The South African Wind Energy Association (SAWEA) has opened applications for its Wind Industry Internship Programme (WIIP) 2027, giving unemployed South African university and TVET graduates an opportunity to gain practical workplace experience in the renewable energy sector.
The programme is funded by the Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority (EWSETA) and runs for 12 months.
One of the biggest advantages of the programme is its multidisciplinary approach. Applicants do not have to be engineers or renewable energy graduates. Opportunities cover fields including engineering, science, information technology, finance, business administration, human resources, law, communications, environmental sciences and social sciences.
The application deadline has been extended to:
30 October 2026
Eligible graduates should submit their applications before the closing date.
SAWEA WIIP 2027 – Quick Overview
| Programme Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | South African Wind Energy Association (SAWEA) |
| Programme | Wind Industry Internship Programme (WIIP) 2027 |
| Funding Partner | EWSETA |
| Target Applicants | Unemployed South African graduates |
| Eligible Institutions | Universities and TVET Colleges |
| Industry | Renewable Energy / Wind Energy |
| Duration | 12 months |
| Citizenship | South African |
| Employment Status | Must be unemployed |
| Fields | Engineering, Science, ICT, Business, Finance, Law, Social Sciences and related areas |
| Number of Positions | Not specified |
| Stipend | Not specified in the published 2027 information |
| Placement | Participating host organisations |
| Application Method | Online |
| Closing Date | 30 October 2026 |
SAWEA describes WIIP as a 12-month workplace internship that places graduates with organisations across the renewable energy value chain.
What Is the SAWEA Wind Industry Internship Programme?
The Wind Industry Internship Programme (WIIP) is a skills-development initiative led by SAWEA and funded by EWSETA.
Its purpose is to help bridge the gap between academic qualifications and workplace experience.
University and TVET graduates often face the challenge of finding employment because employers ask for practical experience. WIIP provides an opportunity to gain that experience within the wind energy and broader renewable energy industry.
According to SAWEA, interns are placed with participating organisations where they gain practical experience, develop industry-relevant skills and build professional networks.
The programme is therefore not limited to technical roles.
Renewable energy companies also need professionals in finance, human resources, procurement, communications, IT, law, environmental management and other business functions.
How Long Is the SAWEA WIIP Internship?
The Wind Industry Internship Programme runs for:
12 Months
During the internship, successful candidates are placed with participating organisations within the renewable energy value chain.
The exact workplace, department and responsibilities will depend on the host organisation and the graduate’s qualification.
SAWEA’s official programme information confirms the 12-month workplace experience model.
Fields of Study Accepted
One of the strongest features of the SAWEA WIIP 2027 programme is the range of qualifications that can be considered.
1. Engineering and Science
Relevant areas include:
- Energy
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Chemistry
- Environmental Science
- Environmental Development Studies
These disciplines can connect directly or indirectly to wind energy infrastructure, engineering operations, environmental management and renewable energy projects.
2. Information Technology and Computer Science
The programme also welcomes technology-related graduates, including:
- Computer Science
- Software Engineering
- Information Technology
- Management Information Systems
- Coding-related qualifications
Renewable energy companies increasingly depend on digital systems, data, software and technology.
3. Business and Commerce
Applicants from business-related disciplines can also apply.
Relevant areas include:
- Business Administration
- Accounting
- Finance
- Procurement
- Human Resource Management
- Marketing
- Communication
Energy projects require much more than engineering expertise. Organisations also need professionals who can manage finances, suppliers, employees, administration and stakeholder communication.
4. Law and Social Sciences
The programme also provides opportunities for graduates from areas such as:
- Law
- International Relations
- Gender Studies
- Social Sciences
SAWEA’s official WIIP information also identifies areas including governance and knowledge management, human resources and corporate services, communication and external relations, public relations, economic development and statistics, procurement, town planning, gender studies and language services.
Who Can Apply for SAWEA WIIP 2027?
