advertisement provided does not specify a fixed monthly stipend or salary amount.
Applicants should therefore avoid relying on unofficial figures and should refer to the official Eskom vacancy for any remuneration information provided during the application or recruitment process.
Location
The position is based at:
Kendal Power Station, Mpumalanga
The programme falls under Eskom’s Operating Business Unit.
Successful candidates may subsequently be placed in Eskom Operations across the divisions, depending on the recruitment and placement process.
How to Apply for the Eskom Plant Operator Learnership 2026
To apply for the Learner Plant Operator x7 position:
- Visit the official Eskom careers/application platform.
- Search for the vacancy using reference eskom_006432.
- Read the complete vacancy information.
- Confirm that you meet the required academic and citizenship requirements.
- Prepare your CV and supporting documentation.
- Complete the online application.
- Submit your application before the closing date.
Applicants should make sure that all information supplied during the application is accurate and complete.
Documents You May Need
Applicants should prepare the documents requested by Eskom during the online application process. These may include:
- Updated CV.
- South African identity document.
- Grade 12 certificate, where applicable.
- N3 certificate, where applicable.
- NCV Level 4 certificate, where applicable.
- National N4/N5/N6 certificates with trade subjects, where applicable.
- Academic records or supporting certificates requested by Eskom.
Always follow the document requirements shown on the official Eskom application platform.
Closing Date
The closing date for the Eskom Learner Plant Operator Programme 2026 is:
1 September 2026
The vacancy is currently listed as Online, so eligible applicants should submit their applications before the deadline.
Important Information for Applicants
This opportunity is listed as an apprenticeship contract and has a Market Related remuneration classification.
Applicants should also note that selection is not automatic. Eskom states that applicants will go through a recruitment process, and successful candidates may be placed in Eskom Operations across the divisions.
Meeting the minimum educational requirements therefore does not guarantee selection.
Applicants should also be cautious of scams. Do not pay anyone to apply for an Eskom learnership or to secure an Eskom position. Applications should be completed through Eskom’s official recruitment platform.
Why Consider the Eskom Plant Operator Programme?
The Eskom Plant Operator opportunity could be valuable for candidates who want to gain structured workplace exposure in South Africa’s electricity and energy sector.
The programme combines institutionalised training with on-the-job training, allowing successful candidates to develop practical workplace experience while learning about Eskom’s operating environment.
The opportunity may also help candidates build technical, communication, teamwork and professional skills that can support their longer-term career development.
However, applicants should not assume that completing the programme guarantees permanent employment unless Eskom explicitly confirms this.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Eskom Plant Operator Learnership 2026 open?
Yes. The Learner Plant Operator vacancy is listed as Online, with an application deadline of 1 September 2026.
How many Learner Plant Operator positions are available?
Eskom is advertising 7 Learner Plant Operator positions at Kendal Power Station.
Who can apply for the Eskom Plant Operator Programme?
The opportunity is open to South African citizens who meet the specified educational requirements and successfully complete Eskom’s recruitment process.
What Grade 12 marks are required?
For the Grade 12 pathway, applicants need 50% in Mathematics, 50% in Physical Science and 40% in English.
Can applicants with N3 apply?
Yes. The vacancy lists N3 with Mathematics 50%, Science 50% and English 40% as one of the qualification pathways.
Can NCV Level 4 applicants apply?
Yes. Applicants with NCV Level 4 Mathematics 50%, Science 50% and English 40% are listed among the qualification pathways.
What is the Eskom Plant Operator stipend?
The vacancy lists the remuneration as Market Related. A specific monthly amount is not provided in the information supplied.
Where is the programme located?
The position is based at Kendal Power Station in Mpumalanga.
What is the Eskom vacancy reference number?
The listing reference is eskom_006432.
When is the closing date?
Applications close on 1 September 2026.
How do I apply?
Applicants should apply online through the official Eskom careers platform and search for vacancy reference eskom_006432.
Final Thoughts
The Eskom Plant Operator Learnership Programme 2026 provides an opportunity for qualifying South African citizens to receive institutionalised and on-the-job training within Eskom Operations.
With 7 Learner Plant Operator positions available at Kendal Power Station, the opportunity may be worth considering for candidates with Grade 12, N3, NCV Level 4 or the specified National N4/N5/N6 qualifications.
Before applying, carefully check your subjects and marks against the official requirements and ensure that your application is complete.
The closing date is 1 September 2026. Applicants should submit their applications through Eskom’s official recruitment platform and verify all application information before providing personal documents.
Simphiwe Dube is the Founder and Managing Editor of sa-learnership.co.za, an independent South African platform dedicated to publishing accurate information about learnerships, bursaries, internships and skills development programmes.
He specialises in researching and verifying updates from official government departments, SETAs, TVET colleges and accredited institutions to ensure readers receive clear, reliable and up-to-date guidance.
Simphiwe is committed to simplifying complex education and career information so that South African students, graduates and job seekers can make informed decisions with confidence.