The programme is aimed at unemployed graduates who meet the stated requirements.
Applicants should:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Be unemployed.
- Have graduated from a university or TVET College.
- Hold a qualification relevant to one of the advertised fields.
- Provide proof of their qualification and academic record.
- Meet the application requirements of the WIIP programme.
The programme is intended for graduates seeking workplace exposure rather than people who are already employed in a permanent role.
Can TVET College Graduates Apply?
Yes.
TVET College graduates are included in the programme.
However, applicants should carefully check whether their specific qualification meets the requirements.
Completing N6 theoretical studies does not automatically mean that every N6 qualification will qualify for every internship. Applicants who are still completing the practical component of a qualification should verify their eligibility with SAWEA before applying.
EWSETA also recognises TVET workplace exposure as part of its broader skills-development interventions, but eligibility depends on the specific funded opportunity.
Is There an Age Limit?
The recruitment information reviewed does not specify a universal minimum or maximum age for WIIP 2027.
Applicants should therefore not assume an age restriction unless SAWEA confirms one for the current intake.
The application form does request the applicant’s age as part of the personal-information section.
Can People With Disabilities Apply?
Yes.
The application process includes information relating to disability status.
Applicants with disabilities who meet the programme’s qualification, citizenship and employment requirements can submit an application and provide accurate information about their circumstances.
Do I Need Renewable Energy Experience?
No specific previous renewable energy work experience is identified as a compulsory requirement.
The purpose of WIIP is to provide graduates with practical workplace experience in the sector.
Your academic qualification, skills and suitability for the selected field are therefore important parts of your application.
Does the Programme Offer a Stipend?
The published SAWEA WIIP 2027 information reviewed for this article does not specify a monthly stipend amount.
Applicants should therefore not rely on stipend figures published for other EWSETA programmes or unrelated internships.
If remuneration, allowances or other financial arrangements apply, candidates should confirm the details directly with SAWEA or the participating host organisation before accepting a placement.
Where Will the Internship Take Place?
WIIP placements depend on the participating host organisations.
SAWEA states that interns are placed with organisations across the renewable energy value chain.
The application process also asks candidates about their willingness to relocate.
Applicants should therefore be prepared for the possibility that the placement may not be close to their current home.
Before accepting an offer, candidates should confirm:
- Host organisation
- Workplace location
- Start date
- Working arrangements
- Any relocation requirements
- Any applicable transport or accommodation arrangements
How to Apply for the SAWEA WIIP 2027 Internship
Applications are submitted online through the SAWEA WIIP 2027 intern application form.
Step 1: Open the Correct Application Form
Make sure you are applying for:
WIIP Intern 2027
Do not use an older WIIP application form or the separate host-company application.
Step 2: Complete Your Personal Information
Applicants should be prepared to provide information such as:
- Name and surname
- South African ID number
- Contact number
- Email address
- Physical address
- Province
- Municipality
- Age
- Willingness to relocate
Check your contact information carefully before submitting.
Step 3: Enter Your Qualification Details
The application requires information about your educational background.
You should have your:
- Highest qualification
- NQF level
- Institution
- Field of study
- Academic information
ready before starting the application.
Do not claim a qualification or NQF level that you have not completed.
Step 4: Select the Relevant Field
Choose the field that most closely matches your completed qualification.
Possible areas include:
- Energy
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Environmental Science
- Computer Science
- Software Engineering
- IT
- Finance
- Accounting
- Business Administration
- Procurement
- Human Resources
- Law
- Communications
- Social Sciences
Your selected field should be supported by your academic qualification.
Step 5: Prepare Your Documents
SAWEA’s application instructions require applicants to combine their supporting documents into one PDF.
The documents should be arranged in this order:
- South African ID
- CV
- Proof of qualification
- Academic record
- Reference letter, if available
The CV should be:
No more than one page
This is an important requirement.
Do not upload a long CV when the application specifically requests a one-page CV.
Step 6: Upload the PDF
Combine the documents into one readable PDF and upload it through the official application form.
Before submitting, check that:
- All pages are included.
- The documents are readable.
- The pages are in the correct order.
- Your qualification information is accurate.
- Your contact details are correct.
Step 7: Submit Before 30 October
The closing date for the 2027 WIIP application is:
30 October 2026
Submit early rather than waiting until the final day.
What Happens After You Apply?
Submitting an application does not guarantee an internship placement.
SAWEA states that applicants who have not heard from the organisation by December 2026 should consider their applications unsuccessful.
Applicants should therefore:
- Monitor their email.
- Keep their phone available.
- Check for recruitment communication.
- Keep their application information for reference.
Shortlisted candidates may receive further instructions relating to the selection and placement process.
Previous SAWEA WIIP Programme Results
The programme has an established history of placing graduates in the renewable energy industry.
SAWEA reports that the WIIP has received more than 3,200 applications, placed 122 interns, worked with 48 host companies and recorded 36 former interns who became permanently employed. These are historical programme figures and do not represent the number of vacancies or guaranteed outcomes for the 2027 intake.
The historical figures show that WIIP has already created workplace opportunities for graduates in the renewable energy sector.
However, applicants should remember that an internship does not guarantee permanent employment.
SAWEA WIIP 2027 Application Checklist
Before submitting your application, check that you have:
- South African citizenship
- Unemployed status
- University or TVET qualification
- Proof of qualification
- Academic record
- South African ID
- One-page CV
- Optional reference letter
- Accurate contact details
- Correct field of study selected
- Willingness-to-relocate information completed
- One combined PDF prepared
- Application submitted before 30 October 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the SAWEA WIIP 2027 internship open?
Yes. SAWEA confirms that applications for the 2027 Wind Industry Internship Programme are open.
When does the application close?
Applications close on 30 October 2026.
Who can apply?
Unemployed South African university and TVET graduates with qualifications relevant to the advertised fields can apply.
Can TVET graduates apply?
Yes. TVET College graduates are specifically included.
Can I apply with Matric only?
No. The programme is intended for graduates with relevant post-school qualifications.
How long is the internship?
The WIIP is a 12-month workplace internship.
Is there a stipend?
The published 2027 information reviewed does not specify a stipend amount.
Where will I work?
Placement locations depend on participating host organisations across the renewable energy value chain.
Do I need previous work experience?
No specific minimum professional work experience requirement is stated in the published programme information.
Can Law graduates apply?
Yes. Law is among the fields identified for the programme.
Can Finance graduates apply?
Yes. Finance and Accounting are included among the relevant business and commerce fields.
Can IT graduates apply?
Yes. Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Technology and related technology fields are included.
Do I need a renewable energy qualification?
No. The programme accepts qualifications across multiple professional and technical disciplines.
How many positions are available?
SAWEA has not specified the number of 2027 internship positions in the information reviewed.
What documents must I upload?
Applicants must combine their ID, one-page CV, proof of qualification, academic record and optional reference letter into one PDF.
What happens if I do not receive a response?
SAWEA states that applicants who have not heard from the organisation by December 2026 should consider their applications unsuccessful.
Conclusion
The SAWEA WIIP 2027 Graduate Internship Programme gives unemployed South African university and TVET graduates an opportunity to gain 12 months of practical workplace experience in the renewable energy and wind energy sector.
The programme is particularly attractive because it is not restricted to engineering graduates. Applicants from Engineering, Science, IT, Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Human Resources, Procurement, Law, Communications and Social Sciences can all find relevant pathways within the programme.
The programme is funded by EWSETA, while SAWEA coordinates the Wind Industry Internship Programme.
The published information does not specify the number of positions or a monthly stipend, so applicants should not rely on unofficial figures.
If you meet the requirements, prepare your ID, one-page CV, qualification proof and academic record, combine them into one PDF and submit your application through the official SAWEA WIIP 2027 application process before 30 October 2026.
